Learning plan cover

Study global humanities

LEARNING PLAN

Study global humanities

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding our interconnected world by exploring the ideas, beliefs, and creative expressions that have shaped human societies. It's ideal for curious learners seeking a broad humanistic education, professionals working across cultures, educators, or anyone wanting to develop deeper cultural literacy and critical thinking about humanity's shared heritage and future.

ByCommunity User
2 h 39 m
12 coursesUpdated 4 days ago
SapiensThe Lessons of HistoryThe Complete History of Human Civilization12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn Study global humanities with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Study global humanities.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace humanity's evolution from prehistoric cognitive breakthroughs through the emergence of ancient civilizations and their lasting legacies
  • Analyze major philosophical and religious traditions to understand how diverse cultures approach fundamental questions of meaning, ethics, and existence
  • Develop visual literacy by studying artistic expressions across cultures and time periods, gaining appreciation for different aesthetic traditions
  • Synthesize cross-cultural perspectives to understand contemporary global challenges, cultural exchange, and human interconnectedness
  • Build a comprehensive framework for understanding human civilization as an integrated story of ideas, beliefs, creativity, and social development

Explore the sweeping story of humanity from our cognitive revolution to the rise of great civilizations, understanding the forces that shaped societies across continents and millennia.

Sapiens cover
Sapiens

A sweeping narrative of human history

9 m
The Lessons of History cover
The Lessons of History

A concise exploration of human history's patterns and lessons, distilling wisdom from millennia of civilization's triumphs and failures.

10 m
podcast cover
The Silk RoadsSapiensThe Lessons of HistoryWorld History Timeline: Key Eras & Civilizations - MindMap AI
6 sources
The Complete History of Human Civilization

Journey through world history from the cognitive revolution to modern times, exploring how trade routes, shared beliefs, and grand transitions shaped our interconnected world. Discover why Asia was civilization's true center and what patterns from the past reveal about our future.

9 m

Journey through the world's great philosophical and religious traditions to understand how different cultures have grappled with questions of existence, morality, and the divine.

A History of God cover
A History of God

Tracing the 4,000-year evolution of monotheism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

9 m
A Brief History of Thought cover
A Brief History of Thought

A captivating journey through Western philosophy, exploring life's big questions and how great thinkers tackled the human condition.

9 m
podcast cover
source 1History of philosophy - Wikipediasource 3source 4
6 sources
Philosophy's Greatest Hits: Think or Die Trying

Lena and Miles drag you kicking and screaming through 2,500 years of humanity's biggest brain battles-from Socrates to Nietzsche-while mercilessly calling out your intellectual laziness every step of the way.

33 m

Discover how humans across cultures have expressed themselves through art and visual media, and learn to see the world through the lens of diverse artistic traditions and cultural perspectives.

Civilizations cover
Civilizations

A captivating journey through art history, exploring how humans have depicted themselves and the divine across cultures and time.

7 m
Ways of Seeing cover
Ways of Seeing

A provocative exploration of visual culture, challenging how we perceive art and imagery in modern society.

9 m
podcast cover
The Chrysanthemum and the Sword - WikipediaThe Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth BenedictThe Chrysanthemum and the Sword - Ruth Benedict - Google Bookssource 4
6 sources
Decoding Japan: Benedict's Cultural Detective Story

Jackson and Miles explore Ruth Benedict's groundbreaking analysis of Japanese culture, revealing how she decoded an entire civilization's psychology without ever visiting Japan. From shame vs guilt cultures to the integration of beauty and warrior spirit, discover insights that transformed postwar u

18 m

Examine how our interconnected world has evolved and where humanity stands today, synthesizing insights about cultural exchange, progress, and the challenges facing our global civilization.

Enlightenment Now cover
Enlightenment Now

The case for reason, science, and human progress.

9 m
Destiny Disrupted cover
Destiny Disrupted

A historical narrative of the Islamic world's impact on global events through Islamic eyes.

9 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
The Grand Tapestry: World History and Politics

Journey through millennia of human civilization, from ancient Silk Road networks to modern global politics. Explore how empires rose and fell, political systems evolved, and the same fundamental challenges of power, trade, and cooperation echo across time.

28 m

Users also liked

Study history & philosophy

Study history & philosophy

LEARNING PLAN

Study history & philosophy

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the big questions about human existence, society, and knowledge that have shaped our world. It's ideal for curious learners who want to think more deeply about current events, students preparing for humanities studies, or professionals looking to develop stronger critical thinking and analytical skills through the lens of history and philosophy.

2 h 13 m4 Sections
Learn literature, history

Learn literature, history

LEARNING PLAN

Learn literature, history

This integrated learning plan bridges literature and history to develop comprehensive humanistic understanding—essential for anyone seeking to make sense of culture, society, and the human condition. It's ideal for students, educators, lifelong learners, and professionals who want to think more critically about texts, narratives, and the forces that have shaped our world.

2 h 35 m4 Sections
History

History

LEARNING PLAN

History

This comprehensive history learning plan provides essential context for understanding our modern world by tracing humanity's journey from ancient times through today's complex global society. It's ideal for curious learners seeking to develop critical thinking skills, professionals wanting broader cultural literacy, or anyone interested in understanding how past events shape current affairs and future possibilities.

2 h 41 m4 Sections
Learn key humanities subjects

Learn key humanities subjects

LEARNING PLAN

Learn key humanities subjects

This learning plan provides a comprehensive foundation in the humanities, essential for anyone seeking to understand human culture, thought, and expression across time and geography. It's ideal for lifelong learners, students preparing for advanced studies, professionals seeking broader cultural literacy, or anyone wanting to engage more deeply with the ideas and works that have shaped human civilization.

2 h 9 m4 Sections
Explore diverse humanities & social sciences

Explore diverse humanities & social sciences

LEARNING PLAN

Explore diverse humanities & social sciences

This interdisciplinary learning plan is designed for curious minds seeking to understand the full spectrum of human culture and thought. It's ideal for students, professionals, or lifelong learners who want to move beyond surface-level knowledge and develop a sophisticated, interconnected understanding of the humanities. By connecting history, arts, social sciences, and contemporary culture, you'll gain the intellectual tools to engage meaningfully with the world's most important ideas and creative expressions.

2 h 37 m4 Sections
Master global history & cultural & political

Master global history & cultural & political

LEARNING PLAN

Master global history & cultural & political

This learning plan is essential for educators, international professionals, and anyone working in increasingly diverse environments where cultural competence is critical. By understanding the deep historical roots of different worldviews and political systems, you'll move beyond surface-level cultural awareness to genuine cross-cultural expertise. This comprehensive foundation enables you to communicate more effectively, avoid cultural misunderstandings, and serve as a bridge-builder in multicultural settings.

2 h 36 m4 Sections
Learn about the world

Learn about the world

LEARNING PLAN

Learn about the world

This learning plan provides essential knowledge for anyone seeking to understand our complex, interconnected world and make sense of global events. It's ideal for professionals working in international fields, students preparing for careers in diplomacy or policy, and curious minds who want to move beyond headlines to grasp the deeper forces shaping humanity's past, present, and future.

1 h 49 m4 Sections
Expand history and general knowledge

Expand history and general knowledge

LEARNING PLAN

Expand history and general knowledge

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to become a more informed citizen and critical thinker in our complex, interconnected world. It's particularly valuable for those who feel their historical education was limited or overly focused on one region, and for lifelong learners who want to understand the deep roots of contemporary issues. By combining foundational historical knowledge with critical thinking skills and diverse global perspectives, this plan equips you to better navigate modern challenges and engage meaningfully with current events.

2 h 38 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now