yannyliang's review against another edition

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It’s f*cking Boring! The author slid also Israeli/lowkey a Zionist/steeped in Zionist ideology

pearplane's review against another edition

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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.

d_long907's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.5

pizzahutbookit's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

morgansolo's review against another edition

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4.25

Long lol but good

gmattos's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

5.0

hokoro's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

munroarch's review against another edition

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informative inspiring

4.0

izzylashley's review against another edition

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5.0

Definitely one of my favorites non-fiction books. His notes on happiness intertwining with the human genome was my favorite section of the book

danielpreston1993's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

(Note: I read the physical copy) most interesting book I have ever read in my life. Perspective changing, controversial and in many ways mind blowing. I will be reading this book again and the rest of the authors books without a shadow of a doubt!