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Nexus

A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

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Nexus

By: Yuval Noah Harari
Narrated by: Vidish Athavale
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The story of how information networks have made, and unmade, our world from the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Sapiens

Stories
brought us together.

Books spread our ideas – and our mythologies.

The internet promised infinite knowledge.

The algorithm learned our secrets – and then turned us against each other.

What will AI do?

NEXUS is the thrilling account of how we arrived at this moment, and the urgent choices we must now make to survive – and to thrive.

©2024 Yuval Noah Harari (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Anthropology Best of 2024 Computer Science Editors Select Future Studies Machine Theory & Artificial Intelligence Social Sciences Thought-Provoking

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Editorial Review

A synthesis of human history, for the AI age
Though you don’t need to have listened to Sapiens or Homo Deus to enjoy Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari’s latest feels like a logical continuation of his previous explorations of human history. Harari once again excels at distilling thousands of years of history into accessible observations that simultaneously feel both obvious and revelatory, this time performed by Vidish Athavale. From the oral storytelling of our past, to the audiobooks and podcasts of our present and the AI of our future, Harari shows how we’re on the precipice of another great (but potentially devastating) cultural and technological shift in information sharing – alongside some potential solutions to ensure that we continue to harness tech and information to our benefit, rather than our detriment. — Michael C., Audible Editor

Critic reviews

'Tremendous, thought-provoking and so very well reasoned. Harari gives us a vision of a rapidly approaching future that is at one and the same time thrilling and chilling. If there is one book that I would urge everyone to read – our political, corporate and cultural leaders most especially – it is Nexus' (STEPHEN FRY)

'Harari has a unique ability to unite both history’s finest details and its grandest megatrends in a single view. This deeply important book comes at a critical time as we all think through the implications of AI' (MUSTAFA SULEYMAN)

'Harari is one of the most remarkable intellects of our generation – bold, original, erudite, provocative and entrancing. His latest book reimagines everything from literacy to AI and – like all his books – fundamentally shifts one’s view of the world' (Rory Stewart)

What listeners say about Nexus

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One of the best books of all time

An incredibly well explained thought process, based on historical facts, put together with such precision and logic. I think everyone should read this book. I learned so much about the topic but also so much about Yuval’s inspirational way of thinking and explaining. Outstanding contribution to the world!

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captivating

The nature of authority is strongly tied to the nature and flow of information, and I really like the fact that the author brings this up, while, whenever anyone mentions information, there is either a discussion on quality, automation (AI), or surveillance. This book touches on all of these, and more, at some point along the way, in various ways, to end up being a broadly educational book, with wide access.
Another good book from the author. What will he write about next? Looking forward to it.

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lots of food for thought

a good historical context showing how we have a high probability of repeating the mistakes of the past.

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Mind bending

Thoughts we need to take into account if we want to prevent catastrophic evolution on AI development. Everyone should be familiar with this possible scenarios and warnings from our own past.

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I understood this book

Such deep complex topics described in a totally accessible & nontechnical way, great storytelling, is the 15 word minimum review satisfied yet?

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Yuval is the best

Another very informative book by Yuval Noah Harari, I won’t go into detail but everyone should listen to this book and be aware of the possibilities humanity has in store for the future

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A Deeply Thought Provoking and Worrying Book

A fascinating, carefully thought-out insight into the development of data networks, building towards a profoundly worrying conclusion.

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Brilliant, yet terrifying

A sharp view on the course of our species, offering a counter to the utopian visions of tech entrepreneurs trying to cash in on the AI boom without heeding its dangers. Cannot recommend this book highly enough.

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Excellent book about the changing world into the AI age

Deep, thought provoking, smart and very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. The narrator was very good.

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A Thought-provoking perspective on the implications of AI in the context of thousands of years of human history

In "Nexus," Yuval Noah Harari delivers yet another thought-provoking exploration of humanity's past, present, and potential future. This time, his focus is on the intricate and ever-evolving networks of information that have shaped our world.

Harari masterfully weaves together historical analysis with philosophical insights, tracing the development of communication from ancient storytelling to the rise of AI. He argues that these networks, or "nexus points," are not merely conduits for data but powerful forces that mold our societies, economies, and even our very identities.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to connect seemingly disparate phenomena. Harari draws parallels between the spread of religious beliefs in ancient times and the viral nature of information in the digital age, revealing how similar dynamics of influence and manipulation are at play. He also delves into the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.

While "Nexus" raises some unsettling questions about the future, it is not a work of dystopian pessimism. Harari offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the potential benefits of AI while urging us to be mindful of its ethical implications. He calls for a global conversation about how we can harness the power of information technology for good while mitigating its risks.

As with Harari's previous works, "Nexus" is written in a clear and accessible style that makes complex ideas easy to grasp. It's a book that will challenge your assumptions, expand your understanding of the world, and leave you pondering the profound questions it raises long after you've finished reading.

Thoroughly recommend!

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