100,000 years ago, at least six human species inhabited the earth. Today there is just one. Us. Homo sapiens. How did our species succeed in the battle for dominance? Why did our foraging ancestors come together to create cities and kingdoms? How did we come to believe in gods, nations and human rights; to trust money, books and laws; and to be enslaved by bureaucracy, timetables and consumerism? And what will our world be like in the millennia to come?
In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions. Drawing on insights from biology, anthropology, palaeontology and economics, he explores how the currents of history have shaped our human societies, the animals and plants around us, and even our personalities. Have we become happier as history has unfolded? Can we ever free our behaviour from the heritage of our ancestors? And what, if anything, can we do to influence the course of the centuries to come?
Bold, wide-ranging and provocative, Sapiens challenges everything we thought we knew about being human: our thoughts, our actions, our power ... and our future.
'Here is a simple reason why Sapiens has risen explosively to the ranks of an international bestseller. It tackles the biggest questions of history and of the modern world, and it is written in unforgettably vivid language. You will love it!' - Jared Diamond
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Sapiens is a truly remarkable journey, detailing how one of many species rose to the top of the food chain, defying the natural laws of the planet. Yuval leaves readers yearning for more with each seciton of the book, as you find yourself not only questioning your present thoughts, beliefs and opinions, but questioning this world in which Homo Sapiens (we) have created. How and why does religion play such a huge part in todays world? Why is capitalism the prevailing ideology of the western world? How did we go from ancient hunter gatherers to the industrial revolution and the present world? Sapiens is a truly 'perspective warping' experience, a worthwhile read. - Nicholas (QBD)
Guest, 26/11/2020
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The thing I love most about this book is the effortless way Harari breaks down complex scientific concepts to make them accessable to the layman, without feeling like he's speak down to the reader or oversimplifying things. His writing style is warm and engaging, his theories captivating, and the story he weaves - the story of us, and our impact on the world around us - is beautiful, terrifying and utterly vital. - Rebecca (QBD)
Guest, 20/04/2020
Amazing
As with all Yuval Noah Harari's works, it is deeply insightful, elegantly and articulately written, peppered with dry and witty humour. His books are a must-read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading each, one after another.
Jason, 18/03/2020
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
A book for everybody.
Taylah, 28/06/2017
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Sapiens.
This book allows the everday reader to dip their toes into the science of evolution. With it's blend of history and fact, you are taken through the rise and fall of our species.
A great read and very informative.
Grab this book and start learning again ! - Steven (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
