Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari vs. The Design Of Everyday Things
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
The great thing about this book is that it takes a big-picture view of human history. It attempts to explain the main themes of human history without getting bogged down in the details. Sapiens also debunks many popular myths about human history, including the one that people today live happier lives and have better diets than our hunter-gatherer predecessors. It comes with an epilogue about the future of humankind in light of ever-accelerating technological progress. With the recent advances in AI it is more relevant than ever. If you're going to read one book on history this year, read this one.
The Design Of Everyday Things
Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this ingenious -- even liberating -- book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology. The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization. The Design of Everyday Things shows that good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only f...


Reviews
Reviews
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No pros yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No pros yet, would you like to add one? |
Item | Votes | Upvote |
---|---|---|
No cons yet, would you like to add one? |
Frequently Asked Questions
'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' provides a broad overview of human history and explores themes that shape human behavior over time, making it a great choice for those interested in the historical context of human actions. In contrast, 'The Design Of Everyday Things' focuses on how product design affects user behavior and interaction with everyday objects. If you're looking for a historical perspective on human behavior, 'Sapiens' is more suitable, while 'The Design Of Everyday Things' is better for understanding behavior in the context of design and usability.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' offers practical insights into how to improve user experience and product design, making it highly applicable to everyday life. It teaches readers how to recognize and address design flaws that can lead to frustration. On the other hand, 'Sapiens' provides a broader understanding of human history and societal development, which may not have immediate practical applications but can enrich one's perspective on human nature and societal trends. For practical, actionable insights, 'The Design Of Everyday Things' is the better choice.
'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' is particularly relevant today as it discusses the implications of technological advancements on humanity's future, especially in light of recent developments in AI. It encourages readers to think critically about the direction of human progress. Conversely, 'The Design Of Everyday Things' remains relevant as it addresses the importance of user-centered design in an increasingly technology-driven world. Both books are relevant, but 'Sapiens' may resonate more with those concerned about the future of humanity in the context of technology.
'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari takes a big-picture view of human history. It explains the main themes of human evolution and development without getting bogged down in details. The book also debunks many popular myths about human history, such as the idea that people today live happier lives or have better diets than our hunter-gatherer predecessors. It ends with an epilogue discussing the future of humankind in light of accelerating technological progress, making it particularly relevant given recent advances in AI.
'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' discusses several main themes, including the cognitive revolution, the agricultural revolution, the unification of humankind, and the scientific revolution. The book explores how these events have shaped human societies, cultures, and economies. It also delves into the impact of technological advancements on the future of humanity.
Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian and professor in the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is known for his bestselling books 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind', 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', and '21 Lessons for the 21st Century'. Harari's work focuses on broad historical processes and their implications for the future.
Pros of 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' include its broad, comprehensive view of human history and its ability to debunk popular myths. The book is also praised for its engaging writing style and thought-provoking insights. Cons might include its broad scope, which can sometimes lead to oversimplification of complex historical events, and the fact that some readers may find its speculative future predictions less convincing.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' is a book that explores the principles of good product design. It argues that many common usability issues stem from poor design that ignores the needs of users and cognitive psychology principles. The book emphasizes making controls and functions visible, using natural relationships, and applying intelligent constraints to guide users effortlessly.
The author of 'The Design Of Everyday Things' is Don Norman, a renowned cognitive scientist and usability engineer known for his contributions to the field of design.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' discusses several key principles of good design, including making things visible, exploiting natural relationships between controls and their functions, and using constraints intelligently to guide users towards the right actions.
'The Design Of Everyday Things' is considered a powerful primer on design because it provides clear, actionable guidelines for creating user-friendly products. It explains why certain designs frustrate users and offers practical solutions to make products more intuitive and satisfying to use.
Related Content & Alternatives
- 21.Confessions of an Advertising Man
David Ogilvy was considered the "father of advertising" and a creative genius by many of the biggest global brands. First published in 1963, this seminal book revolutionized the world of advertising and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It also became an international bestseller, translated into 14 languages. Fizzing with Ogilvy's pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, it covers not only advertising, but also people management, corporate ethics, and office politics, and forms an essential blueprint for good practice in business.
- 04.The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
The Brand Gap is the first book to present a unified theory of brand-building. Whereas most books on branding are weighted toward either a strategic or creative approach, this book shows how both ways of thinking can unite to produce a βcharismatic brandββa brand that customers feel is essential to their lives. In an entertaining two-hour read youβll learn: β’ the new definition of brand β’ the five essential disciplines of brand-building β’ how branding is changing the dynamics of competition β’ the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand β’ why collaboration is the key to brand-building β’ how design determines a customerβs experience β’ how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply β’ the importance of managing brands from the inside β’ 220-word brand glossary
- 61.Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
"Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems and entities that thrive and grow stronger in the face of stress, volatility, and chaos. Taleb introduces the concept of "antifragility," which goes beyond resilience or robustness. Through a mix of philosophy, practical wisdom, and real-world examples, Taleb illustrates how embracing uncertainty and leveraging disorder can lead to success and innovation. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, personal development, and understanding how to benefit from uncertainty and change.
- 33.The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Skin in the Game may be nice but The Black Swan is the OG Nicholas Taleb. Read this book to learn how to think and avoid biases and reread at least once very couple of years.
- 24.The Disaster Artist
The best book about the best director in the world. It was such a great book it was adapted into a movie. Bet the other books on this list can't say that!
- 31.Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
"Project Hail Mary" is a space adventure story written by Andy Weir, the same guy who wrote "The Martian." It's about a man named Ryland Grace who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he's there. He figures out he's on a mission to save Earth from disaster. The story follows him as he tries to remember his past and complete his mission, which involves a lot of science and problem-solving. Along the way, he meets an alien, and they form an unlikely friendship. The book is full of cool science stuff, suspense, and humor. It's like a mix of a mystery and a space adventure, with a lot of heart. The narration by Ray Porter is superb, with sound effects and excellent voice work.
- 13.Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography by South Africa's first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela, and it was first published in 1994 by Little Brown & Co. The book profiles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years spent in prison If you're new to South African history, as I was, this is a great starting point. Why not hear from the man who played a key part in it?
- 14.Mythos by Stephen Fry
Greek myths retold by Stephen Fry. He is both the author and the narrator of this book. His wit and sense of humor come across in both the text and in the delivery. Plus, you actually get to learn Greek myths.
- 15.Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life is William Finneganβs story about growing up obsessed with surfing. Itβs not just about catching wavesβitβs about a whole way of life thatβs demanding, addictive, and sometimes dangerous. Finnegan started young, learning to surf in California and Hawaii, and kept chasing waves into adulthood, traveling through places like Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa. Along the way, he mixes adventure with self-reflection, talking about friendships formed in the water, the culture around surfing, and how it all fit with the timesβespecially during the social changes of the 1960s and '70s. The book isnβt just about the thrill of surfing; Finnegan dives into the technical side of waves and the patience it takes to master them. Heβs honest about his youthful recklessnessβlike taking LSD before surfing a massive wave in Mauiβand the risks that came with his travels, from malaria scares to navigating shady markets. Still, surfing pulls him along, even when heβs juggling a career as a war reporter and later, family life. At its core, Barbarian Days is an old-fashioned adventure tale mixed with a thoughtful look at what it means to be hooked on something so completely. Finneganβs writing captures both the beauty and the grind of surfing, making you feel like youβre right there with himβwhether on a remote beach or paddling out into icy waves off Long Island.
- 22.Life Time by Russell Foster
A book about the circadian rhythm. Apparently, it's really misunderstood, even by your doctor. Read this book to understand your body better. It helped me improve my sleep.
- 04.Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Discover the secrets to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life with "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by HΓ©ctor GarcΓa and Francesc Miralles. This insightful book delves into the Japanese concept of ikigai, or a "reason for being," which is believed to be a key factor in the remarkable longevity of the residents of Okinawa, a Japanese village known for having the worldβs highest percentage of centenarians. Through interviews with these vibrant centenarians, the authors uncover how the principles of ikigaiβwhere passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersectβcontribute to their happiness and longevity. The book reveals the residents' daily practices, from their nutrient-rich diets and active lifestyles to their strong community bonds and purposeful work. "Ikigai" provides practical advice and tools to help readers discover their own ikigai, offering a blend of cultural wisdom and actionable steps towards a life filled with purpose, health, and joy. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their well-being and finding deeper satisfaction in everyday life.
- 11.The Black Swan
"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed "Black Swans." Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.
- 12.Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life is a nonfiction book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, published in 2018. Talebβs main point is pretty simple: people should share in the risks of the decisions they make. If you benefit from something, you should also face the downsides if things go wrong. He calls this having βskin in the game.β Without that, people can make reckless choices that hurt others while staying safe themselves. The book covers everything from politics and business to religion and everyday life. Taleb doesnβt hold back on criticism. He talks about how some policymakers and financial experts make decisions that affect millions but donβt suffer when those decisions backfire. He uses examples like bankers profiting during booms but getting bailed out during crashes. Taleb also goes after what he calls βIntellectual Yet Idiotβ typesβeducated people who, in his view, complicate things and give advice without understanding real-world consequences. He argues that real knowledge comes from doing and risking something yourself, not just sitting in a classroom or writing articles. One part of the book dives into how stubborn minoritiesβlike people who strictly follow certain dietary rulesβcan influence the majorityβs choices without even trying. Thereβs even a section where he talks about religion, saying that the idea of God taking human form (in Christianity) is the ultimate example of having skin in the game. Talebβs writing style is direct, sometimes blunt, and he isnβt shy about calling out what he sees as nonsense. The book is part of his Incerto series, which looks at uncertainty and risk in modern life. Some people love his no-nonsense approach; others find him a bit too combative. Either way, Skin in the Game is about accountabilityβif you play the game, you should be prepared to take a hit when things go south.
- 04.Fooled by Randomness
"Fooled by Randomness" is a thought-provoking book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that delves into the role of chance in our lives and how we often mistake random events for meaningful patterns. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and statistical analysis, Taleb explores how randomness affects the world of finance, business, and daily life. The book challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of success, failure, and the forces that drive outcomes. This book is ideal for readers interested in finance, probability, and the philosophical implications of randomness.
- 05.The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
"The Bed of Procrustes" is a collection of aphorisms by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that distills his philosophical insights into short, thought-provoking statements. The title refers to the Greek myth of Procrustes, symbolizing the tendency to force things into unnatural conformity. Through these aphorisms, Taleb critiques modern society's flaws, biases, and misconceptions, offering a sharp, often humorous, commentary on topics ranging from knowledge and science to wealth and human behavior. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy deep, philosophical musings and appreciate Taleb's sharp wit and unconventional perspectives.
- 11.The Creative Act
βI set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.β βRick Rubin
- 02.How to Write One Song
There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song. Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn't a cute semantic trickβit's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S songwriter can seem daunting, but approached as a focused, self-contained event, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit. And then there is the energizing, nourishing creativity that can open up. How to Write One Song brings readers into the intimate process of writing one songβlyrics, music, and putting it all togetherβand accesses the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly fulfilling, artistic act. But itβs equally about the importance of making creativity part of your life every day, and of experiencing the hope, inspiration, and joy available to anyone whoβs willing to get started.
- 11.Project Hail Mary
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance missionβand if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesnβt know that. He canβt even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that heβs been asleep for a very, very long time. And heβs just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, itβs up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mysteryβand conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, heβs got to do it all alone. Or does he? An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martianβwhile taking us to places it never dreamed of going.
- 12.A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow is a historical fiction novel by Amor Towles. It follows Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who, after the Bolshevik Revolution, is sentenced to house arrest in the grand Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Instead of being imprisoned in a cell, heβs confined to the hotel, which becomes both his cage and his world. The story spans several decades, starting in the 1920s and running through key moments of Soviet history. Most of it unfolds inside the hotel, which is no ordinary placeβit's a bustling, self-contained universe. Rostov, who begins the story living in a lavish suite, is forced to move into a tiny attic room. Despite this fall from grace, he navigates his new life with wit and charm, forming friendships with the hotel staff, guests, and unexpected visitors. The book isnβt just about the Countβs personal journeyβitβs also about how time changes people and places, how history creeps in even when youβre standing still, and how small acts of kindness and loyalty can shape a lifetime. The setting, the Metropol, is richly described, from fine dining rooms to back corridors. Thereβs a good bit about food, music, and Russian culture, and plenty of philosophical musings, but it never gets too heavy. At its core, the novel is about making the best of what life throws at you. The Count is an old-world gentleman stuck in a new world that wants to forget people like him. How he handles thatβsometimes with grace, sometimes with stubbornnessβis what makes the book compelling. It's quietly dramatic, occasionally funny, and surprisingly heartwarming, all without needing big action scenes.