Background knowledge to deeply understand ‘Nexus’ by Yuval Noah Harari
The Sapiens Trilogy and its Place within Nexus
Nexus is the second book in Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens Trilogy, a series that explores the past, present, and potential future of humankind. It was preceded by Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (2011), which laid the groundwork for understanding the unique trajectory of Homo sapiens and their ascent to become the dominant species on Earth. Sapiens examined the cognitive, social, and technological advancements that allowed humans to cooperate on a large scale, build complex societies, and reshape the planet.
Nexus builds upon the foundation established in Sapiens by delving into a specific period in human history: the cognitive revolution. This period, which began roughly 70,000 years ago, saw the emergence of new cognitive abilities in Homo sapiens, such as abstract thinking, language, and the capacity for shared myths and beliefs. Harari argues that these cognitive changes were crucial in enabling humans to form larger and more complex social structures, leading to the development of agriculture, cities, and eventually, empires.
While Sapiens provides a broad overview of human history, Nexus zooms in on a pivotal moment that shaped the course of our species. Understanding the core arguments and concepts presented in Sapiens is essential for comprehending the more focused analysis offered in Nexus.
The Cognitive Revolution and its Significance
The cognitive revolution is a central theme in Nexus, and it is important to understand its implications. Harari posits that the cognitive revolution was not simply a gradual increase in intelligence but rather a fundamental shift in the way humans think and process information. This shift allowed humans to:
* **Develop language:** The ability to communicate through complex language systems enabled humans to share knowledge, coordinate actions, and form social bonds on a larger scale than previously possible.
* **Engage in abstract thought:** Humans could think about things that were not physically present, such as the past, the future, and hypothetical scenarios. This capacity for abstract thought is crucial for planning, problem-solving, and creating shared narratives.
* **Create shared myths and beliefs:** The ability to believe in shared fictions, such as gods, nations, and money, allowed humans to cooperate in large groups and build complex societies based on shared values and goals.
Harari argues that these cognitive changes were the key to the success of Homo sapiens. They allowed humans to outcompete other hominin species, spread across the globe, and eventually dominate the planet.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Drawing from History, Biology, and Anthropology
Harari’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach. He draws on insights from various fields, including history, biology, anthropology, and psychology, to paint a comprehensive picture of human evolution and its impact on the world. In Nexus, this interdisciplinary approach is particularly evident in his exploration of the cognitive revolution.
Harari combines evidence from fossil records, archaeological findings, and genetic studies to trace the development of the human brain and its cognitive capabilities. He also draws on anthropological research to understand the social and cultural consequences of the cognitive revolution. By weaving together these diverse strands of knowledge, Harari offers a rich and nuanced perspective on this crucial period in human history.
Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
Nexus delves into the realm of evolutionary psychology to understand how the cognitive changes that occurred during the cognitive revolution continue to shape human behavior today. Evolutionary psychology suggests that our minds are adapted to the environments in which our ancestors evolved, and that many of our behaviors and tendencies can be traced back to the challenges faced by early humans.
Harari explores how the cognitive adaptations that were beneficial for survival in the ancestral environment, such as the ability to cooperate in groups and detect threats, can manifest in modern human behavior. He also examines how these adaptations might be maladaptive in the context of modern society, leading to challenges such as tribalism, conflict, and anxiety.
The Concept of the “Intersubjective Reality”
A key concept introduced in Nexus is that of the “intersubjective reality.” Harari argues that humans live not only in an objective reality, which is the physical world around us, but also in an intersubjective reality, which is a shared mental realm created by our collective beliefs and imaginations.
This intersubjective reality includes things like money, nations, laws, and corporations – entities that have no physical existence but are nonetheless very real in their effects on our lives. Harari argues that the intersubjective reality is a powerful force that shapes human behavior, and that it is essential to understand its influence if we want to comprehend the course of history and the future of our species.
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