The Infinite Universe Is Expanding at an Increased Rate

"I think we have a vested interest as human beings in the answers to all those questions," Hawking says. "We're kind of in a middle point where things aren't too far apart, and so we can actually look at things" The universe was expanding first strategically, then it started slowing down, he says. We would never be able to figure this out if we hadn't been around much earlier or later, he adds.