Why you should read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Introduction about Sapiens

Sapiens is a book that has taken the world by storm since its publication in 2011. Written by the Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, the book provides a comprehensive account of human history, from the emergence of our species about 300,000 years ago to the present day. Harari challenges many of our long-held beliefs about ourselves and the world around us, and his insights have proven to be both fascinating and thought-provoking. In this blog post, we will discuss why everyone should read this book.

Sapeins: A brief history of mankind

About the Author

Yuval Noah Harari was born in 1976 in Haifa, Israel. He received his PhD in history from the University of Oxford and is currently a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In addition to Sapiens, Harari has written two other books: Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. He has been recognized as one of the most influential public intellectuals in the world by publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

200 Word Summary of the Book

Sapiens is a fascinating account of human history, covering a wide range of topics such as biology, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Harari's central thesis is that the success of our species is due to our ability to cooperate in large numbers, enabled by our unique ability to create and believe in shared myths and stories. These myths, such as religion,

money, and nations, have allowed us to form complex societies and dominate the planet.

The book is divided into four parts: The Cognitive Revolution, The Agricultural Revolution, The Unification of Humankind, and The Scientific Revolution. In the first part, Harari argues that our ability to create shared myths is rooted in our unique cognitive abilities, such as language and abstract thinking. In the second part, he discusses how the Agricultural Revolution allowed us to settle down and form larger societies, but also led to inequality and the rise of hierarchies.

In the third part, Harari traces the history of empires and the rise of religions, arguing that they were essential in unifying large numbers of people under a shared belief system. Finally, in the fourth part, he discusses the Scientific Revolution and its impact on our understanding of the world, as well as the ethical and social challenges we face in the present day.

Conclusion

Sapiens is an essential read for anyone interested in human history and the forces that have shaped our world. Harari's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, and his insights are sure to challenge many of your assumptions about the world around you. The book is also highly accessible, even for those without a background in history or the social sciences.

Moreover, Sapiens has proven to be a highly influential book, inspiring many discussions and debates in academia, politics, and popular culture. It has been translated into more than 50 languages and has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. In short, Sapiens is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

Other Books by the Author

In addition to Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari has written two other books: Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. Homo Deus explores the future of human evolution and the potential impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, on the other hand, provides a sobering analysis of the challenges we face in the present day, from the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism to the impact of climate change.

Overall, Harari's books are essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the forces that have shaped our world and the challenges we face in the present and future.

Why the Book is Relevant Because People Are Obnoxious Idiots

While the subheading may come off as harsh, the truth is that as humans, we are prone to many flaws. We can be selfish, irrational, and make decisions that harm ourselves and others. Sapiens provides a critical examination of the historical and cultural factors that have shaped our behavior as a species. It helps us understand why we act the way we do and how we can make better decisions as individuals and as a society.

The book provides insights into our cognitive and emotional biases, the rise of ideologies and religions, and the impact of technology and science on our world. By understanding the underlying forces that have shaped our behavior, we can become more aware of our own biases and make better decisions.

Moreover, Sapiens offers a reminder of the fragility of our societies and the importance of cooperation and empathy. It shows us that the myths and stories we create as a species have a powerful impact on our behavior, and that we have the power to shape our own destiny.

In short, Sapiens is a relevant and timely book that helps us understand the flaws and potential of our species. It is a call to action for us to work towards a better future, both for ourselves and for the planet we share.