#1 New York Times Bestseller ¿ New York Times Readers' Pick: Top 100 Books of the 21 st Century
¿ The Summer Reading Pick for President Barack Obama and Bill Gates Official U.S. edition with
full color illustrations throughout. From renowned historian Yuval Noah Harari comes a landmark
work of big history a groundbreaking narrative of humanity's creation and evolution-a #1
international bestseller-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
Cognitive Revolution and the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the story of human
evolution 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 in the wake of the Scientific Revolution 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? Featuring 27 photographs 6 maps and 25
illustrations diagrams this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is
essential reading for aficionados of Jared Diamond James Gleick Matt Ridley Robert Wright
and Sharon Moalem. This ambitious account of our species answers the most fundamental questions
of our history: A Brief History of Humankind: How did an insignificant ape become the ruler of
the planet capable of splitting the atom walking on the Moon and engineering the code of
life? The Power of Myth: Discover the secret of our success-the unique ability to believe in
collective fictions like gods nations money and human rights that allow for large-scale
cooperation. Integrating History and Science: Journey through the Cognitive Agricultural and
Scientific Revolutions and explore how they shaped not just our societies but our very
identities. The Question of Happiness: With all our power and knowledge are we any happier
than our ancient ancestors? Harari challenges everything we think we know about what it means
to be human.
