The Better Angels of Our Nature

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined
Cover of the first edition
AuthorSteven Pinker
LanguageEnglish
SubjectSocial philosophy
PublisherViking Books
Publication date
2011
Media typePrint
Pages832
ISBN978-0-670-02295-3
OCLC707969125
303.609 PINKER
LC ClassHM1116 .P57 2011

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined is a 2011 book by Steven Pinker, in which the author argues that violence in the world has declined both in the long run and in the short run and suggests explanations as to why this has occurred.[1] The book uses data documenting declining violence across time and geography. This paints a picture of massive declines in the violence of all forms, from war, to improved treatment of children. He highlights the role of nation-state monopolies on force, of commerce (making other people become more valuable alive than dead), of increased literacy and communication (promoting empathy), as well as a rise in a rational problem-solving orientation as possible causes of this decline in violence. He notes that paradoxically, our impression of violence has not tracked this decline, perhaps because of increased communication,[2] and that further decline is not inevitable, but is contingent on forces harnessing our better motivations such as empathy and increases in reason.

  1. ^ Smith, Jordan Michael (20 October 2011). "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  2. ^ Richard Dawkins (2012-10-22), Sex, Death And The Meaning Of Life - Episode 1, retrieved 2016-09-07