Phê Sách | SAPIENS Có Phải Là 1 Cuốn Sách Đáng Đọc?

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the book *Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind* by Yuval Noah Harari. The speaker appreciates Harari’s broad, scientific perspective on human evolution, society, and culture, and highlights key concepts like ‘imagined orders’ and the evolution of Homo sapiens. While the book is praised for its accessibility and insightful analysis, the speaker critiques its occasional subjectivity, particularly on topics like religion and economics. Recommended for those curious about the workings of the world, *Sapiens* is presented as an engaging introduction rather than a definitive guide to history or culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces *Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind* by Yuval Noah Harari and shares their personal connection to the book.
• 📚 The book offers a broad overview of human history, focusing on the development and evolution of Homo sapiens.
• 🤔 The author, Yuval Noah Harari, takes a scientific and philosophical approach to understanding humanity's past.
• 💭 A key concept discussed in the book is 'imagined orders,' where societies are built on shared beliefs that are not objectively real but are treated as such.
• 👥 The speaker highlights how the book shows the power of human cooperation and the role of culture, society, and religion in shaping human evolution.
• 🔄 The speaker mentions the subjective nature of Harari's narrative and the occasional personal bias, particularly on topics like religion and economics.
• 🔎 The book is recommended for those curious about human history and the forces that shaped modern society but should not be used as a sole reference for detailed studies in specific areas.
• 📖 The speaker appreciates the accessibility of the book and the way it simplifies complex historical and evolutionary concepts.
• 🚀 The speaker encourages viewers to explore Harari's other works, *Homo Deus* and *21 Lessons for the 21st Century*, which offer insights into the future and technological advancements.
• 📌 While *Sapiens* provides valuable perspectives on history, the speaker advises reading specialized works for deeper knowledge in fields like biology, culture, and religion.

Q & A

What is the book *Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind* about?

The book explores the history of Homo sapiens, from our evolutionary origins to the present day. It examines how human societies, cultures, and civilizations have developed, highlighting key factors such as the evolution of the human brain and the formation of imagined orders like religion and social structures.

How did the speaker come across the book *Sapiens*?

The speaker was introduced to the book by a close friend who recommended it after reading it themselves. The speaker’s friend was a fan of the book and had discussed it with them multiple times before they decided to read it.

What aspect of *Sapiens* did the speaker appreciate most?

The speaker appreciated Harari's ability to view human history from a scientific and objective perspective. They particularly enjoyed how the book explained complex topics about the evolution of humanity, the development of societies, and the growth of human consciousness.

What is meant by 'imagined orders' in the context of *Sapiens*?

Imagined orders refer to the collective agreements or constructs, such as social norms, laws, and religions, that humans create and follow in society. These systems are not physically tangible but are agreed upon by individuals to maintain structure and organization in larger groups.

How does the speaker feel about the book’s handling of subjective topics like religion and economics?

The speaker acknowledges that Harari’s treatment of topics like religion and economics is subjective. While they find the book engaging, they feel that the author’s perspective may not appeal to all readers, especially those seeking objective or neutral views on these subjects.

Does the speaker think *Sapiens* should be used as a textbook or a primary source for historical knowledge?

No, the speaker believes that *Sapiens* is not suitable as a textbook or a definitive guide for detailed historical or cultural knowledge. Instead, they suggest using it as a broad reference that offers a general understanding of humanity's evolution and societal structures.

What did the speaker recommend for readers who want a deeper understanding of specific topics like biology or religion?

The speaker recommends reading more specialized books focused exclusively on particular subjects, such as the biological development of humans or in-depth studies on religion. These books would provide a deeper and more thorough exploration than *Sapiens*.

Why does the speaker believe that *Sapiens* is a valuable book despite its shortcomings?

The speaker values *Sapiens* because it broadens the reader’s perspective on the world, offering a fresh outlook on human history and evolution. It encourages curiosity and provides a general overview that can spark further exploration into specific topics.

What was the speaker’s overall impression of *Sapiens*?

The speaker had a positive impression of *Sapiens*, appreciating its thought-provoking insights and the way it challenges conventional thinking about humanity. However, they caution that it should be read as a reference or introduction, not as an in-depth analysis of any specific area.

Did the speaker mention any other books by Yuval Noah Harari?

Yes, the speaker briefly mentioned Harari’s other works, *Homo Deus* and *21 Lessons for the 21st Century*, and suggested that readers interested in exploring more of his ideas could look into these books for further insight into humanity’s future and the evolving world.