Nate's Brief Review of "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind"
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari is one of those reads that makes you feel small—in the best way. I'm always seeking moments of awe because that is when I feel most satisfied with my place in the world. I like feeling insignificant because the pressure is off a bit, but also it feels good to be a part of some greater whole.
In his book, Harari explores the grand arc of human evolution—from our start as unremarkable animals on the African savannah to the dominant force shaping the planet.
The book delves into pivotal moments of history—like the Cognitive Revolution and the Agricultural Revolution—painting a vast and humbling picture of humanity’s improbable rise. There are many surprises along the way including perspective shifts of how we might've been domesticated by wheat, and that perhaps the modern day routine isn't quite us living our best lives.
The awe comes from Harari’s ability to make readers feel small yet deeply connected to a much larger story. His exploration of how fleeting beliefs, ideas, and institutions shape human progress is profound. I'm left marveling at the intricate web of history and the fragile yet potent forces that have brought us to this moment.
“I was raised up believing I was somehow unique / Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see / And now after some thinking, I’d say I’d rather be / A functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me.” - Fleet Foxes, "Helplessness Blues"
Whether discussing the power of shared myths or the future of artificial intelligence, Sapiens leaves its human readers with a deep sense of wonder about what it means to be human in the vast timeline of the universe.
