Get Your Free Audiobook
-
Sapiens
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Series: Sapiens
- Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Anthropology
People who bought this also bought...
-
Homo Deus
- A Brief History of Tomorrow
- Written by: Yuval Noah Harari
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,209
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 993
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 991
Yuval Noah Harari, author of the best-selling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, envisions a not-too-distant world in which we face a new set of challenges. Now, in Homo Deus, he examines our future with his trademark blend of science, history, philosophy and every discipline in between. Homo Deus explores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the 21st century - from overcoming death to creating artificial life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Engaging, Thought Provoking and Insightful
- By Sharmili Priyadarsini on 09-02-19
-
Atomic Habits
- An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
- Written by: James Clear
- Narrated by: James Clear
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 8,875
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 7,011
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 6,956
A revolutionary system to get one per cent better every day. People think when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls them atomic habits.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Practical take on the habit loop, should be useful as a follow up read to Charles Duhigg’s Power of Habit
- By Prakriti G. on 23-09-19
-
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
- Written by: Yuval Noah Harari
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,847
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,519
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,517
Sapiens showed us where we came from. Homo Deus looked to the future. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century explores the present. How can we protect ourselves from nuclear war, ecological cataclysms and technological disruptions? What can we do about the epidemic of fake news or the threat of terrorism? What should we teach our children? Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a thrilling journey through today’s most urgent issues.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Interesting but not the author's best
- By Sumedha on 13-05-19
-
Ikigai
- The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- Written by: Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
- Narrated by: Naoko Mori
- Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,669
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4,430
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4,445
Random House presents the audiobook edition of Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, read by Noako Mori. Bring meaning and joy to your every day with the internationally best-selling guide to ikigai. The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai - a reason for being; the thing that gets you out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa - the world's longest-living people - finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
If you don't know your ikigai you have to find it
- By Anonymous User on 25-12-19
-
The Psychology of Money
- Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
- Written by: Morgan Housel
- Narrated by: Chris Hill
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,261
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,575
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,573
Money - investing, personal finance, and business decisions - is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together. In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Unmissable !
- By Sanya on 29-10-20
-
Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Written by: Daniel Kahneman
- Narrated by: Patrick Egan
- Length: 20 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 528
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 409
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 406
In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a ground-breaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think and make choices. One system is fast, intuitive and emotional; the other is slower, more deliberative and more logical. Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities-and also the faults and biases-of fast thinking and reveals the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and behaviour.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
difficult to hear it on audible
- By arun on 09-12-18
-
Homo Deus
- A Brief History of Tomorrow
- Written by: Yuval Noah Harari
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,209
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 993
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 991
Yuval Noah Harari, author of the best-selling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, envisions a not-too-distant world in which we face a new set of challenges. Now, in Homo Deus, he examines our future with his trademark blend of science, history, philosophy and every discipline in between. Homo Deus explores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the 21st century - from overcoming death to creating artificial life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Engaging, Thought Provoking and Insightful
- By Sharmili Priyadarsini on 09-02-19
-
Atomic Habits
- An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
- Written by: James Clear
- Narrated by: James Clear
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 8,875
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 7,011
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 6,956
A revolutionary system to get one per cent better every day. People think when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls them atomic habits.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Practical take on the habit loop, should be useful as a follow up read to Charles Duhigg’s Power of Habit
- By Prakriti G. on 23-09-19
-
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
- Written by: Yuval Noah Harari
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,847
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,519
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,517
Sapiens showed us where we came from. Homo Deus looked to the future. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century explores the present. How can we protect ourselves from nuclear war, ecological cataclysms and technological disruptions? What can we do about the epidemic of fake news or the threat of terrorism? What should we teach our children? Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a thrilling journey through today’s most urgent issues.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Interesting but not the author's best
- By Sumedha on 13-05-19
-
Ikigai
- The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- Written by: Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
- Narrated by: Naoko Mori
- Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,669
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4,430
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4,445
Random House presents the audiobook edition of Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, read by Noako Mori. Bring meaning and joy to your every day with the internationally best-selling guide to ikigai. The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai - a reason for being; the thing that gets you out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa - the world's longest-living people - finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
If you don't know your ikigai you have to find it
- By Anonymous User on 25-12-19
-
The Psychology of Money
- Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
- Written by: Morgan Housel
- Narrated by: Chris Hill
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,261
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,575
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,573
Money - investing, personal finance, and business decisions - is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together. In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Unmissable !
- By Sanya on 29-10-20
-
Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Written by: Daniel Kahneman
- Narrated by: Patrick Egan
- Length: 20 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 528
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 409
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 406
In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a ground-breaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think and make choices. One system is fast, intuitive and emotional; the other is slower, more deliberative and more logical. Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities-and also the faults and biases-of fast thinking and reveals the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and behaviour.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
difficult to hear it on audible
- By arun on 09-12-18
-
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
- A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
- Written by: Mark Manson
- Narrated by: Roger Wayne
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,161
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,755
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,752
For decades we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F*ck positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f*cked, and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is - a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mind-set that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Life changing perspective!
- By Bhaumik Karia on 31-08-20
-
Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection
- Written by: Stephen Fry - introductions, Arthur Conan Doyle
- Narrated by: Stephen Fry
- Length: 71 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 693
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 607
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 605
Ever since he made his first appearance in A Study In Scarlet, Sherlock Holmes has enthralled and delighted millions of fans throughout the world. Now Audible is proud to present Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection, read by Stephen Fry. A lifelong fan of Doyle's detective fiction, Fry has narrated the complete works of Sherlock Holmes - four novels and five collections of short stories.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The Best Buy of all time
- By Ehsanullah Shaikh on 29-12-18
-
A Brief History of Time
- From Big Bang to Black Holes
- Written by: Stephen Hawking
- Narrated by: John Sackville
- Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 313
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 259
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 259
Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite, or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in an internationally acclaimed masterpiece by one of the world's greatest thinkers. It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos, from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the big bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Time at its best
- By Ashish on 02-12-18
-
The Intelligent Investor Rev Ed.
- Written by: Benjamin Graham
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 17 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 212
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 161
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 162
The greatest investment advisor of the 20th century, Benjamin Graham taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham's philosophy of "value investing" - which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies - has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market Bible ever since its original publication in 1949.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Not made for Audible
- By Mohd Shahid Deshnoor on 21-08-20
-
Elon Musk
- Written by: Ashlee Vance
- Narrated by: Fred Sanders
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,814
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,471
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,470
South African-born Elon Musk is the renowned entrepreneur and innovator behind PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and SolarCity. Musk wants to save our planet; he wants to send citizens into space, to form a colony on Mars; he wants to make money while doing these things; and he wants us all to know about it. He is the real-life inspiration for the Iron Man series of films starring Robert Downey, Jr.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Bit biased but awesome read
- By Paramasivam Baskar on 08-01-19
-
A Promised Land
- Written by: Barack Obama
- Narrated by: Barack Obama
- Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,346
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,150
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,146
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
My Review of 'A Promised Land'
- By Alamgir Hossain Baidya on 03-01-21
-
The Power of Habit
- Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change
- Written by: Charles Duhigg
- Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,682
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,388
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,382
In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distil vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, Duhigg brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Why did I wait to hear this book!
- By Jeswin V on 28-04-19
-
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- Written by: Douglas Adams
- Narrated by: Stephen Fry
- Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 939
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 805
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 806
One Thursday lunchtime the Earth gets unexpectedly demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. For Arthur Dent, who has only just had his house demolished that morning, this seems already to be more than he can cope with.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stephen Fry is THE best narrator. Period.
- By Anonymous User on 05-05-20
-
To Kill a Mockingbird
- Written by: Harper Lee
- Narrated by: Sissy Spacek
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 358
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 302
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 304
'Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.' A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the '30s.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
First Audible Book
- By Amazon Customer on 15-10-19
-
The Alchemist
- A Fable About Following Your Dream
- Written by: Paulo Coelho
- Narrated by: Jeremy Irons
- Length: 4 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 892
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 736
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 744
Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an Alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
love & peace
- By Divya on 22-08-20
-
Inglorious Empire
- What the British Did to India
- Written by: Shashi Tharoor
- Narrated by: Shashi Tharoor
- Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 791
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 689
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 681
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Inglorious Empire written and read by Shashi Tharoor. In the 18th century, India's share of the world economy was as large as Europe's. By 1947, after two centuries of British rule, it had decreased six-fold. The Empire blew rebels from cannon, massacred unarmed protesters, entrenched institutionalised racism and caused millions to die from starvation.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
The Lion Who Wrote...
- By Tushar on 26-12-18
-
Tools of Titans
- The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
- Written by: Tim Ferriss
- Narrated by: Ray Porter, Kaleo Griffith, Tim Ferriss,
- Length: 22 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 166
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 125
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 123
The latest groundbreaking tome from Tim Ferriss, the number-one New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek. For the last two years, I've interviewed more than 200 world-class performers for my podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. The guests range from super celebs (Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc.) and athletes (icons of powerlifting, gymnastics, surfing, etc.) to legendary Special Operations commanders and black-market biochemists. For most of my guests, it’s the first time they’ve agreed to a two-to-three-hour interview.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Reinvent yourself
- By Apoorva on 17-07-20
Our species has only roamed the Earth for 200,000 years — but in that time, we’ve done more to change the face of the planet than any other creature in existence. In his provocative best-selling work Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari takes listeners on a journey through the history of mankind, from the Stone Age to today.
Over the course of this un-pausable audiobook, Harari examines how each generation of humanity left its mark on the planet - and how we’re still changing our world as each day passes.
Audie Award-winning English voice actor Derek Perkins skilfully navigates this thorough, research-driven work, setting the perfect tone for this riveting audiobook with his deep, intellectual delivery.
To put it simply in the words of one listener: 'Prepare to have your mind blown'.
Publisher's Summary
Fire gave us power. Farming made us hungry for more. Money gave us purpose. Science made us deadly.
Brought to you by Penguin and read by Derek Perkins, this is the thrilling account of our extraordinary history – from insignificant apes to rulers of the world.
Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it: us.
In this bold and provocative audiobook, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where we’re going.
Critic Reviews
More from the same
What listeners say about Sapiens
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Musheer khan
- 23-08-19
Life will be the same
Do yourself a favour and read/listen to this book, it will open your mind and eyes like nothing has ever affected to you before.
🙏🏻thank you for this wonderful book
20 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mozak
- 29-05-19
Insightful
I liked the way author has narrated history. Looking forward to his next book, home deus.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- suresh kumar
- 03-12-18
A must red for those who love books and those who do not....
Every sentence in this book needs to be read and understood carefully. You cannot miss any. Forging briskly through evolution of homosapiens from Chimpanzees and their evolution, it quickly moves to cognitive evolution, agricultural revolution, scientific revolution, industrial revolution, money, nation and politics, imperialism, decolonisation, imerial globe, an exosition on hainess, genetic engineering, bionics, inorganic life and suerhumans ending with how animal turned into man and trying to turn into God. The narration is one of the best I have listened so far. Kudos and salutess to author, narrator and audible.
32 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- sid
- 30-12-20
Remarkable explanation.
I had never imagined to imagine human history like this before, it's going to help indeed.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- samir thacker
- 27-05-19
Thought provoking, very well written and detailed
I have never been interested in history. Of any kind, or anything. This book was all about history and I waited to be free enough to hear it each day! Yuval Noah Harari is in a league of his own. Goosebumps, worry, sadness, happiness, excitement of learning something new and worthwhile, anger and many more responses and emotions are invoked by this book.
Also, 100% credit for excellent narration too.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- jignesh rohit
- 01-01-19
A must read (or listen), for every sapien alive.
To know how this world came to be as we see it , the communities, cities, countries, nations, capitalism, religion, extinction of species, and much much more than you would’ve expected or imagined for our world in the past.
A must read book, for everyone. Highly recommended by me.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- avijeet
- 02-06-19
This is not a book. This is a knowledge bank.
Surprisingly an awesome read.
After listening to chapter 1, i bought the book and read it along with audible audio.
Loved everything. Totally loved it.
Looking forward to Homo deus & 21 Lessons.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 30-12-20
Honest and Bold
This book expands our understanding of the world and the concepts therein as we know today. It allows us to question the choices we've made as a human race and provides a perspective based on empirical evidence on our history as a human race. Must read for all Humans!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Navneet
- 28-12-20
Our History Summarised
This is a must 'listen'. There's so much information about our own species that i hadn't known before. And the narrator's calm and soothing voice certainly helped explore this vast reservoir of knowledge.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-02-21
Poor Research
Some important facts about the world history left intentionally or unintentionally to suit the narrative.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bradley Janse van Rensburg
- 13-06-17
Life changing book
It's hard to clearly articulate how profoundly this book (and it's sequel, Homo Deus) has changed my life. I have a much firmer understanding of the history of our species, the origins of our religions and our belief systems, and our possible futures. Anyone who wants to think deeply about life's important questions and be involved in our destiny should read or listen to this book.
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shyam
- 13-06-17
Brilliant Macrohistory
A sweeping narrative of the history of mankind. The author perches himself in a vantage that summarises millennia of biological and historical evolution. The concept that everything is a product of human imagination was dealt with convincingly. The enquiry into happiness and the role of biochemistry in the evolution of man was valuable. An objective analysis of various forces that have and are shaping the world.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kumoyo
- 28-07-17
A must read!!!!
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Absolutely!! It is extremely well written and narrated. This book summarizes the answers to how we (Sapiens) have arrived at this point in time, ability and culture and goes beyond by asking the questions of where we are headed to, whether by our own devices or through circumstance. I definitely recommend spending a minimum of 15 hours of your time to read every bit of this book, I know I'll be scheduling another 15 to 20 hours for another read (more synoptic) to get into the guts of the matter and read alongside other such works
What was one of the most memorable moments of Sapiens?
There were so many great moments but I'll mention a few:
- The realization that we are probably not as special (when compared to other species) as we might want to believe.
- The realization that while we generally view ourselves as the one and only true humans, there have been other types of humans with their own strengths and quirks
- Our future and the implications of advancements we are making (such as AI, etc)
- A reinforcement of the realization that many things we consciously believe as real are either figments of our imagination or simply our own perspectives based on our beliefs, norms and values as well as the accuracy of our individual & collective apparatus i.e. eyes, ears, nostrils, etc.
What about Derek Perkins’s performance did you like?
A solid performance by Derek Perkins. His narration style was perfect for the content and while I reading I thought he was the author (I think it reminded me of Neil degrasse Tyson's narration of his own book, Astrophysics for people in a hurry, where you could tell that he was more than a master of the content in the book)....his delivery was awesome!
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I was left with many questions with one powerful question being whether the point to life was for the well-being of the individual or for the well-being of the species over time or maybe it's not a zero-sum game but that leads to even more questions than answers
Any additional comments?
Two very minor observations and/or corrections for the author:
- Akhenaten and his adoption of monotheism: I thought the date was more around 1350BC rather than 350BC as narrated in the book (which is rather quite late)
- The insinuation that Ghana (and by extension implying that African states) select dictators as leaders: there is a common misconception that all African states are run by despots. It is true that the systems of government in most African countries are worse than those in Northern and Central Europe (and maybe there is more corruption but I would probably qualify that statement by stating there is more "blantant" corruption in several African states whereas there is more sophisticated corruption in the west and obviously Trump, with his ethical dilemmas, is an exception to this) but many countries like Botswana, Zambia and Ghana have been voting for their leaders in peaceful elections for decades. Unfortunately, the general view presented of Africa is that of the deeply troubled states such as Somalia and Sudan and the success stories are completely ignored. I'm not trying to criticize you (the author) as you are likely just as much a victim of how information about Africa is presented by the media (a mix of fake and real news) but rather that if people like yourself can start to use a different tone and send a different message when talking about Africa, that this could change the attitude of many (including many Africans themselves who are exposed to some of the same fake news) about Africa and its people and facilitate greater cooperation across all sapiens and not just some sapiens.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Lauri
- 20-03-17
One of the best "histories" around
A must read/listen for anyone with a scientific outlook and interest towards history. This book has an exceptionally objective approach towards mankind and its habits, cultures and beliefs. The approach might even offend some people as the book is for example unapologetically atheist
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Leo Saumure
- 20-01-16
The subtitle says it all
What did you love best about Sapiens?
I liked that it gave a good foundation of various disciplines when it comes to dealing with humanity: Biology, Sociology, Psychology, History, and even a bit of conjecture.
What did you like best about this story?
I enjoyed the fact that it pretty much covered everything from Darwin's theory of evolution to speculation about where we are heading as a species that can alter our own destiny.
What about Derek Perkins’s performance did you like?
Good reader, and able to convey both the finer points as well as the humour of the book.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vivek
- 07-07-15
A fresh and unique lens to view the world
It has made me re-evaluate almost everything I thought I knew! And it does so in vivid prose, bringing history to life. Highly recommended!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Nash
- 13-05-15
Everything we already know, in one story
This book is amazingly easy to follow and enjoyable right through to the end. It has vastly enhanced my big picture view of the world. If you enjoyed it I would also recommend the Coursera free online course. Although maybe, like me, you're here because you're already done that.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ram Anvesh Reddy
- 14-03-17
A modern masterpiece
This is a modern master piece. Succinct, unbiased, extreme coverage of time and space. Just a marvellous read.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Diane Simpson Page
- 20-08-15
Mind blowing
Incredible journey into the past and future of human beings. So much fascinating information and insights. I loved it. Wow.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Aurelian Cotuna
- 20-12-20
Just wooow. absolutely amazing book
I think this is the best book I've read so far. The narrator is amazing, the story is mind blowing and the book really makes you think and put human life in perspective.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- RTx
- 14-07-19
Simplistic nonsense
I really wanted to like this book but ended up disliking it. There are potentially useful insights buried deep in here, which are sufficient to justify an essay, but not a book. The generalisations, paragraphs of silly explanations, interspersed with politically loaded nonsense and assertions about human history without substantiation, make the listening experience tiresome, and have a way of making one doubt the whole narrative's honesty.
I gave up, when to explain how money came about, after explaining money is portable, it was explained to me that a farmer had a problem if he wanted to move house as he couldn't take his house and paddy fields with him, that he could exchange them for tons of rice, but even that isn't easily transported. I don't think the tone of the narration helped much either as the narrator seems to have bought into the school teacher ambiance the whole book exudes.
It's as if the author thinks the reader/listener is a school pre-starter, and that he is the educator who's so much more intelligent and experienced. It's patronising beyond belief.
48 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Beshr
- 04-08-18
Very interesting, but be careful!
The author does a great job of engaging his audience and stirring up their emotions, hopes, and fears. However, it feels too long and repetitive at some point but still not in a very bad way. My main criticism of it is that the writing is really trying to force the author's opinions into the reader as solid truths and objective facts, and what he says comes off to me as both nihilistic and sadistic. In some instances, I feel like historical events were twisted (while still remaining true) and reinterpreted to fit the author’s perspective and further his cause. But that’s my own judgment. Still, I’d recommend it as a really interesting and engaging book, but I’d warn the reader not to talk everything being said as factual and objective.
86 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jan W. H. Schnupp
- 24-09-15
Thought provoking but overconfident
I enjoyed this book a great deal, and found many ideas expressed in it quite thought provoking and insightful. In particular, the idea that the apparent drive of our species to form common narratives, stories, concepts, narratives, may have evolved because it facilitates spontaneous, loosely organized but highly effective cooperation among large numbers of individuals was interesting and very compellingly argued.
Nevertheless, the author does have a tendency to present his ideas not so much as interesting ideas that might be true, but as facts. His style is very engaging and persuasive, so you often don't even notice the hidden questionable assumptions, or the fact that, in his wide, sweeping arguments, the author often roams through several disciplines that he can't possibly all be expert in.
Overall a very enjoyable intellectual journey, but to be enjoyed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
306 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
- D. Pain
- 18-04-18
Patchy but great in parts
Many parts of this were very interesting but it was overlong, very patchy and i found it more than a bit confusing in approach. Is it history? Objective fact file? Opinionated journalism? The scope is so wide it's hardly surprising that it was over reaching a bit, i guess. There are lots of really interesting things in here but some parts are very familiar, others dwelled on for far too long for no obvious reason, and many suggested links tenuous.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- VS
- 11-01-18
Good first 1/3 of book... after that it gets bad
I enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book. After getting two sided and equal accounting of the possible history of man, it seems the writer lost his neutrality.
Harry Potter is not a good example of what happens to humans. The use of Harry Potter as a good example of what happens when people find their skills and hone them is what set my alarm bells ringing.
At this point, sadly I found the quality of the information sources and neutrality of the discussion went downhill. A simple example is that while stating that you can't measure the success of the human race by the number of offspring, as quality of life is probably adversely affected, the author does not see fit to do the same for women who are, in this book, clearly measured by the standard "have they made it in business" yardstick.
35 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- F Gibb
- 12-05-16
More Manifesto than History
I gave it four stars because I quite liked the things that he was saying, and I agreed with his view of the way the Sapiens species has inflicted itself on the world. But if you are expecting a 'proper' history book- devoid of opinion, and trying to tell things as they happened, but without bias, then this is definitely not for you.
It's an editorial rather than a report.
82 people found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- P. Stewart
- 17-01-18
Thought provoking but light on facts, heavy on opinions
Worth a listen as a discussion starter. But I would have preferred more research to balance the authors interpretations and opinions
Recommended.
51 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance2 out of 5 stars
-
Story2 out of 5 stars
- Sam Stevens
- 28-04-19
Didn't live up to the hype
I was really looking forward to this book. With glowing reviews and recommendations from multiple people, including celebrities tweeting about how good it is, this turned out to be a massive disappointment.
Being an avid listener of philosophical and historical books, I was expecting to have a new favourite book. But I think having read other similar books before this one, which are frankly better books, this just came across as being extremely bland and uninteresting.
Although this book is still worth a listen, It wouldn't be anywhere near the top of my recommended list. For a book of the same sought, I'd go with 'a brief history of almost everything'. I found that book alot more interesting.
I didn't hate the narrator, but now reflecting on the book I do wonder if it was his narration that made the book bland, and the glowing reviews were based off of the hard copy🤷♂️
Overall, I'd still give the book a read for its knowledge value. Definitely wouldn't get the book unless it's on a 2for1 deal, which luckily is what I got this on. I would suggest (to anybody who is dreadfully bored in the first few parts of this book) to just skip straight to the final section/part, as it is the only section that is somewhat thought provoking.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall2 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story2 out of 5 stars
- Karl
- 23-01-18
Opinion stated as fact.
What would have made Sapiens better?
Many advanced concepts (such as the medical basis of depression) elaborated on by the author - who apparently has no knowledge in this area - with laughable inaccuracy and assumptions. Most of the book is opinions stated as facts.The author's personal view on modern life is clearly quite different to others', yet it is stated as fact.
39 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robert
- 27-05-15
Scares the hell out of me
Sapiens is easily one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read. It has caused me to doubt the our whole human endeavour while at the same time made me want to be a better person. loved it.
86 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Reads while toiling
- 05-10-19
It’s just too smug
There’s nothing new here and the old story isn’t retold in any special way. Given the scope of the project, there shouldn’t be time to squander on platitudes - but the book is padded with smug generalisations and meandering, unsupported assertions. I thought I might get some value from the purchase by letting my nine year old listen to it. She said she enjoyed the facts but that there weren’t enough of them. We both gave up on a bad job. Big history seems to be weak history.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 30-08-17
Thought-provoking
I found it to be very interesting, challenging some assumptions that I may not have given thought to otherwise. I read plenty of reviews also and found that most negative reviews were based on some form of offence taken to ideas presented in the book. I did not perceive his work as absolute, merely a presentation of possible scenarios and ideas, with a healthy dose of reasoning and explanation.
52 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- ivanbreks
- 27-08-16
A must read for anyone who thinks.
Think you know something about anything? Read this and then think again. Harari often states the obvious, but these statements a mind blowing because we've all just taken them for granted, not even being aware that it's something worth thinking about.
24 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Shosh
- 17-05-20
.
It's interesting...but everyone is taking it as the truth about everything despite it being incomplete (as it has to be - there's too much history in the world for one book). That's a problem, when you're talking about neuroscience and psychology, if there's no nuance. It's also incorrect - Tasmanian Aboriginal people still exist, and to say they don't contributes to ongoing damage done by colonisation - damage that the author acknowledges and speaks about and then continues to perpetuate.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- George Broadfoot
- 15-05-16
so good
This is a vast and insightful work that does what all great non-fiction should do- it makes you feel smarter after hearing it. But also, you feel a bit dirty because lets face it, we are a terrifying species when viewed from certain angles.
17 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- FritzRadda
- 25-01-18
life as I knew it has changed for the better.
everyone MUST read this account and subjective explanation of our history. It is an eye opener and will make of you a happier person if you are open minded.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Crazybrave333
- 11-03-17
Prepare to have you mind blown
This is by far the best book I have ever read.
It moves at the pace of mankind's development getting faster and faster as it goes.
It will change your perspective on so many things at so many levels. This book is a must for anyone who wants to think deeply about where we come from and how that impacts the way we live today.
38 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-01-17
One of the rare books that intrigued me constantly
If you ever wondered what your (human) place is in the universe, read this. Find out how we humans began, how homo-sapiens conquered the Earth, and why you have all of those problems in life. It's like a weight is gradually lifting from your shoulders, the further you read/listen.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. George Sabados
- 20-07-15
Revelatory!
This was a fascinating take on the evolution of Sapiens and prediction of unshackling humanity from the bonds of the body!
I was riveted and could not get through this audiobook fast enough.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Darcy
- 16-06-16
Exceptional
Cannot recommend this book more highly. A transformative experience that will encourage you to question everything
10 people found this helpful