Jonathan Cape 21 Lessons For The 21St Century, 368 Pages

This book is a fascinating read for those interested in an unbiased pursuit of Truth. Truth as they say is based on observation and evidence rather than on mere faith. Yet, the most intelligent species, relies more on stories than on verifiable facts, and are the only species on earth that can weave stories.Be it Fascism, Communism or Liberalism, the great political stories; or those derived from religion and culture, all of them have their share of fiction. Yet stories are all around (accepted as true), and act as the glue to unite people on a common theme. People forget facts but not a well woven story.Our allegiance to stories and beliefs assumes that our nation or religion or culture is central to the planet, the best and the most important of all. Hence, our civilization is trapped in several such disparate compartments and is at war with itself. It is sad to see that the species that has abundance of Intelligence is bankrupt in Consciousness. We are staring at the threats of nuclear war, terrorism, and global warming. We see acute human suffering despite the enormous wealth and technological progress.The book begins with the challenges the world might face if AI and Bioengineering converge. In the past, human inequality on an economic scale was a result of highly skewed distribution of wealth. In the future, economic Inequality might seem to be a better choice, since most humans would be made Irrelevant by those who control data and information. There could be for the first time, genetic superiority of those who can manipulate their DNA, live longer and even have substantial enhancement of their cerebral power by coupling their brains with super computers in real time.Morality means ‘reduced suffering’ and not just ‘following divine commands’ argues the author. The ability to understand human suffering and to end it comes with compassion. Commitment to truth and compassion result in the concept of Equality of all human beings. It is not possible to find Truth without Freedom to think, investigate and experiment. It takes Courage to question the status-quo and admit our ignorance and venture into the unknown. ‘Questions you cannot answer are better for you than answers that you cannot question’. With this framework, Secular people take Responsibility for creating a better world, than leaving it to any unknown higher power.Politicians of all hues understand the power of stories and their voter psychology. They operate systematically in four stages, as explained in this book. 1. Downsize the issue, create a big Villain vs the rest of us 2. Focus on a touching story that arouses emotions and melts our hearts 3. Weave a conspiracy theory or a big scam that threatens the culture or nation. 4. The white knight in shining armor, a leader or a dogma or belief, finally arrives to redeem us… and he rules till the cycle turns against him.I appreciate the author’s Courage for an unbiased and vocal analysis of several political, cultural, religious, and historical perspectives. This is a genuine pursuit of Truth with an open mind.Finally, there is convergence of knowledge that emerges from the vastness and depth of this study. This is where the book takes an unexpected but remarkably interesting and insightful turn. The Truth is that the cause of all our tensions and misery in life are a creation of our MIND. Life is not a Story. It has meaning. The last two chapters of this book (Meaning and Meditation) are the culmination of the understating of this Wisdom. This is the lesson humanity should learn for eternity.Touches our heart, mind, and soul in search of the eternal Truth.

Delivery: Received the book the very next day thanks to lightning fast delivery via Amazon Prime.Condition of the book: Book arrived in Mint condition and Hardcover edition looks premium.Content: Yuval Noah Harari has written a masterpiece! This book makes you sit back and wonder about the way the world works and how it will radically change going ahead in a very few decades. Gripping from the beginning through the end. You will never see the world again the way you did before.This is the 3rd book that Yuval has written however the first of his that I read. Have ordered Sapiens next as his writing style is Mind boggling

It is a Yual book and it stands by its pedigree. Each line credible and insightful the master of his genre, not only this, his other two books are also masterpieces for the readers.In this book he reveals the heartening secret of his focus, it is from the land of the yogis, he got the power of focus to think so deeply and to write so profoundly from our own venerable Goenka, the saint of vipasana!

Author’s approach is unique and thought provoking. The selection and systemic numbering of 21st century challenges is amazing and shows the high intellectual level of the author making this book more interesting and meaningful than his earlier popular one entitled “Sapiens”. In particular, the discussions on important issues such as ignorance, education, justice, secularism and the historical context and the rising trends of fake news and manufactured lies in different parts of the world etc are thought provoking with a unique novelty in author’s approach. Anyone interested in a serious enquiry into the challenges which humanity is facing today , must read this meaningful work. An outstanding work by an outstanding researcher.

Still in the process of reading the book, but 21 lessons for 21 century is in true Harari style - a big eye opener. A must read for the young but more importantly for the seniors so they can put them on the right track and pass on right mindset about our collective future, while there's still some time - before the future arrives and catches you unawares. In short, the book is a must-read, must read, must read for all things living and lastly, appreciate the super value hardbound edition delivered before time by Amazon as usual!

The writer provides a very unique and holistic perspective on a lot of major issues facing humanity. Personally, I feel that though the book is titled 21 lessons, "21 questions for the 21st century" might be a more suitable title as the author has thrown a lot of open questions provoking a lot of thought and introspection.

Though some parts of the book has been discussed in his previous works, still this book contains many new ideas and "lessons". The book basically focused on our world as of today and various problems that we are facing right now, from AI to Terrorism to Meaning of life itself. As always, it's a delight to read Harari. No one has made these things as accessible to general public as his books does. If you love his books, then go for it.

Mr Hariri has done it again. The author of Sapiens and Homo Deus has written one more classic that cannot be missed by any body. As we are entering this 21 century we facing new problems because of AI taking over the human race.Technology is so much advanced it easy to use for destruction . Everybody interested in the survival of the Human race must read this wonderful book.Thanks Amazon for delivering this preorder book in time.