Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

#1 The universe is very old, and human beings are very young. Events in our personal lives are measured in years or less, while our lifetimes are measured in decades. The chronology corresponds to the best evidence available. But some of it is rather shaky.

#2 The first cosmic year is measured in seconds, and it is clear that what happens on and near Earth at the beginning of the second cosmic year will depend on the scientific wisdom and human sensitivity of mankind.