Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

Chapter 2 explores the human-induced epoch in the Earth’s history, marking the significant impact Homo sapiens have had on the planet’s ecosystems and other species. This period is characterized by humans becoming the dominant force in altering the global environment and driving massive extinctions, akin to natural forces like volcanic eruptions or asteroid collisions.

Harari illustrates the shift from the era of hunter-gatherers, where humans lived as one among many species, to the agricultural revolution, which transformed humans into gods, he contends, over other species. This transformation saw a significant reduction in wildlife populations and the rise of domesticated animals. For example, the number of wild wolves pales in comparison to domestic dogs, and there are more chickens than penguins worldwide. Humans, through their activities, have become the most influential factor in global ecology, a phenomenon without precedent in the Earth’s history.

The chapter also explores how the agricultural revolution led to the creation of theist religions, which justified human dominance over other species. These religions created a hierarchy with humans at the top, sanctioning the exploitation of animals for human benefit: “The Agricultural Revolution gave humans the power to ensure the survival and reproduction of domesticated animals while ignoring their

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