The Last Three Minutes

Most of the people know The Big Bang theory ( not the TV Series , the actual theory ). Though, not to its theorotical roots, people know how the universe popped out of nowhere. Although, there are other theories about the beginning of the universe, this one is the most popular one. Physicists tried to look into the beginning of the universe. I mean, the very beginning of all the things. What happened in the first three minutes was, in less technical detail, penned down by American Physicist Steven Weinberg in 1977. This book was aptly named "The First Three Minutes". In the past few decades , there has been wonderful evolution in the theories that try to explain the universe. Many variants of the string theory, trying to explain black holes etc. have been heard of. So far so good.

With the people these days making themselves and others aware of global warming, protecting the nature and taking steps inorder to do so, a strange thought occured to me. What is the purpose of life ? Not indivually. The who point of life on earth. The purpose of Humanity. Are we here to achieve something ? If so, what would that be ?

Every project has a specific goal. If the goal is not reached, the project is said to be failed. When the goal is reached the project is closed. ( Please don't talk about maintenance ) Can there be a project who's goal is never truly reached ?

If humanity could some how survive for eternity, what's the purpose ? What is the meaning of an existence toward a destination that is never reached ? If there is a purpose and the goal is reached, the universe must end because it's existence is pointless there on. If it survives forever, it is hard to imagine that there is any purpose at all. So, is cosmic death the price that has to be paid for cosmic success ?

Cosmic death!? Hard to think about. All that I ever heard of previously was that if the density of the universe is less than the critical density, it would continue expanding for ever. If it is more than the critical density, it would fall back. The galaxies that are now receding from us, might one day start coming back. So, what is the ultimate fate of the universe ? Will it squash back to the one single point from where it all came from ? Eternal expansion or eventual extinction ? Many such questions were answered in a book entitled "The Last Three Minutes". If the Universe were to end one day ( perhaps, the notion of day/night would then mean nothing ) , how would it be ? No math at all. Just simple analogies all the way to the end. A highly recommended book it would be. A perfect blend of technical detail and philosphy. I returned it to the library. You might find it if you are 'lucky' - because, there is some tagging ( using bar code stickers) going on.