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Augustine Quote by Stephen Hawking

“St. Augustine accepted a date of about 5000 B.C. for the Creation of the universe according to the book of Genesis. (It is interesting that this is not so far from the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 B.C., which is when archaeologists tell us that civilization really began.)” quote by Stephen Hawking
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““St. Augustine accepted a date of about 5000 B.C. for the Creation of the universe according to the book of Genesis. (It is interesting that this is not so far from the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 B.C., which is when archaeologists tell us that civilization really began.)””

Stephen Hawking

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Public talk on cosmology, 2010

He notes that the biblical creation timeline roughly aligns with scientific estimates of early human civilization, suggesting surprising chronological proximity.

In simple terms: Biblical dates are close to early civilization timelines.

Key Takeaway

Consider how ancient narratives intersect with scientific timelines.

Themes

science mythology chronology

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • public speaking
  • debate on science and faith

Key Concepts

interpretation of religious texts historical dating

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile mythic timelines with scientific evidence?
  • What role do cultural narratives play in understanding history?
A Different Perspective

Exact dates are symbolic, not literal scientific data.

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