New York Times BestsellerA Summer Reading Pick for President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg 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 … 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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Incredibly perceptive and imaginative account of how contemporary humans came to be what we are.
This book is one which will surely change the way you see the world. It is one for anyone who wants to know how we, as a species, came to be the single-most dominant force on this planet.
“You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.” “How do you cause people to believe in an imagined order such as Christianity, democracy or capitalism? First, you never admit that the order is imagined.”
-Yuval Noah Harari
Every generation or so a book of this magnitude forces a rethink on the human condition. Well researched and thought provoking.
Great insights into what makes us humans — human.
This book may change the way you think, about everything.
The full story about who we are and how we got here.
A fresh take on humankind. Some very interesting views and information in here.
Thought provoking look at how homo sapiens have fast tracked evolution, and the repercussions that have come as a result. It explains a lot about human behavior and why we find ourselves where we are.
Fascinating
The book explains the plasticity of culture given the most important and unique aspect of human nature — story telling. We share stories, and if they are practical stories that bind a civilization in a manner that aids survival they are successful. If the common stories, or myths, become irresponsive and opaque and useless to the real problems of conflict with physical and social competitors, the stories are deemed inadequate by reality and tossed aside along with the civilization that holds them true.
A must-read! Well structured and full of insights.
This is the first time I write a book review because I believe this is the kind of book that will change your understanding of ourselves and our limited universe. It is a must read for the inquisitive mind. I’ve given copies of this book to friends and family that are ready to read a book like this.
Olga D
I read it for Book Club. Poorly written with theories that don’t have much basis. I don’t know why this has been on the best seller list for so long.
Polemical
A really great read about a subject we all should be more educated on. A deeper understanding of our history and where we come from
This 2015 non-fiction book by Yuval Noah Harari stays on my desk because it’s something that keeps generating ideas for my writing. It is packed with ideas about our journey as humans and what makes us different from other animals.
Amazing, eye-opening exploration and explanation of homo sapiens origins of behavior. There is a follow-up book, as well.
Not a book to read before bed because you need time to think. There is a lot to know here.
When I started to read this book I realised I needed a highlighter! To highlight all the key points and really interesting facts that I was desperate not to forget.