This is a very informative book, this review gives a very limited glimpse of sections in the chapters of the book.
Chapter I: Cognitive Revolution: An Animal of No Significance
This section covers how the world was formed about 4.5 billion years ago when matter, space, time and energy came into being. Some molecules coalesced and formed organisms. Yuval continues explaining that initially about 2 million years ago there were several human species and they all lived on the earth at the same time contrary to a common fallacy showing the human species aligned in the straight line.
There were about six species of humans. The book explains that 70,000 years ago homo sapiens (the last species) spread from Africa to Asia, Europe, Australia and then America. The disappearance of other species is explained based on two theories:
a. Interbreeding theory
This theory puts that all species mingled and created a single last species which is homo sapiens (us)
b. Replacement theory
Explain that other species died due to sundry causes including genocide/being killed by homo sapiens.
The chapter goes on to expand on why homo sapiens are so special. One of the unique qualities of homo sapiens is their ability to think and talk about imagined realities and be able to believe and set rules. The author talks about homo sapiens language which is very supple compared to other animals, this ability enables us to cooperate with strangers in so many different ways and better than other animals.
Chapter 2: The Agriculture Revolution: The History Biggest Fraud
Here Yuval talks about how the agriculture revolution is the biggest fraud. Initially, humans fed themselves by gathering plants and hunting animals for 2.5 million years. But between 9500-8500 BC homo sapiens started farming (Turkey, Iran and Levant). They also started domesticating animals which in a real sense the author argues that the animals domesticated homo sapiens because they had to stay at a locale to protect the animals as well as the produce. Yuval reiterates that the agricultural revolution brought suffering to humans as well as animals and changed a traditional way of living to both animals (Humans and animals).
Building Pyramids
The agricultural revolution was the most controversial event in history, some say it led to prosperity while others argue it led to perdition. The agricultural revolution enabled the availability of food which increased population hence cities and kingdoms. Kingdoms developed myths to ensure social harmony. The myths introduced imagined orders (Gods/Deity). Even the laws were framed as if there was one infallible being/superpower who commands how things should be, who should be ruled what should be done as he/she pleases (Hammurabi's code). The myths also established intersubjective realities such as money, nations, companies and tribes.
Chapter 3: The Unification of Human Kind: Imperial Visions
This one is about how emperors/imperials changed the world. More emphasis is given to how Europeans ruled the world and how they shaped the culture of the world. Yuval says that there is no culture that is in its purity. The Europeans succeed to vanquish the world because of their socio-political systems, judicial apparatus, values and myths. Expeditions of Europeans when they were conquering the world included scientists who helped the Empire to understand the people and environment being explored then conquered.
Chapter 4: The Scientific Revolution
Yuval's argument in this chapter is that the scientific revolution has changed natural selection. He explores how human beings are harnessing technology and biology to create new innovations which abet the survival of the people but as well as creating new creatures and intelligence which according to Yuval might replace human beings' algorithms and importance.
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