The world-famous cosmologist and #1 bestselling author ofA Brief History of Timeleaves us with his final thoughts on the biggest questions facing humankind.Stephen Hawking was the most renowned scientist since Einstein, known both for his groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology and for his mischievous sense of humor. He educated millions of readers about the origins of the universe and the nature of black holes, and inspired millions more by defying a terrifying early prognosis of ALS, which originally gave him only two years to live. In later life he could communicate only by using a few facial muscles, but he continued to advance his field and serve as a revered voice on social and humanitarian issues.Hawking not only unraveled some of the universe’s greatest mysteries but also believed science plays a critical role in fixing problems here on Earth. Now, as we face immense challenges on our planet—including climate change, the threat of nuclear war, and the development of artificial intelligence—he turns his attention to the most urgent issues facing us.Will humanity survive? Should we colonize space? Does God exist? ​​These are just a few of the questions Hawking addresses in this wide-ranging, passionately argued final book from one of the greatest minds in history.Featuring a foreword by Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar playing Stephen Hawking, an introduction by Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne, and an afterword from Hawking’s daughter, Lucy,Brief Answers to the Big Questionsis a brilliant last message to the world.**About the AuthorStephen Hawkingwas the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for thirty years and the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His books for the general reader includeMy Brief History,the classicA Brief History of Time,the essay collectionBlack Holes and Baby Universes, The Universe in a Nutshell,and, with Leonard Mlodinow,A Briefer History of TimeandThe Grand Design. He also co-authored a series of children’s books with his daughter, beginning withGeorge’s Secret Key to the Universe. Stephen Hawking died in 2018.