Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life vs. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Discover the secrets to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life with "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. This insightful book delves into the Japanese concept of ikigai, or a "reason for being," which is believed to be a key factor in the remarkable longevity of the residents of Okinawa, a Japanese village known for having the world’s highest percentage of centenarians. Through interviews with these vibrant centenarians, the authors uncover how the principles of ikigai—where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—contribute to their happiness and longevity. The book reveals the residents' daily practices, from their nutrient-rich diets and active lifestyles to their strong community bonds and purposeful work. "Ikigai" provides practical advice and tools to help readers discover their own ikigai, offering a blend of cultural wisdom and actionable steps towards a life filled with purpose, health, and joy. This bo...

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

The great thing about this book is that it takes a big-picture view of human history. It attempts to explain the main themes of human history without getting bogged down in the details. Sapiens also debunks many popular myths about human history, including the one that people today live happier lives and have better diets than our hunter-gatherer predecessors. It comes with an epilogue about the future of humankind in light of ever-accelerating technological progress. With the recent advances in AI it is more relevant than ever. If you're going to read one book on history this year, read this one.

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
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Reviews

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Engaging and accessible writing style1
Motivating and thought-provoking1
Provides actionable advice on living a healthier life1
Cons
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A lack of cited sources and references to back up claims1
Certain concepts and advice may seem repetitive1
Sometimes unfocused and strays from the main theme1
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