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tombennett72's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting read that brings an awful lot together in one place.
There is, however, a very strong sense that the writer makes sweeping generalisations and ignores anything that doesn't fit with the overall narrative.
And to be honest, it's not at all clear what the core narrative of this book is. It's worth a read but it's the sort of book that you need to read around.
The final chapter or so of navel gazing for the future is, like much of the book, clever but muddled.
There is, however, a very strong sense that the writer makes sweeping generalisations and ignores anything that doesn't fit with the overall narrative.
And to be honest, it's not at all clear what the core narrative of this book is. It's worth a read but it's the sort of book that you need to read around.
The final chapter or so of navel gazing for the future is, like much of the book, clever but muddled.
yannyliang's review
It’s f*cking Boring! The author slid also Israeli/lowkey a Zionist/steeped in Zionist ideology
pearplane's review against another edition
3.0
I read this and then listened to the audiobook to try and properly digest the tone Harari was attempting and I think I came away with a pretty clear understanding of his point of view.
The first third of this book is what shines the most. Many gems of speculation pop up consistently throughout the rest of the book, but you have to be leaning into a kind of tone that lends itself to help prop them up. I see a lot of people writing pages long reviews about how insulted they are on a book that's basically just a 400 page consideration. Many of this hot-headed pomposity that riddles the poor reviews seem to react to each idea with "Ridiculous! How dare you say such a thing!" when I found myself on many of the same instances saying "Ridiculous! Go on."
In order to consider the ideas that Harari is trying to lead you along, you actually need to be up for the ride. Not screaming and huffing your whole way through it. The fact that so many of us read this from a recommendation of those we respect and admire should be enough that we at least wait until the final page to decide we are offended. I can't believe someone would call a book with "brief" in its name minimizing. Just about any line in this book could spark entire volumes of context and elaboration. That's the point.
I enjoyed this book pretty fervently. It made me want to learn more about everything I heard. It pushed me heavier into certain fields and subjects that I am now more interested in understanding. Reading books like this one are steps between the interest in, and the pursuit of, knowledge.
—and if it weren't for Harari, I likely would never have read Dawkins.
The first third of this book is what shines the most. Many gems of speculation pop up consistently throughout the rest of the book, but you have to be leaning into a kind of tone that lends itself to help prop them up. I see a lot of people writing pages long reviews about how insulted they are on a book that's basically just a 400 page consideration. Many of this hot-headed pomposity that riddles the poor reviews seem to react to each idea with "Ridiculous! How dare you say such a thing!" when I found myself on many of the same instances saying "Ridiculous! Go on."
In order to consider the ideas that Harari is trying to lead you along, you actually need to be up for the ride. Not screaming and huffing your whole way through it. The fact that so many of us read this from a recommendation of those we respect and admire should be enough that we at least wait until the final page to decide we are offended. I can't believe someone would call a book with "brief" in its name minimizing. Just about any line in this book could spark entire volumes of context and elaboration. That's the point.
I enjoyed this book pretty fervently. It made me want to learn more about everything I heard. It pushed me heavier into certain fields and subjects that I am now more interested in understanding. Reading books like this one are steps between the interest in, and the pursuit of, knowledge.
—and if it weren't for Harari, I likely would never have read Dawkins.