The truly unique trait of 'Sapiens' is our ability to create and believe fiction. All other animals use their communication system to describe reality. We use our communication system to create new realities. Of course, not all fictions are shared by all humans, but at least one has become universal in our world, and this is money.

The quote “The truly unique trait of 'Sapiens' is our ability to create and believe fiction. All other animals use their communication system to describe reality. We use our communication system to create new realities. Of course, not all fictions are shared by all humans, but at least one has become universal in our world, and this is money.” by Yuval Noah Harari explores a central theme in his bestselling book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. In this reflection, Harari explains how humans, unlike other animals, use language not just to describe the physical world, but to build shared myths, beliefs, and systems that exist only in our collective imagination.

The key idea here is the concept of fiction — not just in the sense of stories or novels, but in the broader sense of social constructs. These include religion, nations, laws, and most notably, money. While other species communicate about tangible realities like food or danger, humans use communication to invent abstract concepts that guide behavior, organize societies, and foster large-scale cooperation. According to Harari, this ability to believe in shared fictions is what allowed Homo sapiens to dominate the planet.

The mention of money as a “universal fiction” is particularly striking. Harari points out that money has no inherent value; its power comes entirely from our collective belief in its value. A piece of paper or a digital number becomes meaningful only because millions of people agree to treat it as such. This makes money a powerful example of how imagined realities can shape the real world in profound ways — influencing economies, relationships, and global systems.

The origin of this quote lies in Harari’s background as a historian and philosopher, and his effort to explain the success of Homo sapiens through the lens of cognitive evolution. By presenting fiction as a core human trait, he reframes traditional historical narratives and challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of modern civilization. Through his work, Harari invites us to question what we take for granted — and to recognize the stories we all live by.