Structure

This work is divided into three parts, which are themselves subdivided into chapters. Chapter 1 stands alone as an extended introduction, in which Harari introduces his major arguments and the questions humanity will face in coming decades. He also notes that, though this book is written about the future, it is intended to offer broad, possible realities to consider, rather than specific predictions. Part I is historical in describing how humanity came to dominate the world through its unique ability to create and shared imagined realities. This provides context to later chapters and attempts to determine if and why humans should be considered unique. Part II describes how humans provide meaning to their lives and society through shared myths. In Harari’s view, the role of shared myths are important to understand because they will shape our future in arbitrary ways. Part III is forward-looking, in that Harari...