4 must-read Youval Harari books to expand your thinking

Explore Yuval Noah Harari’s most influential books that challenge conventional wisdom and expand your understanding of history, humanity, and the future.

Apr 17, 2025 - 05:45

4 must-read Youval Harari books to expand your thinking

Few authors in the 21st century have captured the complexity of humanity, technology, and the future as profoundly as Yuval Noah Harari. A historian by training and a philosopher in practice, Harari has made a global name for himself by tackling life’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? Where are we now? Where are we going?

In an era where information overwhelms and opinions dominate, Harari’s work cuts through the noise. His books are not mere collections of historical facts or speculative theories. They are intellectual journeys that push readers to think critically about the systems we've built, the values we live by, and the path we’re racing down.

In a YouTube video interview, Harari delves into why understanding history is crucial to navigating the present and future. He explains that history isn’t just about the past—it’s a toolkit for thinking clearly. And his books serve as that toolkit for millions of readers worldwide.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, policymaker, or simply curious about the world, Harari’s books offer rare clarity in a chaotic world. Here are four must-reads that will stretch your imagination, challenge your assumptions, and expand your mindset.

4 must-read Yuval Harari books

1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Published: 2011

What it's about:

Sapiens traces the story of the human species from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day. It examines how myths, cooperation, and shared beliefs—like money, religion, and nationalism—have shaped our civilisations.

Why it’s a must-read:

This book doesn’t just tell you what happened—it tells you why it matters. Harari invites readers to question the invisible forces (like capitalism, religion, and politics) that govern our lives and how shared fictions hold societies together.

Key takeaway:

Human progress is driven more by storytelling and collective myths than by biology or brute force. Understanding these fictions is crucial to understanding ourselves.

Quote:

"You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven."

2. Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

Published: 2015

What it's about:

After understanding our past in Sapiens, Homo Deus explores our future. Harari examines the next steps in human evolution, including artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and the rise of “dataism”—a world governed by algorithms.

Why it’s a must-read:

If you’ve ever wondered where technology, AI, and human ambition are taking us, this book offers a provocative map. It’s both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling.

Key takeaway:

The next chapter of human history may not include humans as we know them. Our pursuit of godlike powers—immortality, happiness, omniscience—might redefine life itself.

Quote:

"Having raised humanity above the beastly level of survival struggles, we will now aim to upgrade humans into gods."

3. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Published: 2018

What it's about:

This book zooms in on the present. While Sapiens was about the past and Homo Deus about the future, 21 Lessons is about today. Harari tackles everything from fake news and nationalism to climate change and digital surveillance.

Why it’s a must-read:

In a fragmented world, Harari offers clarity. Each chapter functions like an essay, helping readers make sense of modern chaos. It’s perfect for those seeking wisdom in an age of distraction.

Key takeaway:

Education must shift from teaching information to teaching clarity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience in a world flooded with data and misinformation.

Quote:

"In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power."

4. Nexus: Small Book, Big Conversations

What it's about:

While Nexus is not a traditional Harari-authored book, it's a curated set of powerful conversations that reflect his core ideas, available in formats like podcasts and interviews. In the YouTube video, Harari touches on themes of fear, manipulation, and tech-driven control—ideas that form the backbone of 21 Lessons and Homo Deus.

Why it’s a must-explore:

This short-format wisdom is digestible, thought-provoking, and surprisingly practical. It’s Harari in his rawest, conversational form—answering real-world questions with depth and nuance.

Key takeaway:

In a world shaped by tech and fear, staying informed is not enough. We need to learn how to think, not just react.

Quote:

"Fear is a tool—not just of survival, but also of control. The question is: who’s holding it, and why?"

Final thoughts

Yuval Noah Harari isn’t just an author. He’s a historian of the future and one of the sharpest thinkers of our age. His books don’t just provide knowledge—they cultivate wisdom. And in times like these, wisdom is our most valuable currency.

Whether you want to understand how we built this world, what threatens it, or how we might save it—Harari offers answers. Or at the very least, better questions.