Book Review #10 - Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Good Day,

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

by Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari has shown his story telling prowess in making our human history tenfolds more fascinating.

Summary:

The book is tastefully divided into 4 parts- Cognitive Revolution, Agricultural Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Scientific Revolution. In every part of the book, author discusses the scenario which was prevailing, reason behind the revolution, lives of human during that period and the impact of that revolution in our lives even today. This book includes plethora of instances, narratives and tales which have been chosen by the author elegantly.

We are leading a life which has luxurious facilities, exquisite vacation and delectable food, but are we happier or healthier than our distant ancestors who were mere foragers?

Review:

This book is an amalgamation of history, philosophy, physics and biology which has been tightly bound by author's literary mastery. Throughout this experience, I have been in an awe on how author has aesthetically shown that history and philosophy always go hand in hand. There is no negative or downside to this book, it has been poetic and pleasant encounter all through. There have been instances in the book where author asserts that certain human behaviours and tendencies are in effect due to the cognitive evolution in humans who lived several millennia ago are enthralling.

In my opinion this book has been very inspiring, but in an odd fashion as time and again, the author puts forward arguments which are against the current state of human mentality which seeks happiness from imagined orders.(for example social media). Which makes me wonder should we live a life of abstinence from imagined order. Inspiration being to live in wilderness for a certain time which helps me to develope fortitude against such orders. Further I even think that, whether these scientific advancements are in our favour or the more our society gets organised, more it is moving away from our core human instincts. It is for you to think. Simple words and riveting stories have made this book thought-provoking.

Another marvelous aspect of this book and author's writing caliber has been that while reading a section in which author wants to make a point on a particular topic (this is what I felt), he gradually discusses everything related to that topic, which gives you enough time to second guess what he might convey or even have a contradictory theory based on the facts of that topic. In the end you may either agree with the author or you may have your own philosophy. (So its like either you win or you learn)

To answer the daunting question posed by the book I would like to say that this book has been aptly clear that there is only one prediction that no one can predict what the future will be like. So rather than worrying about the future and the imagined orders, live by absorbing every experience, say yes to everything, increase the level of consciousness, limit your reliance on imagined orders for your happiness.

Opinion: Must Read.