1. Sapiens
2. Homo Deus
3. 21 Lessons for the 21^st Century

Author: Yuval Noah Harari

They say...

A book series that thinks big ... very big. Looking back in pre-recorded history and, after three books, reaching forward to the distant future. A broad look at who we (i.e., humans) are, what's happening now that matters, and where will be end up.

Sapiens

From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity's creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that 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.

Homo Deus

Yuval Noah Harari returns with an equally original, compelling, and provocative book, turning his focus toward humanity's future, and our quest to upgrade humans into gods. Over the past century humankind has managed to do the impossible and rein in famine, plague, and war. This may seem hard to accept, but, as Harari explains in his trademark style—thorough, yet riveting—famine, plague and war have been transformed from incomprehensible and uncontrollable forces of nature into manageable challenges.

For the first time ever, more people die from eating too much than from eating too little; more people die from old age than from infectious diseases; and more people commit suicide than are killed by soldiers, terrorists and criminals put together.

21 Lessons for the 21^st Century

In Sapiens, he explored our past. In Homo Deus, he looked to our future. Now, one of the most innovative thinkers on the planet turns to the present to make sense of today's most pressing issues. How do computers and robots change the meaning of being human? How do we deal with the epidemic of fake news? Are nations and religions still relevant? What should we teach our children? Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21^st Century is a probing and visionary investigation into today's most urgent issues as we move into the uncharted territory of the future.

I say...

A key book series to read and understand. Few other contemporary works provide this degree of scope and insight. You may not agree with all the author's points or conclusions but these are such useful arenas to consider.

Sapiens is the most universal. Given the topic is largely history, the content is more fact based with reduced dependency on speculation and interpretation. This is the "long view" of human history. I found it both informative and encouraging.

Homo Deus delves into more future speculation based on fact and reason. By necessity, the author's thoughts and conclusions are more likely to not agree with the reader's. But, the rationale is provided so you can follow and deduce your own conclusions. In any case, very worth the mental engagement on the subject of humanity's near term future.

21 Lessons is the most difficult to fully agree with. This book is more of a broad assessment of the human condition with fewer prescriptions for what to do. Again, I found it an important set of topics to engage in and understand the author's thinking. It's not about agreeing—it's all about thought.