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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You’ll never think about human evolution in the same way again.
An important and highly original look at humanity and the origins and direction of human behavior — how we developed into who we are as a species.
This is a must read for every adult. It taught me more then any class I’ve ever taken. Best gift I’ve ever received.
Very informative in the way understanding our way of life, as to how we ended up here.
A look into the history of mankind. Informative and thought provoking.
I’ve marked so many pages with “Wow, it’s about time someone smart and brave said this in public.” The author steps outside conventional wisdom to analyze our species’ progress on the planet from the highest heights of both history and science. You might not like his conclusions, but his logic is impeccable. And he can write. Read this and understand your place in the universe better.
An essential read to know who you are and why.
Like a well written text book.
This is the truth about the World we live in. Based on a historical, chronological approach, it explains how we’ve got here in such a light and almost amusing tone, so every person could understand it and agree with the author. It is awesome!
I made copious notes while reading this book. 99% of it I agreed with and learned from. Even the parts I disagreed with were brilliant and thought provoking.
Utterly fascinating and informative look at humans. His follow up book, Homo Deux takes it to the next level but start with this one. It will explain a lot of our world to you.
A unique way to look at the evolution of society. Full of new ideas.
One of my favorites! Eye opening.
I wish he had stated his biases early on. Some challengeable assertions.
This book is a reality check and well written at that.
This is an excellent overview of human development. It covers a wide range of information clearly and well researched.
It is one of the most interesting books I had read in a long time! The narrative of the human origins with scientific and simultaneously simple details explained in a easy way , don’t let you put the book aside !
I highly recommend it.
Great view of the development of man and his interaction and influence on his environment.
Yuval Harari is an incredibly perceptive thinker. He has an uncanny ability to see the entire forest without ignoring the individual trees. An amazing perspective on the human animal. This may not be the most optimistic book you will read this year, but it will be the most informative and thought-provoking.
This is the most important book I’ve ever read. It has fundamentally changed the way I look at the world and the human species. I would go so far as to say I believe the ideas in this book represent a new ideology for which there isn’t a name yet, but the understanding and adoption of which is required if humanity is to survive as a species. I could explain more, but instead, I encourage you to simply go read it right away.
Who doesn’t love a book that is all about you–from the very beginning of humankind? Well written and researched from an author who is one of a kind. A must read for anyone who is at all curious about our origins and, quite possibly, the path forward.