We did not domesticate wheat; wheat domesticated us.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that human civilization is shaped more by the domestication of crops than the other way around.
Yuval Noah Harari's quote highlights the profound impact that agricultural practices, particularly the domestication of wheat, have had on the development of human society. It suggests that rather than humans controlling wheat through cultivation, it is the demands and necessities of wheat cultivation that have shaped human behavior, social structures, and the course of history. This idea challenges traditional views of human agency in the development of civilization.
In practice
In a lecture on the development of society, I might say, 'As Yuval Noah Harari put it, we did not domesticate wheat; wheat domesticated us.'
We control the world basically because we are the only animals that can cooperate flexibly in very large numbers. And if you examine any large-scale human cooperation, you will always find that it is based on some fiction like the nation, like money, like human rights.
I titled the book 'Homo Deus' because we really are becoming gods in the most literal sense possible. We are acquiring abilities that have always been thought to be divine abilities - in particular, the ability to create life. And we can do with that whatever we want.
The notion of superhumans is using bioengineering and artificial intelligence to upgrade human abilities. If they use the power to change themselves, to change their own minds, their own desires, then we have no idea what they will want to do.
Techno-humanism aims to amplify the power of humans, creating cyborgs and connecting humans to computers, but it still sees human interests and desires as the highest authority in the universe.
The most important question in 21st-century economics may well be, 'What should we do with all the superfluous people, once we have highly intelligent non-conscious algorithms that can do almost everything better than humans?'
Take Google Maps or Waze. On the one hand, they amplify human ability - you are able to reach your destination faster and more easily. But at the same time, you are shifting the authority to the algorithm and losing your ability to find your own way.
In addition to my other numerous acquaintances, I have one more intimate confidant. ... My depression is the most faithful mistress I have known - no wonder, then, that I return the love.
The pioneers and missionaries of religion have been the real cause of more trouble and war than all other classes of mankind.
[The captain] looked at Florentino Ariza, his invincible power, his intrepid love and was overwhelmed by the belated suspicion that it is life, more than death, that has no limits.
Every thoughtful, well-meaning and conscientious human being_x000D_ should assume in time of peace,_x000D_ the solemn and unconditional obligation_x000D_ not to participate in any war, for any reason_x000D_ or to lend support of any kind, whether direct or indirect.
The creature that wins against its environment destroys itself.
Human history began with an act of disobedience and it is not unlikely that it will be terminated by an act of obedience.
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