The Better Angels of Our Nature

Believe it or not, today we may be living in the most peaceful time in out species' history. In this epic exploration of the human condition, Steven Pinker shows that, despite the constant stream of news about war, crime and terrorism, violence of all kinds has been decreasing. Barbaric practices such as human sacrifice, torture-executions and chattel slavery have been abolished; rates of death from war and homicide are dramatically down; and brutality towards minorities, women, children and animals is in steady decline. Weaving together psychology and history, science and popular culture, The Better Angles of Our Nature reinvigorates the ideals of modernity, progress and enlightenment. 'His book will change the way you see the world . . . Pinker's powerful ideas, vivid stories and sparkling prose make this hard to put down.' Daily Mail 'May prove to be one of the great books of our time . . . he writes like an angel.' Economist 'Masterly, a supremely important book . . . For anyone interested in human nature, it is engrossing.' The New York Times 'Marvellous . . . riveting and myth-destroying.' New Statesman 'A marvellous synthesis of science, history and storytelling, written in Pinker's distinctively entertaining and clear personal style . . . I was astonished by the extent to which violence has declined in every shape, form and scale.' Financial Times 'An outstanding fruitful read, with fascinating nuggets on almost every page.' Sunday Times, Book of the Year