Title: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Author: Yuval Noah Harari
First published September 4, 2018
372 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525512172 (ISBN10: 0525512179)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
Yuval Noah Harari, the acclaimed author of Sapiens and Homo Deus, takes a closer look at the present in his latest book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. In a world where technology advances at a rapid pace, how do we deal with the constant changes and challenges that arise?
How can we navigate through the epidemic of fake news and polarized opinions? Is democracy in crisis?
Harari offers insightful and thought-provoking answers to these pressing questions and more in 21 accessible chapters. With his unique ability to shed light on complex issues, Harari untangles political, social, and technological challenges and offers practical advice on how to prepare for a future that looks very different from the present.
This book is essential reading for anyone seeking clarity and guidance in a world full of noise and uncertainty.
About the Author
Let me tell you about Professor Harari. He was born in Haifa, Israel in 1976 to Lebanese parents.
After completing his Ph.D. at the University of Oxford in 2002, he became a lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Department of History. Professor Harari has an impressive history background, specializing in World History, medieval history, and military history.
His research focuses on answering significant questions like, “What is the relation between history and biology?” or “What is the difference between Homo sapiens and other animals?” He also teaches a MOOC called A Brief History of Humankind.
Professor Harari has been recognized for his work with awards such as the Polonsky Prize for Creativity and Originality, which he won twice in 2009 and 2012. He won the Moncado Award from the Society for Military History in 2011 for his exceptional articles in military history.
Editoral Review
“21 Lessons for the 21st Century” by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking analysis of the pressing issues that are defining our times. Published in September 2018, Harari’s book is part of a trilogy of bestsellers that began with “Sapiens,” followed by “Homo Deus.” This latest book tackles some of the biggest questions that we are facing as a global community, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the future of work, the decline of democracy, and the search for meaning in a digital age.
Harari’s style is clear and concise, making complex ideas accessible to the general reader. He presents his arguments with a historian’s eye for detail, but also with a philosopher’s inclination to question the fundamentals of our existence.
The book is divided into 21 chapters, each tackling a different theme, such as “War,” “Religion,” “Nationalism,” and “Education.” Harari offers a range of perspectives and ideas, drawing upon insights from religion, science, and philosophy. The book is not a novel with a plot, but rather a series of essays that tackle different aspects of our present and future.
Harari draws on examples from different cultures and countries, as well as historical and contemporary events, to illustrate his points. He is not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically about the assumptions that underlie our beliefs and values.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to provoke readers to think beyond their own immediate concerns and consider the bigger picture. It is not just a book for futurists, policymakers, or intellectuals, but for anyone who is interested in understanding the world around them.
Harari’s analysis is especially timely given the current global health crisis and the challenges that our societies are facing in the wake of the pandemic. He offers insights into how to navigate these challenges, forging a path forward that emphasizes cooperation and mutual understanding.
Despite its many strengths, the book does have some limitations. For one, some of Harari’s arguments are not fully fleshed out, leaving the reader wanting more details or examples.
Additionally, Harari’s style can be overly didactic at times, which can make reading the book a bit of a slog. Overall, “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” is an excellent read for anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of the world and the challenges we face as a global community.
While the book is not without its flaws, Harari’s insights offer valuable food for thought and will likely prompt readers to question their assumptions and beliefs. I give this book a solid four out of five stars.
Rating: 4/5 stars
