'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humans, spanning from our early caveman days to modern times. The author delves into the three major revolutions of cognitive, agricultural, and scientific advancements, shedding light on human myths and societal constructs like capitalism and free market. Through insightful discussions, the book examines the evolution of mankind, from the domestication of fire to the mastery of our surroundings, while also speculating on the future impact of humans on life on earth.
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From The Publisher:
#1 New York Times Bestseller
From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity's creation and evolution-a #1 international bestseller-that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human."
One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one-homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?
Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.
Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become?
Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert Wright, and Sharon Moalem.
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6 comment(s)
Very thought provoking and fascinating book. This book kept me thinking even when not reading it. Human beings are such complicated creatures and yet it does open your eyes to how we will probably wipe ourselves out in time.
This was extremely intriguing and interesting piece of non fiction. I loved the first part about the beginning of humanity and all the different human species that come before. I was very hooked on that. Basically I loved the book when it's talked about history long ago. About the beginning of society. But however as the book went on I keept losing my interest. Some parts were interesting but other I was pretty meh about.
4.5 stars
Eye opening read
RTC
Happy Reading!!
Interesting read, but a little bit too opinionated and "pop" writing for my tastes. I would prefer the author back up some of his claims with a few more facts and references.
Una cosa que ocurre mucho con los libros de divulgacion como este es que dependiendo de los conocimientos que tengas hasta ese momento te aporta mas o menos.
A mi, en este caso me a aportado bastante la parte donde explica la pre-historia, pero una vez que nos metemos en historia, no ha aportado datos nuevos.
Es cierto que aporta una vision nueva, mas abstracta. Tambien varias ideas son interesante, como que realmente no sabemos si estamos avanzando o no, es la cultura predominante ahora mismo mejor o peor?
La idea de que ahora mismo pensamos que el futuro siempre sera mejor porque estamos viendo como la tecnologia mejora continuamente pero esto es una vision nueva de las ultimas dos generaciones, no se puede saber si continuaremos asi o no.
Mucho material para pensar.
I liked the part where he wrote about homo sapiens.
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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind?
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