Homo Deus
Yuval Noah Harari
Contributed by Andrea Barraza
Chapter 3
Summary

In this chapter, the author notes that Homo sapiens “is the most powerful species in the world” (Harari 45). He also indicates that Homo sapiens have held the view that they hold a much-better moral authority in the world over other animals, such as wolves, elephants, and pigs. Thus, they have the power to exert some level of authority against them, in a way that shows how humans may choose to engage in any action they wish for in as much as the various animals are concerned. He also indicates that the view of importance has transcended the relationship that human beings have with animals. Harari also declares that “only Homo sapiens have a conscious mind” (Harari 48), thereby being able to think much better and show concern for others. The author also goes on indicating a distinct difference among human beings from various geographical locations. For instance, there is a general belief held by Americans that they are more valuable compared to those from other countries, such as the Afghans (Harari 49). As a result, they have the chance to engage in any form of action that they may be willing, as a way of showing the very position they hold around the world as well as the form of respect they believe they deserve. He asserts that there are “conflicts between different human groups”, which reduce their ability to interact better (Harari 50). It also reduces their ability to cooperate, and to deal with the notable challenges they experience. 

The author goes on to demonstrate how, in spite of the views held on by human beings, other creatures are just as complicated as they are. For instance, even unicellular organisms have very little organelles that accord them the ability to distinguish light from darkness, yet it is the same characteristic shared by the eyes of human beings (Harari 59). Thus, all organisms in the world do share various forms of complexities that should not be avoided, and more measures need to be put in place to ensure that all creatures, and human beings, are considered to be as equally important and of great influence towards the survival of one another.

Analysis

While the author suggests that human beings are more powerful than animals, the assertion is more arguable. Various concepts are related to power and cannot simply be defined by a single variable. While it is true that human beings have some complexities that some other animals do not have, there is the view that they are all important and, thus, bear some characteristics that make them unique (Harari 65). As the author states, “Victory almost invariably went to those who cooperated better” (Harari 67). Both human beings and animals are of great benefit to one another and can, therefore, formulate relationships that would help to sustain one another.

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