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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Written by Yuval Noah Harari
Narrated by Derek Perkins
Book Actions
Start Listening- Publisher:
- HarperAudio
- Released:
- Aug 15, 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780062796233
- Format:
- Audiobook
Description
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?
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?
This provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert Wright, and Sharon Moalem.
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Written by Yuval Noah Harari
Narrated by Derek Perkins
Description
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?
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?
This provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert Wright, and Sharon Moalem.
- Publisher:
- HarperAudio
- Released:
- Aug 15, 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780062796233
- Format:
- Audiobook
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4.52555 ratings / 312 reviews
Reader reviews
In a final surprise when I added this review to my book-tracking spreadsheet, I discovered that this was the first work of translated nonfiction I've read (yay!). I must offer some serious kudos to the author and the translator (perhaps one and the same? I can't find any translator listed) for keeping a sense of humor alive through the translation. There were many parts of this book that were quirky or funny in a way that made me smile and made this book a pleasure to read. I suspect that's something that is very hard to achieve across a language barrier. The fun facts in this book also contributed to my enjoyment and I'd recommend it to my many readers who share my love of the an interesting bit of trivia.
Despite my surprise at the philosophical tone of the book, it was largely something I enjoyed. The author made me question basic assumptions, such as whether or not capitalism should be considered a religion and whether or not the agricultural revolution was good for the individual. On occasion, I did feel as though the author went out of his way to give traditional religions a hard time. Even as someone who is not religious, the jabs at religion bothered me when they didn't contribute something useful to the book. However, overall, I felt like the author was very evenhanded in his treatment of some difficult questions. Even when I thought his personal opinion was clear, he usually gave the other side a fair shake.
This book was something completely different. Although it does share the scope of its questions with Jared Diamond's work, it strays more into the philosophical and more into the modern era. This could be a good or a bad thing, depending on the reader and their expectations. This was one of the few times when I enjoyed a book being very different from what I expected. I liked the way it made me question things that seem obvious and wasn't offended by the author's lack of reverence and willingness to dissect all aspects of our culture. If you like Jared Diamond's books, are interested in the very early history of humanity, or just want to read something thought-provoking, I'd highly recommend this. If you are religious, I'm not sure this will be your cup of tea.
This review first published at Doing Dewey.
In a final surprise when I added this review to my book-tracking spreadsheet, I discovered that this was the first work of translated nonfiction I've read (yay!). I must offer some serious kudos to the author and the translator (perhaps one and the same? I can't find any translator listed) for keeping a sense of humor alive through the translation. There were many parts of this book that were quirky or funny in a way that made me smile and made this book a pleasure to read. I suspect that's something that is very hard to achieve across a language barrier. The fun facts in this book also contributed to my enjoyment and I'd recommend it to my many readers who share my love of the an interesting bit of trivia.
Despite my surprise at the philosophical tone of the book, it was largely something I enjoyed. The author made me question basic assumptions, such as whether or not capitalism should be considered a religion and whether or not the agricultural revolution was good for the individual. On occasion, I did feel as though the author went out of his way to give traditional religions a hard time. Even as someone who is not religious, the jabs at religion bothered me when they didn't contribute something useful to the book. However, overall, I felt like the author was very evenhanded in his treatment of some difficult questions. Even when I thought his personal opinion was clear, he usually gave the other side a fair shake.
This book was something completely different. Although it does share the scope of its questions with Jared Diamond's work, it strays more into the philosophical and more into the modern era. This could be a good or a bad thing, depending on the reader and their expectations. This was one of the few times when I enjoyed a book being very different from what I expected. I liked the way it made me question things that seem obvious and wasn't offended by the author's lack of reverence and willingness to dissect all aspects of our culture. If you like Jared Diamond's books, are interested in the very early history of humanity, or just want to read something thought-provoking, I'd highly recommend this. If you are religious, I'm not sure this will be your cup of tea.
This review first published at Doing Dewey.