This work explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human." One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas. Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become? Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate." -- Provided by publisher.

"Translated by the author, with the help of John Purcell and Haim Watzman"--Title page verso. First published in Hebrew in Israel in 2011 by Kinneret, Mora-Bitan, Dvir."--Title page verso. Translation of: Kitsur toldot ha-enoshut. 2011. "Previously published in a slightly different form in Great Britain in 2014 by Harvill Secker, a division of the Random House Group Ltd."--Title page verso. Includes maps of: Homo Sapiens Conquers the Globe; Locations and Dates of Agricultural Revolutions; Akkadian and Persian Empires; Spread of Christianity and Islam; Spread of Buddhism; [European World Map, 1459]; New Amsterdam, 1660.

Timeline of history -- Part I. The cognitive revolution : An animal of no significance -- The tree of knowledge -- A day in the life of Adam and Eve -- The flood -- Part II. The agricultural revolution : History's biggest fraud -- Building pyramids -- Memory overload -- There is no justice in history -- Part III. The unification of humankind : The arrow of history -- The scent of money -- Imperial visions -- The law of religion -- The secret of success -- Part 4. The scientific revolution : The discovery of ignorance -- The marriage of science and empire -- The capitalist creed -- The wheels of industry -- A permanent revolution -- And they lived happily ever after -- The end of Homo sapiens -- Afterword: The animal that became a god.