Book Review — Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
On a trip this morning, I wrapped up the reading of “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI” by Yuval Noah Harari. Harari is an Israeli medievalist, military historian, and public intellectual. The book was released last month, and I am incredibly grateful for the person who gifted me the hardcover of this book. It looks and smells beautiful.
In Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari explores the immense power of information networks throughout human history, weaving together the evolution of communication — from early myths and religions to the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence (AI). Like his previous works, ‘Sapiens’ and ‘Homo Deus’, ‘Nexus’ blends history, technology, and philosophy, in wonderful storytelling to invite readers to rethink how humanity has always relied on these networks to build societies, wield power, and shape the future.
Harari begins by revisiting ancient networks, such as religious texts that served not only as sacred stories but as early systems of mass communication. A standout example is how the Bible, despite its inaccuracies, was instrumental in uniting vast populations. I quoted copiously to my friends as I read. Not because it was not information I was unaware of, but because of the way Harari presented it. Harari’s poignant phrase, “Information doesn’t necessarily inform us — it puts things in formation,” captures the essence of his argument. Information’s true strength lies in its ability to connect, not necessarily to convey truth. This observation highlights why religious stories, even when scientifically flawed, succeeded in creating enduring communities.
As the book transitions to the digital age, Harari focuses on modern networks driven by algorithms and data. Social media platforms, for instance, bear eerie similarities to ancient myths in how they shape collective narratives and identities. However, the difference today is that these systems are increasingly controlled by machines. Harari astutely points out, “Networks are powerful, but they are also blind,” emphasizing that while today’s networks are more complex, they often lack the human-centered wisdom needed to foresee their consequences.
One of the book’s quirky and fascinating tidbits is the fact that cat images played a crucial role in one of AI’s most important breakthroughs. What started as playful uploads of feline photos on the internet helped train neural networks, enabling them to recognize patterns and launch advancements in AI image recognition. These kinds of anecdotes showcase Harari’s knack for making even the most complex technological concepts relatable and engaging.
Harari also raises critical questions about the fairness of AI’s future economic benefits. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, AI is projected to add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Yet, Harari warns that if current trends continue, China and North America — the leading AI superpowers — are likely to claim 70% of those gains, deepening global inequality. He invites readers to reflect: Will AI’s advancements be equitably distributed, or will they further entrench existing power imbalances?
Harari’s critique of the naive optimism surrounding AI is one of the book’s strongest points. He did not waste his time singing the praises of AI since according to him, adulation of AI is everywhere you turn. Instead, he reflects on his conversations with politicians and tech entrepreneurs who champion AI as the solution to humanity’s problems. Many of them, Harari argues, have an overly simplistic view that more data and faster networks will naturally lead to better outcomes. However, as ‘Nexus’ shows, history tells us a different story: information systems, while transformative, often bring unforeseen consequences. He draws parallels to earlier technological revolutions among them the printing press, radio and television, and nudged the reader to see how naive many of our assumptions are.
But beware, Harari’s deep dives into neural networks and AI algorithms can feel dense at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with technical concepts. While these sections are vital for understanding the future of information networks, they occasionally disrupt the book’s narrative flow. It did not feel like that to me, but I encountered a few people online who think so.
In any case, Nexus is both a warning and a call to action. Harari urges us to approach AI and digital technologies with caution, recognizing that while these systems can enhance human capabilities, they can also outpace our understanding. His closing message resonates strongly: Information networks are only as wise as the humans who build and control them. If we fail to thoughtfully guide the development of AI, we may find ourselves at the mercy of the very systems we created.
Harari ends the book with a powerful reminder from history, echoing a plea made by Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and other intellectuals in 1955. They issued the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, urging world leaders to cooperate in preventing nuclear war. Their message remains alarmingly relevant today, not just for nuclear threats but also for the looming challenge of AI: “We appeal as human beings, to human beings: remember your humanity, and forget the rest. If you can do so, the way lies open to a new Paradise; if you cannot, there lies before you the risk of universal death.”
This call to “remember your humanity” serves as the book’s final plea: we must guide AI with care, or risk losing control over our future. And to countries like Nigeria who are not even in the conversation, na so you go dey look?
