History, Society & Technology

What if the West wasn’t built in isolation—but shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, adaptation, and borrowed brilliance? In How the World Made the West, Josephine Quinn dismantles the myth of Western exceptionalism and reveals a far more interconnected historical tapestry. If you’ve ever suspected the story of civilization was more collaborative than competitive, this review is for you.

Sapiens isn’t just a history book—it’s a philosophical gut-punch that asks you to rethink everything you thought you knew about humanity. From the birth of myth and money to the rise of capitalism and biotech, Harari weaves a provocative tale of how our species came to rule—and what might come next. Whether you agree with him or not, Sapiens forces you to confront the invisible systems shaping your life. This review breaks down why that matters, what stuck with me, and how the book sharpened my lens on power, belief, and the future.