Nexus

by Yuval Noah Harari
Nexus cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £28.00
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  • ID: 2987
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780593734230
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-09-16
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Nexus delves into the intricate relationship between information and power, tracing humanity's journey from the Stone Age to the brink of the AI era. Harari examines how different societies have used information to shape their destinies, from the canonization of the Bible to the rise of populism today. This book is a timely exploration of the choices we face as non-human intelligence threatens our existence, offering a hopeful middle ground between information as a weapon and as a path to truth. Through a sweeping historical lens, Harari reveals how information networks have both elevated and endangered humanity. He challenges us to reconsider our self-destructive tendencies and rediscover our shared humanity in the face of technological advancements.

Reviews
Australian Book Review · Robyn Arianrhod · 2024-11-13
fascinating 4.00

The reviewer is intrigued by the connection between AI and ancient storytelling, finding Harari's exploration both fascinating and relevant.

Robyn Arianrhod from the Australian Book Review is captivated by Harari's exploration of the link between AI and ancient storytelling. They find the book's premise intriguing and appreciate Harari's ability to draw parallels between the Stone Age and modern technology. The reviewer highlights the book's relevance in today's digital age, where information networks play a crucial role. They praise Harari's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, making 'Nexus' a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    A book connecting Artificial Intelligence with storytelling around a Stone Age campfire certainly piqued my interest.

    Harari's ability to draw parallels between ancient and modern information networks is both fascinating and relevant.

    The book's exploration of the human desire for an infallible source of knowledge is particularly compelling.

The Guardian · 2024-09-11
cautious 3.00

The reviewer appreciates Harari's narrative skills but finds his apocalyptic views on AI implausible. They question the credibility of his predictions.

The Guardian's reviewer highlights Harari's talent for storytelling but expresses skepticism about his dire predictions regarding AI. They argue that while his historical insights are compelling, his apocalyptic scenarios stretch credibility. The reviewer suggests that Harari's tendency to dwell on worst-case scenarios detracts from the overall impact of his arguments. Despite this, they acknowledge that his exploration of human cooperation and the potential of AI is thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Sapiens author may be a superb narrative writer, but his apocalyptic pontificating about AI stretches credulity.

    Harari's talent for weaving together disparate threads of history is on full display.

    The book's strength lies in its historical insights, but its speculative future scenarios feel overblown.

Medium · jamrobcar · 2024-09-10
mixed 3.50

The reviewer finds the book quintessentially Harari, with both strengths and weaknesses. They recommend reading it with a critical eye.

The Medium reviewer notes that 'Nexus' is quintessentially Harari, embodying both the best and worst of his writing style. They appreciate his unique perspective on the intersection of society and information but caution readers to approach the book with a critical mindset. The reviewer suggests that while Harari's insights are valuable, they should be taken with a grain of salt. They highlight the book's ability to provoke thought and spark discussion, making it a worthwhile read despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    It's pure Harari — both the good and the bad of what that means.

    It's worth reading and taking with a few grains of salt.

    Harari's unique perspective on the intersection of society and information is both enlightening and thought-provoking.

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