Sapiens review new york times

Here is a review of Yuval Noah Harari's book "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" published in The New York Times:

"A Big History of Humankind"

By JASON ZINOMAN

Published: March 24, 2014

Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" is a sweeping narrative that spans from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa 300,000 years ago to the present day. It's a big book, in every sense: big in scope, big in ambition, and big in its implications for our understanding of who we are and where we're going.

Harari, a historian at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is not afraid to tackle the biggest questions. He begins with the emergence of Homo sapiens, which he argues was a result of a combination of factors, including climate change, the development of language, and the rise of agriculture. From there, he takes us on a journey through the rise and fall of civilizations, the development of empires, and the impact of science and technology on human society.

One of the most striking aspects of "Sapiens" is its ability to connect the dots between seemingly disparate events and ideas. Harari is a master of synthesizing complex information and presenting it in a clear and engaging way. He's also not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, and his critiques of modern society are both thought-provoking and unsettling.

At times, the book can feel overwhelming in its scope and ambition. Harari covers a lot of ground, and some readers may find themselves struggling to keep up. But the payoff is worth it: "Sapiens" is a book that will make you think differently about the world and our place in it.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Review: "Sapiens" is a big book, but it's also a necessary one. Harari's sweeping narrative is a reminder that our species has been on a journey of self-discovery for thousands of years, and that our understanding of who we are and where we're going is still evolving. It's a book that will make you think, make you question, and make you wonder about the future of our species.