Human Voices from Past to Future: Harari's Nexus on Hope vs. Despair

Human communication has a rich history that predates the invention of writing and data storage. This evolution can be divided into several key stages, each marked by significant advancements in how humans shared information and ideas.

Early Communication Methods

Oral Traditions: Before writing, humans relied on spoken language to share stories and knowledge, crucial for preserving culture across generations.

Visual Symbols: Early humans used cave paintings and carvings as primitive record-keeping and storytelling methods.

Body Language and Sounds: Communication included gestures, body language, and vocalizations to convey emotions or warnings.

Development of Writing Systems

1. Proto-Writing: Around 3300 BCE, proto-writing systems began to emerge in regions like Mesopotamia with cuneiform and in Egypt with hieroglyphs. These early systems used symbols to represent objects or ideas but lacked the complexity of true writing.

2. Alphabetic Systems: The concept of alphabets developed later, with the Phoenician alphabet around 1200 BCE being one of the earliest examples. This system greatly influenced subsequent writing systems, including Greek and Latin scripts.

Non-Verbal Long-Distance Communication

1. Smoke Signals and Drums: For long-distance communication, early humans used methods like smoke signals and drum beats to send messages across distances where direct verbal communication was not possible.

2. Messenger Pigeons: In ancient times, messenger pigeons were used to carry messages over long distances, showcasing an early form of remote communication.

Cultural Significance

Oral traditions played a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and knowledge before the advent of written records. They were not only a means of communication but also a way to maintain social structures and cultural identities[8]. This rich tapestry of early human communication laid the groundwork for more complex systems that followed with the advent of writing and eventually digital data storage.

In Nexus, Harari examines how the flow of information has shaped societies from ancient times to the present day. He traces the evolution of information networks from oral traditions and written texts to modern digital communication and AI. Harari argues that information is not just a tool for conveying truth or deception; it is a force that has historically been used to wield power, shape societies, and influence human behavior

Information as Power: Harari examines how societies have harnessed information networks to pursue diverse objectives, both positive and negative. He delves into historical instances like the canonization of religious texts, the use of propaganda in totalitarian regimes, and the emergence of populism.

AI (hope vs despair): In the book, a large section explores how AI could shape human civilization. Harari cautions about AI's transformative power, suggesting it might change the essence of being human. He emphasizes the dangers of AI, particularly in areas like surveillance, misinformation, and its potential to function without human oversight.

The Power of Stories: Harari highlights humanity's distinctive capacity to craft and embrace shared fictions, like money, nations, and religions. These stories have enabled large-scale cooperation among humans but also carry dangers when exploited by influential information networks.

we can't ignore what happened with the following famous cases.

Cambridge Analytica and Facebook

Google's Project Nightingale

Uber's "God View" Tool

Twitter's Targeted Ads Overstep

Amazon's Use of Seller Data

In conclusion, as IT professionals, we must recognize that future generations will inhabit the world we shape. It is our duty to use our expertise to create a hopeful future for them.