--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When humankind possesses enormous new…" description: "\"“When humankind possesses enormous new powers, and when the threat of famine, plague and war is finally lifted, what will we do with ourselves? What wi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/219/yuval-noah-harari-100_humankind_when-humankind-possesses-enormous-new-po_2724456.jpg" --- # When humankind possesses enormous new powers, and when the… ![“When humankind possesses enormous new powers, and when the threat of famine, plague and war is finally lifted, what will we do with ourselves? What will the scientists, investors, bankers and presidents do all day? Write poetry? Success” quote by Yuval Noah Harari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/219/yuval-noah-harari-100_humankind_when-humankind-possesses-enormous-new-po_2724456.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/219/yuval-noah-harari-100_humankind_when-humankind-possesses-enormous-new-po_2724456.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/219/yuval-noah-harari-100_humankind_when-humankind-possesses-enormous-new-po_2724456.jpg) > ““When humankind possesses enormous new powers, and when the threat of famine, plague and war is finally lifted, what will we do with ourselves? What will the scientists, investors, bankers and presidents do all day? Write poetry? Success”” [Yuval Noah Harari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yuval-noah-harari/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. With humanity’s newfound power and the removal of existential threats, the future may become idle, prompting questions about purpose beyond material success. **In simple terms:** Power and security can lead to boredom and lack of purpose. Key Takeaway Find meaning beyond material achievements. Themes purpose technology abundance existential risk future meaning Mood thoughtful optimistic critical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career planning - policy making - personal development - artistic pursuits Key Concepts post‑scarcity society existential ennui societal evolution Questions to Reflect On - What new challenges can we create for ourselves? - How can we cultivate purpose in abundance? A Different Perspective The view may be overly pessimistic about human creativity and adaptation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humankind/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [“The most common reaction of the human mind to achievement is not satisfaction, but craving for more. Humans are always on the lookout for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yuval-noah-harari/the-most-common-reaction-of-the-human-mind-to-achievement-is-not/) [Yuval Noah Harari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yuval-noah-harari/) > [“Before answering this question, we need to say a few more words about famine, plague and war. 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