Q&A: Regarding Yuval Noah Harari
Regarding Yuval Noah Harari
Question
Hello Rabbi,
What is the Rabbi's opinion of Yuval Noah Harari's articles / books / lectures? What is similar and what is different in relation to your view on the "core issues"?
From reading his books and listening to his lectures, it's clear that he is very knowledgeable in understanding human history and its psychological processes.
Has there been any kind of intellectual dialogue between you? Because at least from being familiar with many of your lectures and his, it could be a very fascinating and enlightening encounter.
Thank you.
Answer
It seems to me that there would be no value at all in a dialogue between us. In my opinion, his books are riddled with philosophical errors, some of them genuinely embarrassing. He is a historian who deals with subjects he doesn't really understand, yet speaks about them with great certainty.
I've been asked about this more than once on the site, and you can search for it. Beyond my brief remarks, you'll find examples and reviews there (I remember ones by Persico and by Nadav Shnerb).
Discussion on Answer
I don't know. I don't usually deal with questions about what will be in the World to Come, or even with the question of whether there is such a world. We have no information at all, and it's all speculation.
So in your opinion, is that a reasonable possibility? That the concept of "punishment in the World to Come" is only for deterrence? If so, where is the fairness toward those who were careful with every minor and major commandment alike? Or perhaps in the world of souls, no one will care anymore about the fairness of the previous world.