This is a pretty remarkable accomplishment not only of erudition, but of the presentation of erudition. Harari is super smart, the ideas pop all over the place, and writing really shines. The last couple of non-polisci nonfictions I have read - this and Silberman's Neurotribes -- both present beautiful blends of great knowledge with well-crafted prose.

I had a few quibbles here and there, but a lot more WOW moments. A few spots toward the end, e.g., the pitch for the study of human happiness in history, seemed a little overdone. But the ideas never fail to provoke thought. This is a really good read if you want to learn and think about the human condition.

Note to self: This works with Suedendorf's The Gap and Wilson's The Social Conquest of Nature to reinforce the distinctive centrality of sociality, especially facilitated by language (shared symbolic representation), to Sapiens' distinctiveness and success.