Humility | Exercise With Summary | Grade 12 | English
0Summary of "Humility" by Yuval Noah Harari in 400 words:
Yuval Noah Harari's "Humility" explores the diverse and often conflicting narratives of human history, challenging readers to question their own assumptions and biases. Harari argues that humility is crucial in understanding the past and present, as it allows us to acknowledge our limited knowledge and the subjectivity of our perspectives.
a. Describe the claim of the Chinese nationalists about the human history.
Chinese nationalists claim that human history truly began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties, which they believe to be the earliest civilizations in the world.
b. What do pious Muslims believe about human history?
Pious Muslims believe that human history began with the creation of Adam and Eve, as described in the Quran.
c. What did the Aztecs firmly believe about the universe?
The Aztecs firmly believed that the universe was cyclical, with the world being created and destroyed in a series of cycles.
d. What, according to the essay, are the universal human abilities?
According to the essay, universal human abilities include the ability to imagine, to cooperate, and to learn.
e. How are the basic yoga postures derived from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet?
The essay suggests that the basic yoga postures are not derived from the shape of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, but this idea has been debated by scholars.
Reference to the context
a. How do Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim that human history really began with the Yellow Emperor and the Xia and Shang dynasties? Who do you agree with, and why?
Hindu nationalists refute the Chinese claim by pointing to archaeological evidence suggesting that the Indus Valley Civilization predates the Xia and Shang dynasties. I tend to agree with the Hindu nationalists on this point, as the archaeological evidence seems to support their claim.
b. The author has dealt with a controversial debate on human history. Why do you think history has been a major contested issue in the present world?
History is a major contested issue in the present world because it is often used to justify political claims and ideologies. Different groups may have competing narratives about the past, and these narratives can be used to legitimize their claims to power or resources.
Reference beyond the text
a. Write a short essay on The Conflicting History of Human Civilization.
The history of human civilization is a complex and multifaceted subject, and there is no single, universally accepted narrative. Different cultures and civilizations have their own unique histories, and these histories often conflict with each other. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as cultural bias, political motivations, and the limited availability of historical records.
b. The author claims, “Since it is more polite to criticize one’s own people than to criticize foreigners.” Do you agree to his claim? Give your reasons.
I agree with Harari's claim to some extent. It is often considered more polite to criticize one's own people because it demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge and address flaws within one's own group. Criticizing foreigners, on the other hand, can be seen as disrespectful or condescending, as it may imply that one's own group is superior.