Sapiens is one of the few books that has lost nothing of its popularity since its release. In fact, when it first came out, it became so popular that everyone who reads a book (even the ones who only read a book a year) had a copy in hand. So, I chose not to read Sapiens for years. I can say that I have read it in peace because I have heard less and less about it in recent months. Well, I’m so glad I read it; Harari’s narrative is fluent and straightforward, in addition it made me want to learn more. Thus, in my opinion, this book has everything that should be in a non-fiction book.
A book for everyone
Sapiens is an easy-to-read book for anyone interested in anthropology, or for those who want to expand their general knowledge and want to glance briefly at human history. However, let me specify immediately; your expectations from this book should be as much as your expectations from the popular science books out there. The book exceeded my expectations in this sense because Harari’s narrative was exquisite and, as I said, it made me realize how ignorant I am in many different subjects. So, I’ll be reading his other books as well. What about you? Did you read this one?
You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.
Yuval Noah Harari
About the book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
A 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–. Thus 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.
About the author: Yuval Noah Harari
Prof. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher and best-selling author of ‘ Sapiens’ and ‘Homo Deus’. Discover his ideas, writing and lectures.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
