21 Lessons for 21st Century Review
(This article contains affiliate link from Amazon but it doesn't mean that my perspective is biased. I am sharing my true perspective with you)
Yuval Noah Herrari has written a thought-provoking book that broadens my perspective and let me see things from a new angle.
He has written small chapters discussing a lot of themes related to human life and society. As the name suggests, this book contains 21 lessons that force you to think and enhance your knowledge about the world around you.
I was not a fan of non-fiction or reading political essays, but 21 Lessons for the 21st century was an exceptional case. Yuval Noah Herrari has cleared a lot of misconceptions related to social and political structure and given a clear view of the future.
This book is divided into five parts:
Technological challenges
Political Challenges
Despair and Hope
Truth
Resilience
These parts are further divided into sub-topics and give us 21 lessons which I think every Homo Sapien should know.
21 Lessons in Yuval Noah Herrari's novel:
Let's discuss 21 Lessons from this book.
Our political system is collapsing because we are still unable to create an alternative to the liberal world order.
The rise in 5 G technology will impact the job sector for Human beings. They will become relevant for a lot of jobs.
Technology and big data can hinder the liberty of human beings. Though automated technology will help us in achieving our maximum potential of ourselves, they will limited our liberty.
The future society is a capitalistic society. The richest people will not only have money but will also have health and beauty.
Social media has made us alone.
The humans of the 21st century are one civilization. This aspect will help us in overcoming global challenges.
Nationalism is good but it will not help societies in overcoming the issues such as ecological collapse, technological challenges, and nuclear war.
Major war can happen over religion as it is becoming a source of authority.
Immigration problems are related to culture, not nationalism.
A layman doesn't know anything about democracy and capitalist markets.
We are unable to understand the complicated world present around us.
We can overcome terrorism if we will take hold of our emotions.
As wars have been reduced in the past decades, it is hoped that major wars can be avoided.
Nations think that they are the center of the universe, but there is no reality in it.
Today's humans can solve every issue through technology and rationality. We don't need religion anymore for it.
Secularism is not a negative thing.
We should struggle to find the true meaning of the universe.
There is a difference between consciousness and intelligence. So, there is nothing true in "Digital Dictatorship".
The education system of the 21st century is outdated.
We should struggle to find our role in the bigger picture of the universe.
Suffering is a constant thing in life.
I have briefly explained the themes present in this vast and deep book. The writer has used simple language to convey difficult themes to us.
The book opened new doors for me and let me think about the world from a different perspective. I have written a short story called Dystopia based on a part of the knowledge I got from this book.
Though Herrari has used scientific and historical facts to support his arguments, most of his book is based on analysis and speculations. In a lot of places, you will stop and agree with him, but in a lot of places, you will not.
For example, I disagreed with his religious point of view. According to him, religion is getting irrelevant in the world. But, I think no matter in which era we are living, we need religion in our lives.
He has also touched on some sensitive themes such as racism and secularism. His arguments are strong and tell us that he has vast knowledge and experience.
I was in awe when I read about technology and how it will impact our future. Humans will become irrelevant in the world of technology. Capitalism will become stronger and, I think, the dark ages will start with the advancement of technology. This thing sends shivers down my spine.
Book Quotes of 21 Lessons of the 21st Century:
Let's have a look at some of my favorite quotes from this book:
Humans think in stories rather than in facts, numbers, or equations, and the simpler the story, the better.
We should never underestimate human stupidity. Both on the personal and on the collective level, humans are prone to engage in self-destructive activities.
One of the greatest fictions of all is to deny the complexity of the world and think in absolute terms.
So if you want to know the truth about the universe, about the meaning of life, and about your own identity, the best place to start is by observing suffering and exploring what it is. The answer isn’t a story.
Indeed, many movies about artificial intelligence are so divorced from scientific reality that one suspects they are just allegories of completely different concerns.
If you cannot afford to waste time, you will never find the truth.
Intelligence is the ability to solve problems. Consciousness is the ability to feel things such as pain, joy, love, and anger. We tend to confuse the two because in humans and other mammals intelligence goes hand in hand with consciousness.
The first thing you need to know about yourself is that you are not a story.
People rarely appreciate their ignorance, because they lock themselves inside an echo chamber of like-minded friends and self-confirming news feeds, where their beliefs are constantly reinforced and seldom challenged.
You must have noticed that Herrari is speaking a simple language and pushing us to think deeply about things around us.
Do give it a read yourself, and share your reviews with me.
Grab your copy here: 21 Lessons for 21st Century
Comments
Post a Comment