Sapiens | A Brief History of Humankind

Summer reading for President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg

A groundbreaking story of human creation and evolution by a renowned historian – a #1 international bestseller – how biology and history define us and what it means to be human. We consider how we have deepened our understanding of

100,000 years ago, at least six types of humans lived on Earth. However, only Homo sapiens exists today. What happened to the others? And what will happen to us?
Most books on human history take a historical or biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book. The book begins about 70,000 years ago with the advent of modern knowledge. From examining the role played by evolving humans in Earth’s ecosystems to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to rethink accepted narratives and bring past developments into context with contemporary concerns. Place specific events in the context of larger events to make connections and explore ideas. .
Dr. Harari also forces us to look forward, as in recent decades humans have begun to defy the laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We gain the ability to shape not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where does this take us and what do we want to become?
Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark discussion and is a must-read for lovers of Jared Diamond, James Glick, and Matt Ridley. This is a must-read book.