  We provide a novel, concise and self-contained evaluation of true- and false
vacuum decay rates in general relativity. We insist on general covariance and
choose observable boundary conditions, which yields the well known false-vacuum
decay rate and a new true-vacuum decay rate that differs significantly from
prior work. The rates of true- and false vacuum decays are identical in general
relativity. The second variation of the action has a negative mode for all
parameters. Our findings imply a new perspective on cosmological initial
conditions and the ultimate fate of our universe.
