This book, written by Yuval Noah Harari, is based on a series of lectures he gave at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was first released in Hebrew in 2011 and later in English in 2014. I discovered it during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many of us had more space to reflect, slow down, and focus on healthier, more meaningful activities. It was recommended by a good friend. Back then, I had not yet started writing for One Daily Tale, nor was I genuinely concerned with much outside my self-centered world. But even then, I found this book captivating. Now, as I read Nexus and begin to follow the world beyond my own bubble, I feel it’s the right moment to highlight books that, in my view, everyone ought to read at least once in their life.
Shouldn’t learning about how we are one humankind sharing one planet be a priority?
To truly grasp the wider picture of global events and systems, there must be a shared foundation for discourse—a basic level of understanding that transcends borders, languages, and cultures. Just as we see it as our duty to teach children how to read and write, we must also make them aware of their shared humanity. The acknowledgment that, despite our differences, we inhabit the same Earth and belong to the same species, is a profound truth that should be instilled from an early age—a truth best introduced before prejudice takes root. While Sapiens may not be suited for children, it is incumbent upon us as adults to internalize its teachings and pass them down, nurturing a generation capable of empathy, perspective, and thoughtful engagement with the world.
Is too much information—and the explosion of demography—saturating our brains?
Over the last few centuries, global population growth has surged dramatically, thanks to medical and technological advances. Yet our brains—the very organ responsible for navigating this world—have not evolved at the same pace. We now face an unprecedented flood of information: endless content, constant notifications, the lure of consumption. What was once scarce—books, games, stories—is now overwhelmingly abundant. But more doesn’t always mean better. The glut of choices paralyzes rather than liberates. Our brains are not built to manage such cognitive overload, especially when society pushes us toward more consumption, not less.
And when we recognize this mismatch, the necessity of slowing down becomes painfully clear. Slowing down, however, implies sacrifice—especially for those at the top, who benefit from the speed and chaos. Comfort may need to be relinquished, and illusions of entitlement questioned. Yet, those already suffering the consequences of overpopulation and overconsumption have little left to lose. Raising awareness may help bridge the empathy gap, encouraging the privileged to relinquish the unearned and embrace a shared responsibility. Acknowledging our collective limits could be the first step toward a more just and sustainable society.
What do you think: Can books like Sapiens truly shift how we see ourselves—and each other—on a global scale? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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