21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari, a professor of history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has just released his fourth book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. This book serves to remind us all of the intense changes and challenges we are facing, but also to provide us with the tools and wisdom we need to navigate through these times of unprecedented technological and social transformation.

The first lesson from Harari’s book is to accept that uncertainty is the only certain outcome of life. Harari warns us against following heavily worn paths, as if it were some kind of prophecy, to prepare for an ever-changing world. We must let go of our desire for certainty and embrace the uncertainty in our everyday lives, because nothing is permanent nor ever will be.

The second lesson is to develop critical thinking skills. Now more than ever, good quality information is key to learning and succeeding in academics, workplace, and life in general. We must be able to recognize facts from falsehoods and navigate the dangers of manipulated information.

Third, we must understand that the way to solve complex social and political issues is to find common values and goals that people can agree on. The problems that face us in the 21st century are not the same ones our parents or even our grandparents faced. Rather, they are rapidly evolving, so if we want to find a lasting and meaningful solution it has to come from understanding the perspectives of different sides and finding bridges between them. We must keep a global outlook and be open to foreign ideas without compromising our own beliefs.

The fourth lesson is to accept the responsibility of change. Harari emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves about the world and how it is changing. We need to proactively be the change that we wish to see instead of passively waiting for someone else to do it. We must also recognize that the future is unpredictable and that our actions today can determine the fate of the world.

The fifth lesson of the book is to energize democracy by participating in politics. Harari believes that democracy is the only way to keep humanity safe from oppressive leaders and ideologies, and that it is our responsibility to be engaged citizens. We have to remember that our vote isn’t just part of a democracy, it is an obligation of our collective survival.

The sixth lesson is to find the right balance between globalism and localism. Harari reminds us that globalism can bring great opportunities and, at the same time, bring harm to various cultures and hinder our collective growth. We must strive to embrace diversity while maintaining a sense of global solidarity.

The seventh lesson is to be aware of the power of technology and its implications. Harari warns us against blindly trusting the advances of technology, reminding us how artificial intelligence and other technologies can be used for harm if we do not think about their consequences. We should also be aware of the potential distortion of facts and biased opinions in the age of social media, even though technology has become so embedded in our lives.

The eighth lesson is to make the pursuit of knowledge a lifelong ambition. Harari emphasizes how difficult it is for a society to stay ahead of the forces of change. We must constantly be learning in order to remain ahead of the curve, keeping ourselves and the world at large educated and informed.

The ninth lesson is to use our money with purpose. Harari encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our purchases and investments and to think beyond what is practical and profitable today. We should be thoughtfully spending our money so it makes positive change in the world.

The tenth lesson is to understand and appreciate the power of emotions. Harari believes that harnessing the power of emotions is necessary to make sense of our thoughts and to make constructive choices. Understanding our own emotions and learning to empathize with the emotions of others is key to developing healthy relationships and a more human society.

The eleventh lesson is to focus less on success and more on fulfillment. Harari mentions that we should not measure progress only by monetary or materialistic gains. We must strive for personal fulfillment, as it is the only measure of true happiness.

The twelfth lesson is to prioritize human relationships over technology. Harari cautions us against becoming too reliant on technology or letting it take priority over human relationships. We should emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue and reconciliation with our fellow humans rather than simplifying matters of emotion and identity into digits on a screen.

The thirteenth lesson is to reimagine our relationship with animals. Harari encourages us to recognize the immense potential of animals to be a closer part of our lives, both emotionally and functionally. He believes that the closer humans get with animals the more we will be able to understand ourselves and our own emotions.

The fourteenth lesson is to imagine a world without money. Harari suggests that the global system of money and markets does not meet our social and ecological needs, instead artificially creating immense wealth for a limited amount of people. We must seek to come up with a better system, one that could meet the needs of all people sustainably and fairly.

The fifteenth lesson is to be aware of the power of machines. We need to reassess our relationship with machines and artificial intelligence in order to remain in control of our lives and future. By understanding the power of machines and their influence on our society, we can prepare ourselves to be ethically conscious and, hopefully, to use them responsibly.

The sixteenth lesson is to recognize religion’s role in the 21st century. While it is important to understand the fundamentals of different religions, Harari implores us to move past them and focus more on finding our common values and reaching a spiritual understanding. We need to move away from the notion of religion being used as a force of exclusion and towards using it as a tool of inclusion and peace.

The seventeenth lesson is to appreciate differences and strive for unity. In a world where different beliefs and opinions are abundant, Harari asks us to find a way to appreciate every single perspective. We must use our creativity, flexibility, and understanding to bridge the gaps between different communities and create a sense of unity.

The eighteenth lesson is to embrace cultural relativism without succumbing to moral relativism. Harari insists that while it is important to recognize cultural differences, we should never forget the importance of universal moral values that bind us all together.

The nineteenth lesson is to recognize our responsibility in the world’s problems. Harari believes that if we are serious about improving the world and resolving the issues it faces, we must take responsibility for our roles. We have to have the courage to be accountable and to take action.

The twentieth lesson is to embrace frugality. Harari encourages us to move away from our consumer lifestyles and appreciate the things that money can’t buy. We should learn to appreciate the small and meaningful moments in life and the importance of living in the moment.

Finally, the twenty first lesson is to seek peaceful solutions to intractable conflicts. Harari pleads with us to not become embroiled in partisan politics, instead recognizing the need for peaceful negotiations, dialogue, and understanding. He implores us to reject any kind of violence and to strive for a humane and peaceful resolution of all conflicts.

These twenty one lessons that Yuval Noah Harari imparts on us in 21 Lessons for the 21st Century are not only a stark reminder of the treacherous landscape that we live in today but also a call to arms empowering us to make a positive change. We must strive to embody the lessons that Harari speaks of and to live up to our responsibility in the world, remembering that we have the power to determine our collective future.