Are you aware of “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI” by Yuval Noah Harari. Published in September 2024, this book explores humanity’s journey into the Information Age, examining how the flow of information has shaped our world from ancient times to the present AI revolution.
In “Nexus,” Harari delves into the complex relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power. He discusses how various societies and political systems have utilized information to achieve their objectives and impose order, both positively and negatively. The book also addresses the urgent choices we face today as artificial intelligence poses new challenges to human existence.
Nexus examines human history from a broad perspective, exploring how the flow of information has shaped both our species and the world we inhabit. From the Stone Age to the canonization of the Bible, the witch hunts of the early modern era, Stalinism, Nazism, and the rise of populism today, Yuval Noah Harari invites us to reflect on the intricate relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power. He delves into how various societies and political systems throughout history have used information to pursue their objectives, both positively and negatively. Additionally, he highlights the critical choices we face in an era where non-human intelligence poses a potential threat to our survival.
The book has received mixed reviews. On Goodreads, it holds an average rating of 4.19 out of 5, based on over 11,000 ratings and 1,400 reviews, indicating generally positive reception from readers. Goodreads
If you’re interested in exploring how information networks have influenced human history and considering the implications of AI on our future, “Nexus” could be a thought-provoking read.