The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

"The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Steven Pinker argues that violence has declined over centuries due to cultural, political, and social progress. Factors like the spread of democracy, human rights, commerce, education, and empathy have fostered cooperation and reduced partisanship and brutality. Pinker highlights that despite perceptions, we live in some of the safest times in history, attributing this decline to the gradual development of empathetic and rational behaviors. Overall, the book presents a hopeful view that human progress, driven by reason and compassion, has led to a more peaceful society.