21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Harari begins by delving into the pervasive sense of disillusionment in modern society, attributing it to information overload and the human tendency to process information through narratives rather than objective facts. Information Overload: The inundation of facts, numbers, and equations contributes to mental fatigue and disillusionment. Narrative Thinking: Harari argues that humans naturally think in stories, making it challenging to process overwhelming amounts of information. Political Implications: Political disillusionment, exemplified in various European countries, is explored as a consequence of the clash between narrative thinking and information overload. Work - A glimpse into a workplace with increased AI integration and automation. AI should create new opportunities for humans (instead of replacing them). ...

November 26, 2023 · 3 min · 432 words · Yuval Noah Harari

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?

Sandel argues that there are three main theories of justice: Utilitarianism, which emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, Libertarianism, which emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, Egalitarianism, which emphasizes equality and fairness. Throughout the book, Sandel uses a range of examples and case studies to illustrate the complexities of applying these theories in practice and to challenge readers to consider their own moral intuitions. Sandel ultimately argues that justice is not just a matter of applying abstract principles, but requires a deeper understanding of the moral and ethical considerations at stake in any given situation. ...

April 11, 2023 · 4 min · 678 words · Michael J. Sandel

The Lessons of History

History is cyclical The authors argue that history is cyclical and that human behavior tends to repeat itself. They point out that there are patterns in history that are often repeated, such as the rise and fall of civilizations, the recurrence of wars and revolutions, and the recurring themes of love, power, and the pursuit of happiness. Importance of geography and biology The authors emphasize the importance of geography and biology in shaping human civilization. They argue that the natural resources, climate, and terrain of a region all have a significant impact on the development of civilization. They also point out that biology plays a role in shaping human behavior, with factors such as genetics, hormones, and evolution influencing human actions. ...

April 4, 2023 · 2 min · 413 words · Will Durant, Ariel Durant