21 Lessons for the 21st Century: By Yuval Noah Harari

 

‘’ In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power’’  –  Yuval Noah Harari.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future is unpredictable, and tragedy is inventible ..

 

No one knows what’s going to happen within the upcoming minutes or even what to have for dinner. Be it pasta, salad, pizza, you have no idea. Its an enigma waiting to be solved. Both our personal choices as well as the cosmopolitan innovations encompassing us. Its like living in pandora's box, not knowing what to expect from the outside world. Positive or negative, you’ll just go with the flow like always. 

 

As creepy as that is, there are still ways to prepare. However, preparation in that sense is all about learning. Learning from previous encounters and affairs, especially the tragic ones that live rent-free in our minds. Taking knowledge as a coping mechanism for survival is not something to be reluctant about. In fact, the former is something we all need to preserve. For, past experiences act as an accurate ground, needed for such unpredictable circumstances within the near future.  The future we’re in and the continuity of it with the generations to come. 

 

 

 

 

Amid all the books and studies I was able to secure and absorb like a sacred scripture, Yuval Harari’s books were the only collection that did prepare me mentally and physically for what’s yet to come. I don’t think I need to praise Harari, for he’s known for his amazing work. But the book that I consider as my personal survival shield is  21 lessons for the 21^st century.

 

If you’re a political science student/ graduate or even someone well informed in the profession, then you’re defiantly familiar with the phrase soft power. If not, then its ok I’ll address the voids for you, due to its importance within the book's theme and discussion 

 

So for beginners, soft power is another type of power that requires no physical restrain. It’s an influential transition of change that comes indirectly out of the blue. That kind of power and domination is assembled through books, movies, tv shows and more. Its so influencing that you cant even notice it knocking on your door or even its weird presence next to you (look at your surroundings and you’ll see). 

 

 

 

In his book, 21 lessons for the 21^st century, Harari covered major considerable issues, surfacing our lives. Both national and international. Through his writing, the author has provided all sorts of arguments and imageries needed for one to understand the fact-based ethos of our vicinity that are not being taken into consideration. As a matter of fact, the global changes we’re witnessing at the moment are left on the side because of our hesitancy and ignorance in regards to its urgency. With that, extensive indications through analytical explanation were provided, that allows one to decide the legality and seriousness of such a topic through their own logic and perception. 

 

There’s a lot to fear and that’s something we can’t avoid or even leave behind, because it somehow finds its way to us.

 

By means, Harari is absolutely not willing to sugarcoat factual information and the danger of such issues. Especially when our reality at the moment is exhibiting everything that opposes peace and relates to fear. 

The general global change we’re facing folds under social, economic, political, and technological aspects, which have been covered in the book.  However, I’ll be focusing on one major topic that I’m personally concerned about as well as the author himself, as most of his works and lectures revolve around it.  And its AI . 

 

With that, lets begin and hope for better future outcomes when serious inputs are made to be discussed and displayed to the public view and notice.  

 

AI .. 

 

What do you really know about such a thing, other than the illusion of connectivity and an easy flexible lifestyle?. 

 

. 

 

. 

 

.

 

Exactly.

None.

 

 

What do you know?.

I’ll answer that with words of wisdom from the author himself. 

 

‘’ Perhaps most importantly artificial intelligence and biotechnology

Are giving humanity the power to reshape.

And re-engineer life’’. 

 

 

 

You didn’t expect that answer right?. You thought it would all be rainbows and unicorns when it comes to AI and its related acquaintance. 

But unfortunately, this is not how everything is or even used to be. 

When resembling AI, it’s important to consider the negative outcomes before being hooked with the loving sensation of such a thing. Look deeply and study it ahead before depending your life and existence on it. For, once your attachment starts to buildup, that’s when a its all over for you. At that moment you can pretend to be a robot, because mentally you are. A bridge has been formed between you and the technological innovations up in the market. That a normal task can never be accomplished without being attached to wires and devices. 

I mean can you even have a normal afternoon jog without being hitched to your smartwatch or smartphone?. Nope. And if its my position to ask you why, you would say, its to track your miles, listen to your playlist and check on the calories you burned.

 

Again .. imagine going out to get coffee or some groceries without your phone.

You would have a mental breakdown, if not a mini heart attack.

 

My apologies, why would you even physically go to get coffee or groceries when the apps are there to do it for you. One tap and everything will be delivered in the shortest amount of time.

Its like the genie from Aladdin. Is it not?

 

But did any of the aforementioned ring a bell?

 

What about those applications and gadgets?. Aren’t they taking the position of …

 

 

Yes the position of an actual human being.

You and me.

 

We have given them more potential than accustomed, to the point of filling employment voids with mechanic beings instead of flesh and bones. Although rational thinking is a gift, real humans possess, now it seems like the opposite. 

Maybe we’re wrong, maybe our logical intuition and intelligence is downgrading and there’s nothing to unite us humans anymore?. Everything proves the former to be right and factual. We have lost our battle with AI, and our only way to unite and gain the strength needed is through one thing which I’ll quote the author with

 

‘’ Crucial step towards uniting humankind is to appreciate 

That humans have bodies’’.

 

 

Yes maybe that’s our last and final way out for salvation concerning mankind’s survival, to fight for our existence through human bodies. Our flesh. Maybe we can win. Or maybe not..  .

 

Although the book covered multiple topics from political, economic, military-related and more (you will enjoy the other topics too!). I wanted to focus more on AI. Because its a major means to a tragic end. A mysterious end with no clear view and picture concerning forthcoming events. Not only that, but our well-being and survival is tending to depend on such things. Thereby, its important to take it as way to be well-educated about the topic through the lenses of the well-informed. 

 

Finally I just want to appraise the author for doing such a great job in lecturing readers and directing his attention to subjects that endanger mankind’s survival in the long-term.

 

I didn’t mean to scare you

I just wanted to clarify the reality of things that are controlling us and our lives when it used to be the opposite.

 

My advice to you is to purchase the book yourself and study the points pointed out by the author. Absorb the information as if your life depends on them, for they are considered as a necessity for survival in a world where everything is technologically chosen and acted upon.