SAPIENS- A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUMANKIND- BOOK REVIEW
I may be late in reading ‘SAPIENS- A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari. Most of my friends have read it and recommended it. Many critics have questioned what Harari says in the book about evolution and revolutions. Some even question his understanding of current knowledge and advancement in science. He has been pointed out for carelessness, exaggeration and sensationalism. I am a mere reader without an in-depth understanding of the subject and in light of these postponed reading the book, despite having already bought it.
The lockdown period allowed me to read it. And frankly, I enjoyed reading it. I may not remember much of what I read in the book. I may get confused if I was to use any of Harari’s arguments in the book in a debate- but that’s okay I believe. It was also nice to read it immediately after ‘The Theory of Everything’ by Stephen Hawking.
I believe the interplay between Experience Vs Expectation is the root cause of all human actions, reaction, inaction and decisions and hence find the book convincing in its arguments. But, if I am to believe critics, there are factual errors, missing links, lack of understanding of current science and oversimplification. Frankly, it depends upon which side you are in- as everything is possible and different theories exist to explain humankind movement and growth.
The book is an exciting read, and the arguments flow smoothly. There is not a dull moment. And for me, it was like a thriller where detectives are working with limited information and gain with every additional information that comes in. It does raise many questions and argues from a very biased point of view- and that is Okay too. What happens when we conquer death? Is the growth and development leading to more happiness? How Homo sapiens ( out of many different human species ) came to be the only remaining species and how they now dominate earth?
One of the deep thought that remained with me, how we think we are the most critical being on planet earth. And to believe it must have been that way all the time. Harrier writes and makes you think. “The most important thing to know about prehistoric humans is that they were insignificant animals with no more impact on their environment than gorillas, fireflies or jellyfish.”
Do pick up this exciting book and you will not be disappointed. ‘SAPIENS- A brief History of HumanKind’ by Yuval Noah Harari.466 Pages. Randon House. Vintage Books. INR 425.
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