Discovery and Control of Fire:
The use of fire is considered a major turning point in the evolutionary history of the Homo genus. Although Homo Sapiens were not the first to use fire—credit for that goes to earlier species such as Homo erectus, who began using fire around 1.5 million to 800,000 years ago—the ability to control and utilize fire effectively gave Homo Sapiens a significant advantage.
Harari emphasizes that fire was not just a tool—it was a transformative element in how humans interacted with their environment and with each other socially.
Impact on Diet:
Fire enabled humans to cook food, a revolutionary advancement. Cooked food is easier to digest, allowing the body to absorb more energy and nutrients than raw food.
Cooking reduced the burden on the digestive system—especially the jaws and intestines—leading to biological evolutionary changes. Harari notes that this may have contributed to the reduction of jaw and tooth size in Homo Sapiens compared to other human species, while also freeing up energy to support brain development, as less was required for digestion.
Protection and Hunting:
Fire provided protection against predators, especially at night. Primitive human groups could use fire to keep dangerous animals away, creating safer spaces for rest and social activities.
In addition, fire was used as a hunting tool. Humans used it to drive animals into traps or to burn vegetation, making it easier to catch prey—thus improving the efficiency of both hunting and gathering.
Altering the Landscape:
The use of fire allowed humans to actively modify ecosystems. For instance, they burned forests or grasslands to create open areas where edible plants or prey animals were more accessible.
Harari calls this one of the earliest signs of Homo Sapiens’ (and other human species’) capacity to reshape the environment—a trait that would become far more evident in later stages, especially following the Agricultural Revolution.
Strengthening Social Bonds:
Beyond its biological and environmental impact, fire also played a crucial role in social life. Human groups gathered around campfires at night to cook, stay warm, and share stories.
Harari argues that these moments fostered the development of complex social relationships, communication, and culture. Fire created a space for people to share ideas, tell stories, and strengthen bonds—laying the foundation for Homo Sapiens’ ability to cooperate on a large scale.
Comparison with Other Human Species:
Although species like Homo erectus also used fire, Homo Sapiens utilized it more effectively, especially in hunting, shaping their surroundings, and organizing social life.
This superior fire mastery may have contributed to Homo Sapiens’ competitive advantage over other human species such as Homo neanderthalensis, particularly in harsh and challenging environments.
Long-Term Impact:
Harari emphasizes that fire was not merely a survival tool, but an evolutionary turning point—a catalyst that helped Homo Sapiens transition from an ordinary animal into a force capable of shaping the world.
The use of fire laid the groundwork for later developments, such as the ability to settle, the rise of agriculture, and ultimately, the emergence of complex civilizations.