Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow (HINDI/हिंदी में)

The future of humanity is shaped by the increasing influence of technology on our deepest desires.
Yuval Noah Harari’s Homo Deus explores where human civilization might be headed, focusing on our evolving aspirations for immortality, happiness, and control.
These dreams are no longer just philosophical-they are being shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and big data, which could redefine what it means to be human.
One of humanity's long-standing dreams is to overcome biological limits, particularly death. In the past, immortality was a mythological aspiration, but now, science is bringing it closer to reality.
Advances in biotechnology aim to extend human life, slow down aging, and combat diseases in ways once thought impossible. Some scientists see death as a problem to be solved rather than an inevitable part of life. If successful, such efforts could significantly increase human life expectancy, turning death into a rare event.
The pursuit of happiness is another key aspiration, now being explored through technology. Beyond traditional methods, modern advancements offer new ways to control our emotional states.
Pharmaceuticals and AI-based tools provide options to enhance mood and mental well-being. For instance, AI can analyze mental states and suggest personalized solutions for better motivation or happiness.
Yet, this raises critical questions about the nature of happiness: if it can be artificially induced, does it retain its true meaning? Relying on technology to maintain constant happiness might change our experience of emotions and the natural ups and downs that shape human life.
The third aspiration, the desire for control, has become more pronounced with the rise of AI and big data. Today, data-driven decisions impact nearly every aspect of life, from targeted ads to medical diagnostics. Harari introduces "Dataism," the idea that data and algorithms could replace human decision-making in various areas, including moral choices.
This shift brings concerns about autonomy. As algorithms become more involved in our decisions, people might lose some of their freedom to make independent choices.
This trade-off could offer efficiency but might reduce human agency in ways we have yet to fully understand.
The future of work and the economy is another area that could be transformed. Automation and AI are reshaping the job market, replacing many traditional roles and requiring new skills.
As machines become more capable, a significant part of the population could become economically "useless," displaced by technology. To address this, some propose Universal Basic Income (UBI), which would provide a guaranteed income for all, regardless of employment. UBI aims to cushion the impact of job loss due to automation, but it comes with challenges. It raises questions about its long-term sustainability and the potential societal impacts of a workforce no longer tied to traditional jobs.
Technological advancements may also deepen social inequalities. Access to genetic modifications and AI enhancements could create a divide between those who can afford these technologies and those who cannot.
This might result in a new class of "superhumans," with enhanced physical and cognitive abilities, leaving others behind. Such disparities could increase existing inequalities, making it essential to manage access to technological benefits equitably.
Harari emphasizes that as humans gain more control through technology, we also face new ethical challenges. The power to alter genetics, create advanced AI, and manage our environment requires us to rethink our responsibilities.
Balancing technological progress with ethical considerations will be a crucial challenge in the coming years. It’s vital to ensure that the pursuit of control does not come at the expense of our fundamental human values.
In conclusion, the future of humanity is at a turning point. While technology offers the potential for immense progress, it also poses risks that could reshape our sense of identity and purpose.
How we choose to navigate these changes will determine whether our future is one of shared prosperity or deepening divides. Balancing innovation with ethical and humanistic values will be key to shaping a future that benefits all.