Book review: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
This book had been recommended to me by a couple of people. I was a bit daunted at first, it’s a big book and it gives you the history of mankind, a big thing to get your head around. It takes you through the history in a linear way but also references modern times to give context on some of the key points.
“Homosapiens rule the world because it is the only animal that can believe in things that exist purely in its own imagination, such as gods, states, money and human rights.”
My main takeouts from the book:
The impact we’ve had on the world
I don’t think I ever really appreciated the effect humans have had on the world, on nature on the animal kingdom, and every time we conquered a new land the devastation we caused. And a reminder that this devastation was not only to the land and animals but also the indigenous people. And that the people who made those discoveries were celebrated.
Happiness
As an optimistic person I’m always thinking of happiness and how to help make others happy. This book poses the question on when we were happiest, at present we have the most power and things, but does it make us happier. The book argues no, going back to the agricultural revolution, when we started to work longer hours and the system started to be a bit more unfair. Although it does go on to explain that we are in a time of the most peace and harmony in the world and there are more deaths from car accidents than war. However this was written before COVID-19!
Gossip
Part of what makes us humans is our ability to gossip. Interesting that we think of gossip as a bad thing, but actually it’s a way for us to socialise. So that’s now my excuse for a good gossip, that I’m doing it to help build trust and be social.
Reflection
This book is a must read for anyone, it helps you understand the world and gives it all context and a fresh perspective.