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

Fun, provocative, but too sweeping and speculative

Loved the amusing new perspectives on history and our future. But sometimes it felt more like a speculative conversation with a smart friend at the bar than a well researched and balanced analysis.

Great but heavy

The book was very informing. But the book itself and the narrator made it very heavy. Hard to follow up without lying full attention.

if there were 10 starts, I would have put 10

really great philosophical and thought provoking book boon on who we are and "what do we want to want".

its amazing book with great insights.

Great insightful book !! a must read. i listened this book on audible instead of reading it. i loved it, looks like im not going back to reading (at least for time being).

Incredible book, but...

He makes certain assumptions to build the narrative that are not necessarily true. The speculative may be confused with science. Beware!!

Best History Professor

I kept imagining having him as a history teacher in high school. if I had, I would've been much more prepared to understand the world. This book will remain relevant for awhile, but reading it 4 years after it was written is a gift. I would recommend reading it as soon as you can.

Sweeping Tale of Human History

Dr. Harari's first major popular book is deserving of its support. He covers many aspects of history from a perspective of human and cultural adaption, and this is the distinguishing factor for this piece.

Derek Perkins is an excellent narrator, providing lots of cadence and conversational tone which keeps the listening lively and enjoyable throughout. My only quibble is that I can still hardly understand when he says Porsche, as it is nearly inaudibly different than "Persia". There were not any issues beyond that minor issue however

The story is ranked at 4 stars due to the middle chapters of the book lacking the structure of the beginning and end of the book. It's all fascinating, but especially in audio book form, it is more difficult to keep hold of the key thoughts and take-aways during the mid-sections.

Incredible

This book covers such a broad variety of topics and each is handled with such carful attention.

Brilliant

A great book summarizing the history of humans. Highly recommend it,especially if you are interested in history.

Enlightening!!

A detailed and descriptive work that peels back the layers of human values and history. It focuses on the "why" rather than the "what" of human behavior and structure.