Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

By: Yuval Noah Harari

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity's creation and evolution - a number one international best seller - 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.

©2015 Yuval Noah Harari (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

award winning for a reason

One of the most interesting books of this time. this book takes you through a whole series of events and happenings that the common everyday person only knows the surface of. it goes in detail about the creation of thought, humanities beginning, middle and future. definitely worth the read

Another big history with little analysis

I listen to alot of big histories on audible because they don't have much in the way of critical scholarship. The analysis in this one is only slightly better than Guns, Germs and Steel, but basically it's the same sort of thing: lots of history, archaeology and anthropology, but virtually devoid of critical analysis. The analysis really falls apart when you get to the chapter on capitalism and modernity. If you have a critical mind, you can pick through the myopia of the author's perspective and form your own analysis from the vast array of research that the book cites along the way.

I have to say, this is my new favorite book.

Everything about this book is great. Entertaining, informative. Itt approaches human history and psychology from a pure scientific viewpoint, ignoring that the resulting conclusions are not politically correct. So refreshing. Read this.!

One of the best books ever written

Read it when it came out and I finally got to listen to the audiobook and I’m blown away who’s great this book is. Perhaps one of the most educational, informative and eye opening books out there and it’s a must for anyone regardless of what you read. Yuval Harari is a genius. Now to start Deus. WOW. That was such a great listen...

Significant Content, tainted by Unhidden Bias

I gained several great insights, but found it hard to avoid being distracted by blatant liberal bias.
for example, people associated with finance were arbitrarily named 'greedy' while other professionals were given names descriptive of their profession such as donut baking.

Missing an Important Puzzle Piece

We are moving towards a collective spiritual awakening, and indeed the role of science and technology in its current trajectory conjures all kinds of biologically engineered oddities, as Harari discusses at the end of the Sapiens. And yet, the intimations of change happening now appear to involve the emergence of ancient and modern technologies of inner emotional/spiritual transformation and healing. I am disappointed that a large body of study, including the work of Stan Grof, new studies showing the promise of psilocybin and MDMA, an awareness of traditional medicines such as ayahuasca which have the potential to help cure the ills of industrial society, an awareness of the values and perspectives and ceremonial processes still kept safe in traditional or indigenous cultures, and so on—not to romanticize, but to recognize tools which help individuals find meaning and course-correct towards deeper and larger feelings of connectedness and purpose—are not mentioned in this work. Other than that, I appreciate having a clearer picture of our species’ evolution through an anthropocentric/modern lens.

Exciting and frustrating

Yuval quickly dismisses the importance of genetic differences between races in shaping of history. He also frequently slips into criticizing capitalism and praising the state which mostly shows his personal biases. Or mine, as I became angry listening to the sections.

Overall, I recommend Sapiens. His evidence for the importance of beliefs and his narration of the achievements of mankind is quite exciting!

Amazing

This book is just amazing and it made me look on the world we know and my existence with a new pair of eyes. Author puts so much complex knowledge and facts into words that are simple to understand and absorb. World 100% recommend to any homo sapiens.

Outstanding !!

One of my very favorite books. Harari touches many more subjects than just "history" and his ability to share profound insights is simply amazing and delightful.

A Fresh view of humankind

Harari takes all the varnish off the human experience and exposes our "biology" without the gloss of cultural bias.

Very impressive work.