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Mstislav Medvedev
Mstislav Medvedev
June 10, 2023

On the Shoulders of Giants: Download the EPUB Version of Stephen Hawking's Masterpiece


On the Shoulders of Giants: Stephen Hawking's Legacy




Have you ever wondered how our understanding of the universe came to be? How did we discover the laws of nature, the secrets of space and time, and the origins of matter and energy? Who were the brilliant minds that shaped our scientific worldview and paved the way for modern physics and cosmology?




on the shoulders of giants stephen hawking epub download



If you are curious about these questions, then you should read On the Shoulders of Giants, a remarkable book by one of the most influential scientists of our time, Stephen Hawking. In this book, Hawking presents a collection of writings by some of the greatest thinkers in history, such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus, and James Clerk Maxwell. He also provides insightful commentary and analysis on their works, explaining their significance and relevance for today's science.


In this article, we will explore what this book is about, why it is important, and how you can download it in EPUB format. By reading this article, you will learn more about Hawking's legacy, his passion for science, and his vision for humanity. You will also discover how reading this book can enrich your mind, inspire your imagination, and challenge your perspective.


The History of the Book




How Stephen Hawking compiled the works of great scientists




Stephen Hawking was not only a brilliant physicist, but also a prolific writer. He wrote several popular books on science, such as A Brief History of Time, The Universe in a Nutshell, and The Grand Design. He also edited and published several volumes of scientific papers, such as The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time, General Relativity: An Einstein Centenary Survey, and 300 Years of Gravitation.


One of his most ambitious projects was On the Shoulders of Giants, which he started working on in 1999. He wanted to create a comprehensive anthology of original writings by some of his heroes in science. He spent several years researching, selecting, translating, editing, and annotating their works. He also wrote an introduction for each author, giving an overview of their life, achievements, and contributions to science.


Hawking chose five scientists who he considered to be the most influential in shaping our understanding of physics and cosmology. They are:


  • Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, invented calculus, and built the first reflecting telescope.



  • Albert Einstein, who developed the theories of special and general relativity, explained the photoelectric effect, and proposed the concept of mass-energy equivalence.



  • Galileo Galilei, who made groundbreaking observations of the solar system, supported the heliocentric model of Copernicus, and defended the scientific method.



  • Nicolaus Copernicus, who proposed that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, and challenged the geocentric model of the ancient and medieval world.



  • James Clerk Maxwell, who unified electricity and magnetism in a single theory, predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves, and laid the foundations for quantum mechanics.



Hawking selected some of their most important and influential works, such as Newton's Principia Mathematica, Einstein's Relativity: The Special and General Theory, Galileo's Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, Copernicus's On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, and Maxwell's A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism. He also included some of their lesser-known but equally fascinating writings, such as Newton's Opticks, Einstein's The Meaning of Relativity, Galileo's Sidereus Nuncius, Copernicus's Commentariolus, and Maxwell's On Physical Lines of Force.


How the book was published and received




On the Shoulders of Giants was published in 2002 by Running Press, a subsidiary of Perseus Books Group. It was a massive tome, containing more than 1200 pages and weighing over 4 pounds. It was also lavishly illustrated, featuring portraits, diagrams, charts, maps, and photographs. It was a monumental achievement, both in terms of content and presentation.


The book received widespread acclaim from critics, readers, and scientists. It was praised for its scope, depth, clarity, and accessibility. It was hailed as a masterpiece of scientific literature, a tribute to Hawking's genius, and a testament to his love for science. It was also recognized as a valuable resource for students, teachers, researchers, and enthusiasts of science.


The book became a bestseller, selling more than half a million copies worldwide. It was translated into several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. It also won several awards, such as the Aventis Prize for Science Books in 2003.


The Content of the Book




The main themes and insights of the book




The book is not just a collection of writings by great scientists, but also a commentary and analysis by Hawking himself. He provides his own perspective on their works, explaining their context, significance, and implications for modern science. He also draws connections between them, showing how they influenced each other and built upon each other's ideas.


One of the main themes of the book is the evolution of scientific thought over time. Hawking shows how science progresses through observation, experimentation, theory, and verification. He also shows how science is affected by social, cultural, political, and religious factors. He illustrates how some scientists faced opposition, persecution, or ridicule for their revolutionary ideas. He also highlights how some scientists made mistakes or had limitations in their understanding.


Another theme of the book is the nature of reality and our place in it. Hawking explores some of the fundamental questions that have fascinated humans for centuries: What is the origin and structure of the universe? What are the laws that govern it? What is the nature of space and time? What is matter and energy? What is life and intelligence? He also examines some of the paradoxes and mysteries that arise from these questions: Is there a beginning or an end to the universe? Is there a limit to our knowledge? Is there a purpose or meaning to our existence?


A third theme of the book is the role and responsibility of science in society. Hawking reflects on how science has transformed our world for better or worse. He discusses some of the benefits and challenges that science has brought us: How has science improved our health, education, communication, and transportation? How has science enabled us to explore new frontiers and discover new phenomena? How has science also created new dangers and threats to our environment, security, and ethics? He also considers some of the ethical dilemmas that science poses: How should we use our scientific knowledge and power? How should we balance our curiosity with our caution? How should we respect nature and other forms of life?


The highlights and challenges of each chapter




writings by the scientist. Here are some of the highlights and challenges of each chapter: - Chapter 1: Isaac Newton. This chapter contains some of Newton's most famous and influential works, such as his Principia Mathematica, where he formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, and his Opticks, where he explained the nature of light and color. It also contains some of his lesser-known but equally fascinating writings, such as his Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms, where he tried to date historical events based on biblical and classical sources, and his Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John, where he interpreted biblical prophecies using numerology and astrology. One of the challenges of reading Newton's works is that they are written in Latin or old English, and use complex mathematical notation and terminology. Hawking provides translations and explanations to make them more accessible and understandable. - Chapter 2: Albert Einstein. This chapter contains some of Einstein's most famous and influential works, such as his Relativity: The Special and General Theory, where he developed the theories of special and general relativity, and his The Meaning of Relativity, where he explained the implications and applications of his theories. It also contains some of his lesser-known but equally fascinating writings, such as his On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, where he introduced the concept of mass-energy equivalence (E=mc2), and his On a Heuristic Point of View Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light, where he explained the photoelectric effect and proposed the existence of photons. One of the challenges of reading Einstein's works is that they are written in German or English, and use advanced mathematical concepts and equations. Hawking provides summaries and illustrations to make them more accessible and understandable. - Chapter 3: Galileo Galilei. This chapter contains some of Galileo's most famous and influential works, such as his Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, where he defended the heliocentric model of Copernicus against the geocentric model of Ptolemy, and his Sidereus Nuncius, where he reported his observations of the moon, planets, stars, and satellites using his telescope. It also contains some of his lesser-known but equally fascinating writings, such as his The Assayer, where he criticized Aristotelian philosophy and advocated for experimental science, and his Two New Sciences, where he laid the foundations for modern mechanics and kinematics. One of the challenges of reading Galileo's works is that they are written in Italian or Latin, and use rhetorical devices and dialogues to convey his arguments. Hawking provides translations and annotations to make them more accessible and understandable. - Chapter 4: Nicolaus Copernicus. This chapter contains some of Copernicus's most famous and influential works, such as his On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, where he proposed that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, and challenged the geocentric model of the ancient and medieval world. It also contains some of his lesser-known but equally fascinating writings, such as his Commentariolus, where he outlined his heliocentric theory in a concise form, and his Monetae Cudendae Ratio, where he discussed economic issues such as currency reform and inflation. One of the challenges of reading Copernicus's works is that they are written in Latin or Polish, and use astronomical data and calculations to support his claims. Hawking provides translations and diagrams to make them more accessible and understandable. and models. Hawking provides explanations and examples to make them more accessible and understandable. The Impact of the Book




How the book influenced science and society




On the Shoulders of Giants is not only a historical document, but also a living inspiration for science and society. It shows how science is a human endeavor, driven by curiosity, creativity, and courage. It also shows how science is a collective endeavor, built on the contributions of many individuals across time and space. It demonstrates how science is a dynamic endeavor, constantly evolving and expanding in response to new discoveries and challenges.


The book has influenced science and society in many ways. It has inspired new generations of scientists to pursue their passions and explore the unknown. It has stimulated new research and innovation in various fields of physics and cosmology. It has fostered a deeper appreciation and understanding of the scientific method and its applications. It has also promoted a greater awareness and respect for the diversity and richness of scientific culture and history.


How the book inspired generations of readers and thinkers




On the Shoulders of Giants is not only a scientific book, but also a literary book. It showcases the beauty and elegance of scientific writing, as well as the power and eloquence of scientific reasoning. It reveals the personality and character of each scientist, as well as their hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, doubts and convictions. It invites the reader to share their vision and imagination, as well as their challenges and struggles.


The book has inspired generations of readers and thinkers in many ways. It has sparked curiosity and wonder in young minds, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers. It has ignited passion and enthusiasm in mature minds, motivating them to learn more and do more. It has provoked reflection and debate in critical minds, challenging them to think more and better. It has also evoked admiration and gratitude in all minds, honoring them to acknowledge their debt and pay their tribute.


The Benefits of Reading the Book




How the book can enrich your knowledge and curiosity




On the Shoulders of Giants is not only an informative book, but also an educative book. It provides a wealth of knowledge and information on various topics related to physics and cosmology. It covers the basics as well as the advanced concepts, theories, and equations. It explains the phenomena as well as the principles, laws, and models. It describes the facts as well as the interpretations, implications, and applications.


The book can enrich your knowledge and curiosity in many ways. It can broaden your horizons and expand your perspectives on the universe and its workings. It can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the nature and origin of reality and our place in it. It can also stimulate your interest and excitement for learning more about science and its wonders.


How the book can improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills




and creatively, how to test hypotheses empirically and theoretically, how to analyze data and evidence critically and rigorously, how to communicate ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively. It also teaches you how to learn from your mistakes and limitations, how to overcome your biases and prejudices, how to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity, how to cope with complexity and difficulty.


The book can improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in many ways. It can sharpen your logic and reasoning abilities, helping you to solve problems more efficiently and effectively. It can enhance your creativity and imagination abilities, helping you to generate new ideas and solutions. It can also strengthen your communication and presentation abilities, helping you to express your thoughts and opinions more confidently and convincingly.


How to Download the Book in EPUB Format




What is EPUB and why is it preferable




EPUB is a file format that stands for Electronic Publication. It is a standard format for digital books that can be read on various devices, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, etc. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the content to adjust to different screen sizes, resolutions, orientations, fonts, etc. It also supports multimedia features, such as images, audio, video, interactivity, etc.


EPUB is preferable for several reasons. It is compatible with most devices and platforms, making it easy to access and share. It is customizable and user-friendly, allowing you to change the appearance and settings according to your preferences. It is also lightweight and portable, saving space and bandwidth.


The best sources and platforms to download the book legally and safely




If you want to download On the Shoulders of Giants in EPUB format, you have several options. However, not all of them are legal and safe. Some of them may violate the copyright of the book or the authors, or may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or data. Therefore, you should be careful and choose only reputable sources and platforms that offer legal and safe downloads.


Some of the best sources and platforms to download the book legally and safely are:








, including EPUB. You can also read them on your Google device or app. You can find On the Shoulders of Giants here: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Stephen_Hawking_On_the_Shoulders_of_Giants?id=6Q0lDwAAQBAJ




These are some of the best sources and platforms to download the book legally and safely. However, you should always check the terms and conditions of each source and platform before downloading, and respect the rights and wishes of the authors and publishers.


Conclusion




On the Shoulders of Giants is a remarkable book by Stephen Hawking that presents a collection of writings by some of the greatest scientists in history, such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus, and James Clerk Maxwell. It also provides insightful commentary and analysis by Hawking himself, explaining their context, significance, and relevance for today's science.


The book is not only a historical document, but also a living inspiration for science and society. It shows how science progresses through observation, experimentation, theory, and verification. It also shows how science is affected by social, cultural, political, and religious factors. It explores some of the fundamental questions that have fascinated humans for centuries: What is the origin and


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