In "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," Yuval Noah Harari discusses cognitive development as a pivotal factor in the rise of Homo sapiens. He argues that the Cognitive Revolution, which took place around 70,000 years ago, gave humans a unique ability to think and communicate in more complex ways than other species. This development of sophisticated language allowed Homo sapiens to share detailed information, create intricate social structures, and form large, flexible groups. Harari posits that this capacity for cooperation through shared myths and collective beliefs enabled humans to dominate their environment, leading to the spread of our species across the globe and the eventual development of civilizations.