Yuval Noah Harari’s books became quite popular. He looks at the entire span of human history and then considers the future. He writes about technology, the development of societies, and what it means to be human. His books really make you think.
If you like books that offer this kind of broad perspective and get you thinking about where we are going, then you might want to discover authors who explore similar themes.
Daniel Kahneman is a psychologist and economist known for exploring the ways humans think, behave, and make choices. In his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” he explains two systems of thinking: System 1 is quick and intuitive, while System 2 is slower, analytical, and rational.
Kahneman shows how these two systems interact and often compete, causing us to make mistakes and jump to conclusions.
He also uncovers the biases and mental shortcuts that secretly shape our daily decisions, from simple choices about food and money to complex predictions in finance and politics.
If you enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari’s thoughtful insights into human history and behavior, Kahneman’s revealing look into human judgment and decision-making may resonate with you as well.
David Christian is a historian known for his book “Origin Story: A Big History of Everything.” Like Yuval Noah Harari, Christian explores human history by connecting it to a broader narrative of the universe. “Origin Story” spans from the Big Bang to today’s complex societies.
He shows how scientific, historical, and cultural events form a continuous storyline. Christian’s engaging style makes big topics understandable and thought-provoking.
If you enjoyed Harari’s wide view on human existence and evolution in “Sapiens,” you might appreciate how Christian explains humanity’s role within the universe’s vast timeline.
Francis Fukuyama is a political scientist and thinker known for exploring big ideas about human society and history, themes that readers of Yuval Noah Harari would find familiar.
His book “The End of History and the Last Man” examines history from a philosophical and social angle, arguing that liberal democracy may represent the final stage in human ideological evolution. Fukuyama dives into ideas from influential philosophers like Hegel and Nietzsche.
He considers whether democracy fulfills humanity’s hopes and desires or leaves certain essential human needs incomplete. Readers drawn to how Harari discusses the broad sweep of history would appreciate the depth and provocative ideas Fukuyama presents.
Readers who enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari’s exploration of human history and society might also appreciate Jared Diamond. Diamond is known for his interdisciplinary approach to understanding civilizations, societies, and their evolution.
In “Guns, Germs, and Steel,” Diamond addresses a fascinating question: why did some societies advance faster than others? He explores geography, biology, and environmental factors to explain these differences.
Through compelling examples of how agriculture, disease, and technology shaped history, Diamond presents a fresh perspective on global development. His accessible writing clearly outlines complex ideas and challenges common assumptions about human progress.
Malcolm Gladwell is a writer known for transforming complex ideas from sociology and psychology into fascinating stories people can easily relate to.
If you enjoy the big-picture thinking and sharp insights of Yuval Noah Harari, Gladwell’s book “Outliers” may capture your interest. In “Outliers,” Gladwell explores why some people succeed far beyond others.
He examines famous examples—from computer billionaires to hockey champions—to show how opportunity, timing, and culture shape success. Gladwell blends research, history, and personal stories to illustrate why some thrive while others struggle.
His ideas, told through clear, relatable narratives, will appeal to readers who value the thoughtful and engaging approach of Harari’s books.
If you enjoy Yuval Noah Harari’s thoughtful books on how humans shape the world, Nassim Nicholas Taleb might appeal to you. Taleb, a writer and former trader, explores topics like risk, unpredictability, and human behavior in complex systems.
In his book “The Black Swan,” he examines the impact of rare yet significant events that we often fail to predict or prepare for.
Through engaging examples and sharp wit, he shows how much of our history and personal lives are shaped by unexpected events rather than careful planning. This book will challenge the way you think about certainty, knowledge, and decision-making.
Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist and author known for making science accessible and engaging. In his influential book “The Selfish Gene”, Dawkins explains evolution from the gene’s point of view, rather than the individual’s or species’.
He uses clear examples from biology to describe how genes influence behavior and survival. One of the book’s memorable ideas is the concept of memes—units of cultural information that evolve similarly to genes.
Readers who enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari’s exploration of human history and behavior in “Sapiens” will likely find Dawkins’ blend of science, culture, and thought-provoking insights equally interesting.
Steven Pinker is a cognitive psychologist and popular science writer known for exploring human behavior, language, and history with clarity and insight.
If you’ve enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari’s approach to human development and big-picture thinking, you’ll likely appreciate Pinker’s “The Better Angels of Our Nature.”
In this ambitious book, Pinker argues that, contrary to popular belief, humanity has become less violent over the course of history.
He provides historical context, fascinating anecdotes, and compelling statistical evidence to demonstrate how empathy, reason, and institutional change have shaped our lives toward peace.
The blend of comprehensive research and accessible storytelling makes Pinker an author worth discovering for anyone who values Harari’s thought-provoking narratives.
Fareed Zakaria is a journalist and author known for his thoughtful insights into geopolitics, history, and culture. In his book, “The Post-American World,” Zakaria examines the shifts in global power as new nations rise economically and politically.
He explores how countries such as China, India, and Brazil redefine their roles on the world stage, affecting international relations in profound ways.
Zakaria offers readers context on how shifts in globalization, influenced by culture and technology, shape the future landscape.
If Yuval Noah Harari’s exploration of historical trends and future possibilities captures your attention, Zakaria’s analysis may resonate with you as well.
Readers who enjoy Yuval Noah Harari might appreciate Michael Lewis, an author known for turning complex economic themes into accessible and engaging narratives. In his book “The Big Short,” Lewis takes readers behind the scenes of the 2008 financial crisis.
He introduces a unique group of individuals who saw the disaster before anyone else. Through sharp observations and compelling storytelling, the book explains how risky mortgages and flawed financial products combined to nearly topple the global economy.
Lewis simplifies complicated financial concepts through vivid characters and clear language, making it easy to grasp what led to such widespread economic turmoil.
Books by Thomas Piketty offer readers thoughtful explorations into economics, history, and the patterns behind wealth and inequality.
Piketty is a French economist whose works have sparked discussions similar to those generated by Yuval Noah Harari’s writing, with clear analyses of complex systems and events.
In his best-known book, “Capital in the Twenty-First Century,” Piketty carefully examines economic data from centuries, illustrating how wealth accumulates faster than economic growth.
He lays out a compelling argument that this tendency fuels widening inequality, impacting society, politics, and our daily lives.
Readers who enjoyed Harari’s insightful look at humanity and society in “Sapiens” may appreciate the depth and clarity Piketty uses to shed light on modern economic realities.
Bill Bryson is an author known for making complex topics approachable and entertaining. His book “A Short History of Nearly Everything” offers an engaging summary of scientific discoveries about our universe, from atoms to galaxies.
Bryson takes readers on a journey through time and science, explaining fundamental concepts clearly and amusingly. Readers who appreciate Yuval Noah Harari’s thoughtful and broad perspectives on humanity may similarly enjoy Bryson’s style.
Bryson brings out the human side of scientific exploration with humor, insight, and relatable storytelling.
Readers who appreciate Yuval Noah Harari might also enjoy historian Niall Ferguson. Ferguson often explores big-picture questions about history, economics, and society.
In his book “Civilization: The West and the Rest,” he examines why Western nations rose to dominate global affairs over the past few centuries. Ferguson breaks down the factors behind this shift, including competition, science, democracy, medicine, consumerism, and work ethic.
With clear examples and engaging storytelling, he compares Western success with other cultures, highlighting both achievements and consequences. Ferguson’s style is accessible yet thought-provoking, making complex historical topics easy to grasp and compelling to follow.
Books by Robert Sapolsky often explore human behavior through biology, neuroscience, and the history that shapes our lives. In his book “Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst,” Sapolsky takes readers through a deep examination of why we act as we do.
He looks at the events happening seconds, minutes, hours, days, and even years before human behaviors occur. By connecting biology, genetics, culture, and society, Sapolsky provides clear, engaging explanations of morality, aggression, empathy, and kindness.
His writing style and approach are accessible to readers who enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens,” offering thoughtful insights into what makes people think and act the way they do.
If you enjoy Yuval Noah Harari’s thoughtful exploration of human history and society, you might also find Sam Harris appealing. Harris is a philosopher and neuroscientist known for examining big questions about morality, human consciousness, and rational thinking.
In “The Moral Landscape,” Harris challenges the belief that science and morality can’t mix. He argues science could objectively assess human values and determine right from wrong.
Through vivid examples and thought-provoking scenarios, he explores how neuroscience and psychology might help us figure out the foundations of a moral life.
His book prompts readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about morality, science, and the pursuit of human well-being.