Communication Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““The inter-subjective is something that exists within the communication network linking the subjective consciousness of many individuals. If a single individual changes his or her beliefs, or even dies, it is of little importance. However, if most individuals in the network die or change their beliefs, the inter-subjective phenomenon will mutate or disappear. Inter-subjective phenomena are neither malevolent frauds nor insignificant charades. They exist in a different way from physical phenomena such as radioactivity, but their impact on the world may still be enormous. Many of history’s most important drivers are inter-subjective: law, money, gods, nations.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, 2015
The shared beliefs and collective understandings that bind societies shape reality; when many people change those beliefs, the underlying social constructs transform or vanish.
In simple terms: Collective beliefs create social reality; changing them changes the world.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of shared ideas and influence them responsibly.
Themes
society
beliefs
collective reality
change
power
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- financial systems
- religious movements
- national identity
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
social constructivism
memetics
institutional theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you contribute to shaping collective beliefs?
- What happens when a core societal belief collapses?
A Different Perspective
If a dominant belief is challenged, resistance can be strong and destabilizing.
