In his talk, Stephen Hawking addresses some of the most profound questions about the universe: its origins, the existence of extraterrestrial life, and the future of humanity.Hawking starts by explaining that before the 1920s, the universe was thought to be static. However, the discovery of its expansion led to the understanding of the Big Bang, which marked the universe’s beginning about 15 billion years ago. He discusses whether there was anything before the Big Bang and how the universe emerged as it did, proposing that the universe could spontaneously create itself from nothing. This idea is supported by observations of the cosmic microwave background, confirming that our understanding of the universe’s creation is well-founded.Moving to the question of extraterrestrial life, Hawking notes that life likely arose spontaneously on Earth, suggesting that it might also emerge elsewhere in the universe. Despite this, there is no evidence of contact with alien civilizations, as no signals or UFO sightings have been verified. He humorously suggests that an insurance policy against alien abductions might be a wise precaution.Hawking then addresses humanity’s future, emphasizing the risks posed by exponential population growth, resource depletion, and technological advancements. He argues that for long-term survival, humanity must look beyond Earth and explore space. His support for manned space missions reflects this belief, as he views space exploration as crucial for the future of our species.Hawking concludes by reflecting on his own quest for knowledge and the progress made in understanding the universe, urging continued exploration and discovery.
