Homo Deus: Humanity’s Evolution from Social Institutions to World Peace

In episode #10 we completed our review of Harari’s book, but there is still a little bit more to talk about. Throughout this podcast I have referred to re-training our desires and learning new methods of cooperating, but I haven’t discussed many details. In this wrap-up episode, we will consider what this training might look like. What kinds of groups might you join? What are the common pitfalls for these groups? We will finish by considering how this training might be the missing ingredient in our efforts to address climate change.For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/11-practice-makes-perfect-ec6b16d07095

Having established that humanism is in decline, Harari addresses the question, ‘what new religions or ideologies might fill the resulting vacuum?’ Two religions that are already here and may step forward are Techno-Humanism and the Data Religion. We will discuss the likelihood of these technology-religions succeeding and also loop back to the concept of survival of the fittest. Will humanity really be more fit for survival within the earthly ecosystems if these religions do succeed? Does it even matter?For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/10-survival-of-the-fittest-6303e6950d42

In chapter 9 of his book, Harari discusses the threats posed by Artificial Intelligence including (1) undermining our understanding of ourselves as individuals, (2) eliminating employment for the majority of humanity and (3) taking over the world and wiping out humans. We will discuss these risks as well as other existential risks faced by humanity such as the eruption of a super-volcano or invasion by an alien species. With all these risks facing us, where should we focus our attention?For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/9-the-risk-of-alien-invasion-5e1b1497ada8

In chapter 8 of his book, Harari describes how advances in science are undermining the ‘facts’ that Humanism depends on. When these advances result in changes to everyday technology, routine activities and economic structures, it is hard to see how Humanism will last. We will talk about some of these technological advances, such as robo-rats. In addition, given that Humanism may be in decline, we will look back to some of the previous transition points in our path of development and see if there are any lessons for today.For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/8-transition-points-in-our-development-24eb9379868c

In chapter 7 of his book, Harari gives his fullest description of the Humanist religion. In modern society, humanity plays the role that God used to play in monotheism. This transition, started in Europe, lead to important changes in the way Ethics, Politics, Art, Economics and Education are approached. On the other hand, all forms of Humanism and Monotheism agree on some points such as murder and theft being wrong. Is it possible to find any solid ground behind these common conclusions? If Humanism loses its organizing power, like so many religions before it, can these common conclusions point to a possible future?For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/7-solid-ground-for-ethics-a8a6575123d7

In chapter 6 of his book, Harari sums up our current predicament well. Modernity is a deal he tells us - humans give up meaning in exchange for power. This deal is fuelled by economic growth and the hope of endless future economic growth. The nemesis of this deal is ecological collapse including climate change. Is it rationale to put our hope for the future in continuing economic growth? If not, where can we find hope? Is it possible to find an enduring hope that energizes us to directly face our problems and overcome them?For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/6-hope-is-a-fuel-5d9d4cbbebca

In chapter 5 of his book, Harari talks about the relationship between science and religion. It seems that people have already said a million times everything there is to say about this question. Yet in practice Harari tells us, science and religion are like a husband and wife who after 500 years of marriage counselling still don't know each other – they are the odd couple. What Harari says in this chapter makes a lot of sense. But neither scientists nor religious adherents seem to understand it. Why there is still so much confusion? For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.comTranscript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/5-the-veil-of-misunderstanding-e162d74ef41b

In chapter 4 of his book, Harari explains how ancient Sumerian gods are similar to today’s corporations.  This sounds odd at first, but Harari explains how both the Sumerian god Enki and the modern Apple corporation can accomplish a great deal – if we all act like they really exist. Also, we will discuss how Harari’s book Homo Deus, is similar to the Bible. Again, it sounds odd, but we will see if we can find any strong similarities.For comments and questions:  brianpracticingforpeace@zohomail.com Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/4-losing-your-religion-is-difficult-9000e9a3d78c