7 takeaways from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

may 7, 2025

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The book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari explores what it really means to be a human—how we evolved and what the future might look like. 

Homo sapiens stood out from other species as they developed imagination and complex language which enabled them to shape human culture and change history.

Cognitive evolution

Human society is built on imagined orders and systems: nations, laws and religions. These physically absent but shared concepts create a structure that cannot be replicated. 

Shared myths

Money works on a universal trust—it relies on collective belief in its value, allowing people to trade efficiently. This human-made concept is the building block of our society. 

Money

Modern science stems from humans seeking knowledge. The mindset shift fueled by curiosity is what led to the transformation of our society through technology. 

Scientific Revolution

Humans aren’t necessarily happier after making progress. Happiness comes from expectations, relationships and a mindset that allows one to be content. 

Happiness is complex

Capitalism in our society functions on trust in future growth—credit and investment depend on people believing that the future will be better with economic expansion. 

Capitalism

The modern economy depends on constant consumption. Media and ads constantly push products to us, often replacing our need for spiritual or communal fulfilment. 

Consumerism

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