Humankind

A Hopeful History

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About this listen

A Guardian Book to Look Out For in 2020

'Humankind challenged me and made me see humanity from a fresh perspective' Yuval Noah Harari

From 'the folk hero of Davos', Fox News antagonist and author of the international bestseller Utopia for Realists comes a radical history of our innate capacity for kindness.

It's a belief that unites the left and right, psychologists and philosophers, writers and historians. It drives the headlines that surround us and the laws that touch our lives. From Machiavelli to Hobbes, Freud to Pinker, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought. Human beings, we're taught, are by nature selfish and governed primarily by self-interest.

Providing a new historical perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history, Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. When we think the worst of others, it brings out the worst in our politics and economics too.

In this major book, internationally bestselling author Rutger Bregman shows how believing in human kindness and altruism can be a new way to think – and act as the foundation for achieving true change in our society.

It is time for a new view of human nature.

Rutger BregmanThomas JuddRutger BregmanBloomsbury Publishing Plc

20th Century

Economics

Education

Ethics & Morality

Modern

Philosophy

Psychology

Psychology & Mental Health

Thought-Provoking

Inspiring

Heartfelt

Feel-Good

Social justice

Capitalism

20th Century Economics Education Ethics & Morality Modern Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Thought-Provoking Inspiring Heartfelt Feel-Good Social justice Capitalism

Most relevant

I never write reviews but I absolutely loved this book! It presents a very well reasoned and thorough argument for having a much more positive (or “realistic”) view of humankind. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s completely changed my outlook on life and the way I view/deal with others. I read and listen to a lot of books and I can’t think of the last time one has had this sort of impact on me! Definitely give it a go if you’re on the fence!