Media & Culture
These are some of my favorite individual books—works that have had a profound impact on how I think about the world.
Sapiens is a groundbreaking exploration of the history and impact of Homo sapiens on the world. Harari traces the evolution of our species from the Stone Age to the present, examining how we came to dominate the planet and what that means for our future.
The book is divided into three major revolutions: the Cognitive Revolution (70,000 years ago), the Agricultural Revolution (12,000 years ago), and the Scientific Revolution (500 years ago). Harari argues that our ability to create and believe in shared fictions—like money, nations, and corporations—is what allowed us to cooperate in large numbers and build complex societies.
Sapiens completely changed how I think about human history and society. Harari's ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into a coherent narrative is remarkable. The book challenges conventional wisdom and forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew about humanity's past and present.
It's both deeply informative and highly readable, making complex ideas accessible without dumbing them down. The book raises profound questions about happiness, progress, and what it means to be human.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic adventure novel by French author Alexandre Dumas. It tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is wrongfully imprisoned and escapes to seek revenge against those who betrayed him.
The novel is a masterpiece of plotting and character development. It explores themes of justice, revenge, forgiveness, and the corrupting nature of power. Dumas weaves together multiple storylines and characters in a complex narrative that spans decades.
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most satisfying revenge stories ever written. Dumas is a master storyteller who creates compelling characters and intricate plots. The novel is both a thrilling adventure and a profound exploration of human nature.
The book's exploration of revenge—its costs, its satisfactions, and its ultimate emptiness—is thought-provoking. It's a long book, but every page feels necessary, building toward a powerful conclusion.
The character of Edmond Dantès is fascinating: we watch him transform from an innocent young man into a sophisticated, calculating avenger, and ultimately someone who must decide what really matters in life.