Harry V. Keefe '39 Library Media Center, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – 4/5 stars

Published in 2014 by Dvir Publishing House Ltd
Genre: Nonfiction
Reviewer: Matthew C., Class II

This book is available at BLS. Get it today!
In Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari takes the reader on a journey through the entirety of human history, from the rise of Homo sapiens among many archaic humans to the complexities of modern 21st-century society. He frames this journey around a series of key revolutions—most notably the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions—that have each dramatically affected humanity. Rather than presenting history as a simple list of facts, Harari invites readers to reconsider everything they think they know about human society, from the origins of capitalism to the nature of religion and the concept of progress. His ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language makes the book an engaging read, not only for those with a casual interest in history but for anyone curious about the forces that have shaped our world. As Harari poses thought-provoking questions about the foundations of society and the narratives we tell ourselves, the book becomes a tool for self-reflection and intellectual growth. While the narrative occasionally strays and is less scientifically rooted as it moves into more contemporary topics and sciences, the book’s overall impact remains potent. It challenges readers to question their assumptions, inspiring them to look at the world from new perspectives and engage more deeply with the ideas that govern our lives. Overall, Sapiens is an intellectually challenging and fascinating read. It encourages a critical approach to history and offers a fresh lens through which to view our place in the world. It's an important read for anyone looking to understand not just where we've come from, but also where we might be headed.