Book Club Discussion Questions for Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Race To the Theory of Natural Selection and our BookBrowse Review of Sapiens.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Of all the human developments described in Sapiens, which one do you think was the most significant in the course of our history?
2. By what measures is homo sapiens the dominant species on planet earth?
3. Which was the most surprising fact or assertion that you came across while reading the book? Did you disagree with any of Harari's arguments or interpretations?
4. Do you think that the major world religions are comparable to 'shared mythologies' such as nations, corporations and currency? When does a mythology become a reality?
5. Humankind has only been present for a minute fraction of planet earth's existence – do you think that our civilization will retain its current position in centuries to come?
6. How can reading about history help us in the present day and the future?
   

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Harper Perennial. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.