Summary: Sapiens: A brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

English language

ISBN:
978-1-5497-1199-2
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4 stars (18 reviews)

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Hebrew: קיצור תולדות האנושות, [Ḳitsur toldot ha-enoshut]) is a book by Yuval Noah Harari, first published in Hebrew in Israel in 2011 based on a series of lectures Harari taught at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and in English in 2015. The book, focusing on Homo sapiens, surveys the history of humankind, starting from the Stone Age and going up to the twenty-first century. The account is situated within a framework that intersects the natural sciences with the social sciences. The book has gathered mixed reviews. While it was positively received by the general public, scholars with relevant subject matter expertise have been very critical of its scientific and historical claims.

12 editions

Review of 'Summary: Sapiens: A brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari' on 'Goodreads'

1 star

I'm one of the people that thinks this starts well, and goes a bit odd with the Agricultural Revolution. I would like to think that perhaps some of the language isn't clear, as the author does try to separate the differences in benefits to the individual (more food, more babies) and damage to the culture (food homogeneity, lack of sanitation).

But it just becomes less enjoyable to read about how everything went downhill since we were able to do all our foraging in a few hours (somehow) and then murder the weak in the tribe.

I haven't entirely put this down but I don't think I'll finish it. I'm currently being confused by the "empires: are they all bad?" section.

Review of 'Summary: Sapiens: A brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Loved the author's perspective, the way he built history with a refreshing detachment, as if seen from an alien. Some chapters were particularly fertile in making me think, such as the social constructs that drive us, the way we have instrumented dairy animals... Politics weren't deeply discussed but I guess that's fair, all things considered. I must point out I am not a regular history books reader either. It's more of a 4.5 rating.

Review of 'Summary: Sapiens: A brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

One of the best science / history books I've experienced. Beyond just educational regarding evolution and mankind's place in the world, it will encourage you to rethink your views on "what is a religion?" and "is mankind significant or are we just full of ourselves?"

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