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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Homo Deus summary
A Brief History of Tomorrow
20 mins
Brief summary
Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari is a book about the future of humankind, where Harari explores how technology and biology will shape our lives. It delves into topics such as immortality, happiness, and the role of religion in a modern world.
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Homo Deus
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Key idea 1 of 8
What heights we scale! Humanity’s ambitions change by the day.
For humankind, progress and innovation is nothing new. We have strived for the stars and reached the moon. We have developed the means to defeat famine, disease and the effects of war. But as we advance, our ambitions must be modified.
Let’s consider how far we’ve come.
We can now check the spread of famine and disease – catastrophes that killed many in the past.
In France between 1692 and 1694, for example, famine killed 15 percent of the population (that’s about 2.5 million people). The infamous Black Death pandemic killed between 75 and 200 million in Eurasia in the 1330s. That’s about a quarter of its entire population.
But nowadays we have mostly overcome famine and disease. In fact, you’re more likely to die from obesity than hunger. In 2010, 3 million died worldwide from obesity. Conversely, malnutrition and famine combined killed only a third of that total.
We’re so advanced that we measure our catastrophes on a different scale. Take the Ebola crisis. Although it’s considered a serious modern epidemic, it killed “only” 11,000 people.
It’s much the same with war. It’s an exceptional occurrence rather than a given. You're more likely to die from diabetes (1.5 million deaths in 2012) than war (120,000 in 2012).
Does this matter? Well, it means that as a species humankind can adjust its goals. We can aim to live longer or become happier and stronger.
We’re on the way. Twentieth-century medicine has almost doubled our life expectancy. Some people even think immortality is possible. We also feel like we can live more happily. That’s why, according to a 2013 survey on drug use and health, over 17 million Americans reported using ecstasy.
Technology is also used to strengthen our bodies. Now paralyzed patients control bionic limbs through thought alone.
But it's just the start. We can strive higher yet.
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What is Homo Deus about?
Homo Deus (2015) explains how we came to be the planet’s dominant species and uncovers a prediction for the future of humanity. It examines our present humanist state, the notion of individual choice and how we persist in worshipping the individual. It also reveals how science and technology will eventually make humans subservient to computer algorithms.
Homo Deus Review
Homo Deus (2015) by Yuval Noah Harari explores the future of humankind and the potential paths our species may take. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Explores thought-provoking ideas: Harari presents bold theories about the future of humans, challenging our preconceptions and pushing us to consider new possibilities.
- Offers a global perspective: The book goes beyond individual experiences, examining the impact of technology, politics, and religion on a global scale.
- Presents a captivating narrative: Harari's writing style keeps readers engaged, bridging the gap between scientific research and storytelling, making complex concepts accessible and interesting.
Who should read Homo Deus?
- People seeking to understand humankind’s history of progress
- Technophiles wishing to learn more about the future
- Technophobes who want to prepare themselves for the worst
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Homo Deus FAQs
What is the main message of Homo Deus?
The main message of Homo Deus is the future of humankind and the potential of human enhancement.
How long does it take to read Homo Deus?
The reading time for Homo Deus varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Homo Deus a good book? Is it worth reading?
Homo Deus is a thought-provoking book with a unique perspective on the future. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Homo Deus?
The author of Homo Deus is Yuval Noah Harari.
What to read after Homo Deus?
If you're wondering what to read next after Homo Deus, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Cosmos by Carl Sagan
- Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
- Future Stories by David Christian
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Bedtime Biography: Isaac Newton by James Gleick
- A History of God by Karen Armstrong