Name: Vojtech's review of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Item: Sapiens
Rating: 3
Author: Vojtech

Yuval Noah Harari

scurtă istorie a omenirii

Sapiens

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?

A Brief History of Humankind

Amelia Pokorny

Humans are not created equal. In fact, they weren’t created at all but evolved. Born with different genetic code and exposed to different environmental influences. Leading to different qualities and different chances of survival. “Created equal” should to translated to “evolved differently.”

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Ludek Bukovsky

Fatih Arslan

In Aldous Huxley's dystopian novel Brave New World, published in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression, happiness is the air che supreme value and psychiatric drugs replace the police and che ballot as the foundation of politics. Every day, each person takes a dose of 'soma', a synthetic drug which makes people happy without harming their productivity and efficiency. The World State that governs the entire globe is never threatened by wars, revolutions, strikes or demonstrations, because all people are supremely content with their current conditions, whatever they may be. Huxley's vision of the future is far more troubling than George Orwell's Nineten Eighty-Four. Huxley's world seems monstrous to most readers, but it is hard to explain why. Everybody is happy all the time - what gtl and nponer aher could be wrong with that?

So, monotheism explains order, but is mystified by evil. Dualism explains evil, but is puzzled by order. There is one logical way of solving the riddle: to argue that there is a single omnipotent God who created the entire universe - and He's evil. But nobody in history has had the stomach for such a belief. *

Rayacak

**THE MILLION COPY BESTSELLER** What makes us brilliant? What makes us deadly? What makes us Sapiens? Yuval Noah Harari challenges everything we know about being human in the perfect read for these unprecedented times. Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it: us. In this bold and provocative book, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where we’re going. ‘I would recommend Sapiens to anyone who’s interested in the history and future of our species’ Bill Gates ‘Interesting and provocative... It gives you a sense of how briefly we’ve been on this Earth’ Barack Obama **ONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21st CENTURY**

Dhrumil Patel

Mihai Nueleanu

Vojtech

Very informative and interesting book. There was a bit in the middle where it got very slow and dense, but it was so worth it to continue. 

It's a nice glance over the entire history of humanity with an in-depth look at the influences agriculture, capitalism, and money have had on the homosapien species, and how we in turn have created and influenced the former

Emma Lechner

Very informative and interesting book. There was a bit in the middle where it got very slow and dense, but it was so worth it to continue. 

It's a nice glance over the entire history of humanity with an in-depth look at the influences agriculture, capitalism, and money have had on the homosapien species, and how we in turn have created and influenced the former

Amena Elkayal

One of the best books I've read so far! it is brilliant! A MUST READ book!

It reads just like a textbook, only a couple of times did I hear the authors voice. What I enjoyed about this was the facts, and looking at both sides of an argument or theory.

We have come far but not far enough and yet too far, if that makes sense.

Katherine Hampton

This is a must read. Very educational on how we came to be.


It reads just like a textbook, only a couple of times did I hear the authors voice. What I enjoyed about this was the facts, and looking at both sides of an argument or theory.


We have come far but not far enough and yet too far, if that makes sense.


Would I recommend? Yes!

Hannah Yang

If I was giving an alien a tour of Earth and could only give them one book to explain 'how did society become what it is today? & what important questions must we ask about the future?', it would be Sapiens. What a brilliant, sweeping, readable overview of human history! I feel like it covers just about every issue of historical importance -- each chapter is like an introduction to a subject that merits its own book.

In the spirit of brevity, Sapiens does not always offer an in-depth context of the historical events or issues it covers, and the conclusions it reaches for are on the global/universal scale (rather than offering best practices for individuals). Still, it brings out the key insights and questions for each topic addressed, shedding light on how concepts such as time and money, alongside various ideologies, were constructed throughout history. The idea that human cooperation and progress is the result of our ability to create and accept shared, imagined realities/stories has beautiful explanatory power and compels us to consider what we should imagine next (The real question facing us is not "what do we want to become?", but "what do we want to want?"). The sections on the history of happiness and the final section, on the potential successors of homo sapiens, were incredibly thought-provoking (I was particularly interested in the effects of advertising + the general philosophy of Buddhism). 

One of the key criticisms seems to center on Harari's idea that the Agricultural Revolution was a sham and a trap that has led to more stressful, alienated lives. One part of me is unconvinced: modernity's improvements in material quality of life and the ever-expanding palette of potential careers and hobbies seem to be objectively better than a life spent hunting and foraging. Even if Harari's claim that the average forager was more knowledgable/skilled person than the average 21st century person is true, humanity as a whole knows so much more about the universe than we did before -- quantum physics! Biology and chemistry! History! Art! Isn't this all clearly better?

Yet, I think Harari suggests that this conclusion presupposes certain shared stories about humanity (EX: The goal of humanity is to increase knowledge / improve material conditions / innovate and grow) when "as far as we can tell, from a purely scientific standpoint, human life has absolutely no meaning. Humans are the outcome of blind evolutionary processes that operate without goal or purpose." If ignorance really is bliss, why has humanity been so hell-bent on increasing knowledge? Whereas hunter-gatherers needed only know the village gossip and some knowledge of the seasons and the land, we obligate ourselves to endlessly learn more about events and suffering all around the world and across species. Now, we can even predict and worry about the suffering of future generations who will live with climate change.

Even seemingly 'good' knowledge improvements, such as personalized medicine and the potential to be amortal, won't necessarily lead to more happiness -- if anything, these developments could increase the divide between haves and have-nots and make losses of human life even more unbearable. From a religious perspective, taking away death and the afterlife would take away part of what gives life meaning. The happiness chapter discusses the importance of the gaps between our expectations and reality, and how a technologically-poor forager might be happier than than us simply because we are so much more aware of the 'deficits' in our lives, be it our personal appearance or relative wealth or the experiences we have access to. Given all this, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true that societal happiness is going down despite (or because of) objectively superior material conditions / awareness of the universe.

The question then is: what's the point of all our so-called progress? Maybe maximizing happiness has never been the end goal, but rather seeking out some kind of truth or fulfilling our imaginations or simply pushing the world to its limits (in which case, we are excelling!). Should we be redirecting ourselves? I am cognizant that in the reality outside of the stories I have absorbed to make my own experience of existence more pleasant, in the grand scheme of things, humanity and the 'progress' we have made during our time in the universe might mean little or nothing. The best things we've ever done and the worst crimes ever committed are just things that happened, and there is no one besides ourselves keeping track. Philosophies from stoicism to hedonism could all be perfectly valid ways to live one's life. Even scientific phenomena such as climate change may not be some horrible thing to prevent, but another chapter of earth's history that we will strive to survive through. But I'm a 'find meaning in every moment' person, and refuse to convert to the 'life is meaningless' camp. Realism is important to inquire about, but overrated! I can individually still want to live a long, happy, ambitious, moral life even if that isn't an objective good.

So while Harari provides no takeaway for individuals, here is mine: my life on this planet may be inconsequential to the universe, and society may just be a story we've made up, but I still impact the people and beings I interact with. Through the choices I make, I can make my minuscule contribution to our shared stories -- the force that defines our cultures and how individuals now and in the future will experience the world. If we can change the dominant story such that our next generation (which can include animals/plants/cyborgs/etc!) experiences existence more happily than we do now, that is a definite positive direction for humanity. Even if it is not 'meaningful' or 'progressive' in any larger sense, we can make it meaningful through our collective storytelling. Our stories need not be framed as 'delusions', but the most brilliant evolution of all, infusing our lives with purpose and thus the possibility of unparalleled joy and fulfillment.

Harsh Patel

Must read for understanding how humans came at the current times. Amazingly well written covering enough highlights and depth for covering range of topics. Book packs wide variety of ideas. 5/5!

Shape Mismatch

tl;dr - History of everything I guess, heavily opinionated though. Highly recommended.

A very interesting book which attempts to tell the tale of humanity from the start to now. From this birds eyes perspective, the author creates a wonderous narration spun intricately from the perspectives of biology (primarily), history, economics, politics, ethics, theologies and everything in between. The book, while for the most parts doesn't tell a typical reader something (s)he wasn't aware of (be it Neanderthals, or Buddhism, or genetic engineering), but it describes or even explains all of these things with amazing clarity. The author never shies away from extrapolating events to shed some light on their implications, from giving analogical explanations, and more importantly, never shies away from raising crucial questions, answering which is neither possible given our limits of understanding, or needed.

However, often, Harari does give an answer to these questions. And this is my main qualm with the book: overly opinionated interpretations. The narrative of the book is such that the same things which push the boundaries of your perspective, also constrict it by giving very clear opinions on the matter. And this happens in a manner which makes it difficult to separate the two. There are also moments where the author radicalizes things which needn't be. For a very small instance, boxing Christianity, Islam, Capitalism, and Communism as belief systems. While it can be digested, the way the author asserts it would leave little room for disagreements. Either you agree with him and read ahead, or you don't and you stop reading. Other examples include replacing sometimes -> often; some -> many while describing very subjective phenomenons throughout the book. The desired effect is to jolt the readers, to shake their understanding of things in order to make room for "his".

But, IMO, the book is still very much worth a diligent read. Despite the my way or the highway approach of the narrative, the book left me with many things to think about. Questions, whose answers (as given by Harari) once forgotten, are well worth the read.

Dimitris Papastergiou

I liked it!

Great book, informative, easy read, and well-written, also, written with a personal style by Harari, which already has a fan in me. The way he writes is just exactly the kind of way that would irritate people who have another opinion on matters that I always believed that, if you weren't there, you can't be sure, and if there's no evidence there's not point arguing about it.. aaaand I love that.

So kudos Mr. Harari, I'm gonna get some more books from you in the future! 

Recommended!

Sarah Schumacher

I’m a big fan of books that shift your perspective, and this is one of those. Read this if you’ve ever tried to grasp the big picture of history since the beginning of time.

Our perception informs how we view the world, often making our lens clouded, cracked, or opaque. This book serves as a much needed reset, a clear-cut tracing of our history as humankind. Understanding out past is critical to planning for the future, as well as seeing our 

 through an accurate lens. Sapiens does just that, breaking down the story of humanity in intriguing and insightful explanations and anecdotes that all add up to how we got to where we are. I learned more from this cohesive exploration than any of my history classes ever taught me, and the pacing and narration kept me engaged to the end. My lens ~feels~ squeaky clean at the moment, and I wish that for all of you.  20/10 “Biology enables, culture forbids.” 

Our perception informs how we view the world, often making our lens clouded, cracked, or opaque. This book serves as a much needed reset, a clear-cut tracing of our history as humankind. Understanding out past is critical to planning for the future, as well as seeing our now through an accurate lens. Sapiens does just that, breaking down the story of humanity in intriguing and insightful explanations and anecdotes that all add up to how we got to where we are. I learned more from this cohesive exploration than any of my history classes ever taught me, and the pacing and narration kept me engaged to the end. My lens ~feels~ squeaky clean at the moment, and I wish that for all of you.  20/10 “Biology enables, culture forbids.” 

Lennart Tondeleir

A lot of interesting ideas and insights. Gets somewhat repetitive towards the end.

Xin Ma

Joana Sá 

Surpreendeu-me! Seguiu por caminhos que não estava à espera, ensinou-me muito, embora seja uma "Breve História", gostei do facto do autor deixar em aberto a oportunidade de conhecer e investigar mais, dando-nos imensas referências bibliográficas.É um excelente livro que nos faz refletir, debater, mudar perspetivas! A escrita também está muito acessível, recomendo vivamente

Wynter

Magic Square Challenge 2018 - #5 - Nonfiction Book

Looking at my GR friends' reviews I can't help but notice the divisiveness of opinions on Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. Some love it, and some think it's a generalized and biased work. My personal experience, however, was very positive. You see, I agree with Harari on the viewpoint he often describes - that is the cultural world we live in mostly consists of our self-inflicted imaginary boundaries. The notions of national sovereignty, socioeconomic practices, satisfaction with life, etc. are all constrictions we are willingly participating in. Or I should say, thanks to generations of tradition and crowd psychology, we are now unable to escape even if we wanted to. The author's arguments on imagined order and romanticism influenced consumerism really resonated with me, mostly because they are part of my own philosophy. And that is what I think this book should be marketed as: a philosophical discussion of the author's worldview, rather than an anthropological textbook. 

I enjoyed the fact that Harari was not afraid to ague for both sides, often describing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the same controversial subject. I too like to play devil's advocate. The pages on negative consequences of agricultural revolution on quality of life and positive impact of imperialism (gasp, how rude for this polite society) were especially thought-provoking. 

Since the subject has been brought up in several books I've read, including Sapiens, I have to express my complete bewilderment at the fact that the likes of The Gilgamesh Project and Artificial Intelligence research is encouraged and heavily funded as they are currently. I can't imagine how the quest for a-mortality or a far superior, ever-improving intellect can benefit humanity. I don't understand scientists that treat death as something that needs to be cured or eradicated, considering we are already putting too much strain on the planet's resources, or the fact that only the rich elite would be able to afford it, further widening the gap between the haves and have nots. Once again, I think we should ask ourselves, if we can, does it mean we should? I can't wait to see what Harari has to say on the subject in his follow-up Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.

Sumayya Tsabitah

This book is quite broad and rich amount of information. I frankly enjoyed the read. A thought-provoking book with comprehensible writings. Though I conflicted some arguments, this book is a good exercise for critical thinking though.

Anthony

This might be the best book I've ever read. I haven't really read anything history related since high school; what a mistake that is!

Yuval is a captivating writer. The content is very accessible but no doubt fascinating. There is so much more I want to learn based on what is presented here. Not only will I revisit this book in the future, but I will use it to figure out where to go next.

If you are curious about humanity, biology, or our future, this is a must-read.

It's kind of interesting volume of essays about history of mankind. It's not history book. Those thoughts and views are interesting, but I wouldn't recommend it as a reliable source about history. 

Jakub Balawejder

Bouke van der Bijl

Wonderful exploration of the history and evolution of Homo Sapiens. It was a good addition to my favorite book from last year, Guns Germs and Steel, and explores more the 'why', meaning and consequences of man's constant change, instead of answering the question of how humanity became spread around the world as it did.

Recommended for anyone interested in history and biology

Lord Aragorn

An amazing read! An eye-opener that pushes you to think outside the box about the history and evolution of homo sapiens.

Beatrix Haase

Can't exactly remember the date that I read this book but it def was this year.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Planet Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it. Us. We are the most advanced and most destructive animals ever to have lived. What makes us brilliant? What makes us deadly? What makes us Sapiens? In this bold and provocative book, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where weâe(tm)re going. Sapiens is a thrilling account of humankindâe(tm)s extraordinary history âe" from the Stone Age to the Silicon Age âe" and our journey from insignificant apes to rulers of the world âe~It tackles the biggest questions of history and of the modern world, and it is written in unforgettably vivid language. You will love it!âe(tm) Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel For more, visit www.ynharari.com

Philip Rosenbaum

Charlotte Dann

Did we domesticate corn or did corn domesticate us? Thoughtful reflections on the hows and whys of humankind up to now - aka Intro to SocioBioHistory. I particularly enjoyed the parts about the rise and fall of empires and meditations on the future of humanity, will have to pick up  Homo Deus for more of that.

Jacqueline Englund

Jimmy Cerone

The historical aspects near the beginning of the book are interesting and filled many gaps left by my high school history education. However, the real meat of this book is in the last 50 pages. Yuval presents questions I'd never considered and pulls together threads I'd never dream could be connected. Just on the basis of the last 50 pages, I'd say this is a must read.

Melad

Fantastically well written and consuming. Really hard to put down!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first third of this book which talks about origin of our kind (that is the beginning of the 

). This topic is put nicely together with clear focus.

Then, however, in the following parts he begins to wander into every possible problem to absurd extent. While Harari states that he does not have answers to everything, enough is enough. His wild "explain everything" attitude gets annoying pretty quickly. Whats the point of this?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first third of this book which talks about origin of our kind (that is the beginning of the sapiens). This topic is put nicely together with clear focus.

Then, however, in the following parts he begins to wander into every possible problem to absurd extent. While Harari states that he does not have answers to everything, enough is enough. His wild "explain everything" attitude gets annoying pretty quickly. Whats the point of this?

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Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

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