A brief history of humankind Review

A Brief History of Humankind Book Review

The journey of humankind began when humans began to create gods, and, as Yuval Noah Harari predicts, it will end when humans become gods themselves.

Some time ago, a close friend gifted me a book—a first in my life, and for that, I am deeply grateful to Fahad Abdullah. The book is a fascinating treasure trove of knowledge, with Harari’s straightforward, incisive writing style. His approach embodies the Western tradition of “to-the-point” discourse, which often sets Western authors apart. Perhaps this is due to their topics revolving around a central body of knowledge, unlike some distant references we often encounter.

Harari's book is full of revelations, consistently surprising readers with insightful perspectives that immerse them in an almost otherworldly exploration. Here's a brief introduction: originally written in Hebrew, this book was published in Israel in 2011 and translated into English in 2014. The Urdu translation is available, thanks to Saeed Naqvi, Umar Bangash, and Aqeel Soomro, among others. To date, the book has been translated into over 60 languages. Although Harari is not a scientist but a historian, his engaging narrative, infused with fascinating speculations, has resonated strongly, particularly in developing nations. This work became a bestseller and found a place among Bill Gates' top ten favorites and on Mark Zuckerberg's recommended reading list.

Summary of the Book

The book spans the entire arc of human history, and yet it delves into the present and speculates on the future as well. It would be limiting to label it as merely a history book. While human life on Earth extends back approximately 2.5 million years, noteworthy development has only been achieved in the last 70,000 years, a period of enlightenment and innovation that starkly contrasts with the long obscurity of prior millennia. 

Around 70,000 years ago, humans evolved from communicating through gestures to using spoken words, which drastically improved social interaction and problem-solving. About 11,000 years ago, faced with the scarcity of large animals for hunting, humans began cultivating grains and vegetables, sparking the Agricultural Revolution. Farming was less perilous than hunting and provided a stable food source, freeing humans to develop socially and intellectually.

The Agricultural Revolution was followed by the Scientific Revolution, which, 500 years ago, enabled Europe to make rapid advancements in knowledge and technology, in contrast to China and the Islamic world. Science fueled the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago, transforming human life through mechanized progress, though it also engendered racial, economic, and cultural dominance.

Three monumental discoveries redefined the modern world: atomic theory, genetic engineering, and binary code. Genetics, in particular, began challenging Darwinian concepts by allowing humans to influence their evolutionary path directly. Advances like nanotechnology, artificial organs, and genetic modification are promising extended longevity and health improvements, but they also raise questions about the nature of humanity.

The future speculations in Harari’s work touch on the profound ethical and existential implications of technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. Some suggest that by 2050, humans may even have the power to extend life indefinitely, barring accidental death.

With this book, Harari guides us from one era to another, subtly engaging us with Hegelian dialectics: thesis, antithesis, and synthesis—reminding us that our understanding of history shapes our grasp of the present and our dreams for the future.