Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

The Anthropocene represents a proposed geological epoch highlighting the significant impact of human activities on Earth’s geology and ecosystems. Harari uses this concept to mark a paradigm shift in Earth’s history, where human actions have become the dominant influence on the planet’s environment and climate. This epoch is characterized by phenomena such as widespread species extinctions, climate change, and large-scale industrialization. By contextualizing human history within the Anthropocene, Harari emphasizes the responsibility and power humans hold in shaping the planet’s future as well as the potential consequences of their actions.

Bioengineering, in Homo Deus, refers to the fusion of biology and engineering principles to create new technologies and products. Harari examines how bioengineering could lead to significant advancements in medicine and agriculture and the creation of artificial life. He speculates on the possibility of bioengineered organisms surpassing natural ones in terms of efficiency, potentially leading to a new phase of evolution where biological and technological elements are indistinguishable. Harari’s discussion raises philosophical questions about the nature of life and the future of human evolution.

Cyborgs, as discussed by Harari, are beings that combine organic and biomechatronic body parts. He explores the implications of cyborg technologies in extending human capabilities and blurring the lines between the biological and the mechanical. Harari envisions a future where cyborg enhancements could become commonplace, challenging an understanding of what it means to be human. He also discusses the potential social and ethical implications of such technologies, including issues of inequality and identity.

Dataism, a central theme in Harari’s narrative, is an emerging worldview that values data and its processing above all else. Harari describes it as an ideology or quasi-religion that sees the universe in terms of data flows and information processing. He suggests that dataism challenges traditional human-centric philosophies by proposing that the value of any entity, including human experiences and emotions, is determined by its contribution to data processing. This shift from a human-centric to a data-centric view of the universe is one of Harari’s key predictions for the future.

In Homo Deus, Harari defines humanism as a worldview that centers human interests, values, and experiences. He explores the evolution of humanism, tracing its rise to prominence and its role in shaping modern societies. Harari contrasts humanism with dataism, examining the potential decline of human-centric values in the face of technological advancements and the rise of data-centric thinking. He discusses how humanism has influenced art, politics, and ethics and speculates on its future in a world where technology may surpass human intelligence and decision-making capabilities.

Intersubjective reality, as used by Harari, refers to a shared reality constructed by collective human beliefs, narratives, and agreements. He explains that this concept is foundational to the functioning of human societies, as it allows for the creation of social constructs like money, nations, and religions. Harari argues that these constructs, while not objectively real, have real-world effects because they are believed in and acted upon by large groups of people. This idea is central to understanding how human societies have evolved and how they might continue to evolve in the future.

Harari uses the term “post-humanism” to describe a potential future where humans transcend their current biological limitations, potentially through technological advancements. He discusses how post-humanism implies a shift beyond traditional humanist values, often involving enhanced capabilities or altered human experiences. Harari speculates on the implications of such a shift, considering how technology might fundamentally change what it means to be human.

Techno-humanism, as explored by Harari, supports using technology to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities. He examines how techno-humanism might direct future human development, where technology not only solves problems but also changes human nature. Harari discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of such advancements, including issues of inequality, identity, and the definition of humanity.

Techno-religion, according to Harari, describes emerging belief systems that center around technology as a source of salvation and enlightenment. He explores this concept as a potential evolution of human belief systems in an increasingly technology-driven world. Harari speculates on the forms these techno-religions might take and their impact on society and individual identity.

Harari defines “transhumanism” as the belief in transcending human limitations through technology. This concept encompasses ideas like life extension, AI, and the merging of humans with machines. Harari highlights the philosophical questions raised by such advancements, considering their potential to reshape human existence and society.