Why Humans Run the World - Yuval Noah Harari on TED | Summary and Q&A

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November 9, 2017
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Yuval Noah Harari
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Why Humans Run the World - Yuval Noah Harari on TED

TL;DR

Humans control the world because they are the only animals that can cooperate flexibly and in large numbers, thanks to their ability to create and believe in fictional stories.

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Key Insights

  • 😌 The real difference between humans and other animals lies in their ability to cooperate both flexibly and in large numbers.
  • 😒 Humans achieve this through the use of language and the creation of fictional stories that enable the belief in shared norms and values.
  • 👻 Cooperation based on fiction has allowed humans to achieve remarkable feats throughout history.
  • ✊ The power of human cooperation is evident in various domains, including religion, law, politics, and the economy.
  • 🫱 While fictional stories can lead to positive outcomes, such as human rights or technological advancements, they can also be the basis for negative actions, such as wars or oppressive regimes.
  • ❓ The future may bring challenges related to the potential obsolescence of humans as advanced technologies continue to evolve.
  • ❓ Understanding the dual reality of humans, both objective and fictional, is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of our society.

Transcript

(pinging) (energizing music) (applause) - 70,000 years ago, our ancestors were insignificant animals. The most important thing to know about prehistoric humans is that they were unimportant. Their impact on the world was not much greater than that of jellyfish or fireflies or woodpeckers. Today in contrast, we control this planet. And the question ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main difference between humans and other animals when it comes to cooperation?

The main difference is that humans can cooperate flexibly and in large numbers with strangers, while most other animals either have rigid social structures or can only cooperate in small groups where individuals know each other intimately.

Q: How did humans become the rulers of the planet?

Humans gained control by leveraging their ability to create and believe in fictional stories. This allowed them to cooperate on a massive scale, beyond what any other animal could achieve.

Q: Are all forms of human cooperation based on fictional stories?

Yes, all forms of mass-scale human cooperation, including religion, legal systems, political structures, and even the global economy, are based on fictional stories that humans have invented and collectively believe in.

Q: What are the implications of the potential obsolescence of humans in the face of advancing technologies?

If computers continue to outperform humans in most tasks, there is a possibility of creating a new class of useless people. This raises questions about the role and necessity of humans in a future society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Humans evolved from insignificant apes to rulers of the planet due to their ability to cooperate both flexibly and in large numbers.

  • While other animals can also cooperate, they are limited either by inflexible social structures or by the need for intimate knowledge of their peers.

  • Humans, on the other hand, can cooperate with strangers on a global scale, thanks to their capacity for imagination and the ability to believe in fictional stories.

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