Humankind cover art

Humankind

A Hopeful History

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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents Humankind by Rutger Bregman, read by Thomas Judd and Rutger Bregman.

THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Guardian, Daily Telegraph, New Statesman and Daily Express Book of the Year

‘Hugely, highly and happily recommended’
Stephen Fry

‘You should read Humankind. You’ll learn a lot (I did) and you’ll have good reason to feel better about the human race’
Tim Harford

‘The book we need right now’
Daily Telegraph

'Made me see humanity from a fresh perspective'
Yuval Noah Harari

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 Dawkins, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought. Human beings, we’re taught, are by nature selfish and governed by self-interest.

Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. The instinct to cooperate rather than compete, trust rather than distrust, has an evolutionary basis going right back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. By thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too.

In this major book, internationally bestselling author Rutger Bregman takes some of the world’s most famous studies and events and reframes them, providing a new perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history. From the real-life Lord of the Flies to the Blitz, a Siberian fox farm to an infamous New York murder, Stanley Milgram’s Yale shock machine to the Stanford prison experiment, 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.©2020 Rutger Bregman (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Economics Ethics & Morality Philosophy Thought-Provoking Inspiring Heartfelt Feel-Good Social justice Capitalism

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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!

Cannot recommend enough!

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After listening to this book, it felt as if the dark clouds have parted and the warm sunshine streamed into my heart. Thank you, Rutger, for this uplifting book.

Hope in humanity RESTORED

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Thoroughly researched, and delightfully real. Uplifting and hopeful. It is true, our civilisation has some tough times ahead but, ultimately, we are overwhelmingly compassionate and caring to our fellow humans.

Just wonderful.

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I loved this book, which turns ideas on their head and left me feeling more positive about the world.

Fascinating and uplifting

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Humankind provides a new realism: people are good. Well researched and engaging, don't miss it!

Uplifting and simply wonderful

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The book was insightful from beginning to end. It's an important book that rights a few wrongs along the way. Not everything will be new to readers, but the optimistic stance is quite refreshing. He challenges both Conservative and Liberal theories as well as opening up about previous assumptions he's made and actually published in the post. Very humbling approach that pulls the reader in.

Very good.

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This should be mandatory reading in schools, universities and every hall of political discussion. It filled me at once with joyful hope and crushing desperation. Hope that we can all live together in a far better way than we are currently, and desperation at the understanding that the civilisation we now find ourselves a part of has been crafted by the very worst, and immaculate interpretation of who we are as humans. I wish this book had been written when I was a young child, because life would have made a lot more sense. I will be sure to read this book to my baby daughter every year as she grows into a young woman. The nine year old me would thank Rutger Bergman for making sense of the confusing and frustrating life to come.

Possibly the most important book I’ve ever read

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I loved this book not only due to the way it's written, the stories and the positive message. Mainly due to a realistic view on human beings as trustworthy, good and friends that we have just not yet got to know.

Rare positive news about humans

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Inspiring book everybody should listen to it read. It has given me back faith in humanity.

a book everybody should read or listen to

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A book that gives hope for the future and helps explain the past.
From facts about Neanderthal man to the broken windows theories that helped to cause the BLM protest, it is endlessly interesting and insightful

Everyone should read this book

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