Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Harari’s grand narrative of human history is compelling but should be read critically. His thesis—that shared myths (money, nations, religions) enable large-scale cooperation—is powerful and largely correct.

However, the book oversimplifies in places. The agricultural revolution wasn’t purely a “trap” as he suggests. The treatment of the scientific revolution glosses over important nuances. And the final chapters on AI and biotechnology feel speculative.

Still valuable as a framework for thinking about human society. Just don’t treat it as definitive history—it’s more of a philosophical lens.