Both the Cognitive Revolution and the Agricultural Revolution are fundamental events that lay all the ground work for the successful society we live in today. These events didn’t happen overnight however, they occurred over tens of thousands of years spanning generations and cultures around the globe. The Cognitive Revolution took place approximately 70,000 years ago when humans began developing what could be described as “imagination” (Harari, p. 20). This expanded way of thinking leads to humans creating a social network within groups. Humans could now express more specific and complicated thoughts which would ultimately lead to a more successful species with a much better chance of surviving. The Agricultural Revolution takes place roughly around 10,000 B.C., when humans began developing and progressing at a faster rate. Now realizing that the hunter/gatherer way of life isn’t necessary, humans begin to settle down in areas as opposed to following food. Humans could build thriving camps and societies without the need to constantly be on the move. Farming became the standard, and it was better, more successful way of living for these humans. This easier, less stressful way of life meant more free time for these early humans, and thus allowing the art, religion and the like to begin taking shape.
According to Harari, the homo sapiens conquered the earth because of their unique languages and culture. As far as physical abilities go, the Neanderthal was superior to the homo sapiens, but the homo sapiens larger brain capacity allowed for the social aspect of tribes to evolve, thus further separating the two groups. This heightened level of thinking allowed for complex relationships to form within groups of homo sapiens. This created a more reliable form of communication between homo sapiens, allowing for the fast transfer of information and more cooperation in groups. I’ve heard this theory before, but Harari explains it very in-depth, and I agree with every aspect. The speed at which early humans grew intellectually is astounding, and Harari is very good at explaining the smaller details that might get lost in a broader explanation. I didn’t think anything was persuasive, mostly because these claims are all based in fact and science and comparing it to other scientific readings on the same topic lead me to believe Harari isn’t making stuff up as he goes. I would say that Harari’s beliefs are my own, in that we both agree on how homo sapiens became dominant.