Humankind: A Hopeful History
Author: Rutger Bregman
Published by: Bloomsbury
Pages: 468
Format: Hardback
My Rating ★★★★
Published by: Bloomsbury
Pages: 468
Format: Hardback
My Rating ★★★★
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 that goes right back to the beginning of our species. Thinking the worst of others not only affects how we regard other people, but our politics and economics, too.
In this major book, internationally bestselling author Rutger Bregman take 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 cooperation seen in the aftermath of the Blitz, the hidden flaws in the Stanford Prison Experiment to the true story of the Kitty Genovese murder, Bregman shows how believing in human kindness and altruism can change how we think – and act as the foundation for achieving true change in our society.
It is time for a new view of human nature.
‘This book must be read by as many people as possible - only when people change their view of human nature will they begin to believe in the possibility of building a better world’ – Grace Blakeley.
My thoughts:
With his new book, Humankind, Bergman presents the case that despite what we may assume – people are actually pretty decent at heart. He challenges our often-cynical view of humanity. In order to back up his theory, he re-examines some very well-known events in history and suggests that the key facts may have been altered in order to fit a narrative which shows humans in a very negative light.
I definitely feel the most engaging parts of the book were the ones concerning the famous psychological experiments and how the subjects were manipulated, prodded, and sometimes completely traumatised in order to make them produce the desired results.
I also feel this is very much a book of two halves. I loved the first half, which was so engaging with Bregman’s fantastic storytelling. It is clear the whole book is incredibly-well researched. The second half explores some intriguing concepts and discusses alternate approaches to education and politics. Personally though, this second half just wasn’t quite as gripping for me.
Having said that, it is undeniable that Bregman’s positive outlook on human nature is extremely refreshing and whether you agree with him or not, the book will certainly make you think. I‘d say, in particular, the points raised in the book regarding the way news reports are presented to the world will make you question your own trust in the media.
I feel I am now more likely than ever to question things around me, especially the way news is reported. It challenged me and encouraged me to view human behaviour from a fresh perspective. I feel a little smarter already.
This is such a timely read and an extraordinary, uplifting history of human capacity for kindness. Humankind is a wonderful read - accessible and full of great stories. In a world of cynicism, a little positivity goes a long way!
Overall reaction:
With his new book, Humankind, Bergman presents the case that despite what we may assume – people are actually pretty decent at heart. He challenges our often-cynical view of humanity. In order to back up his theory, he re-examines some very well-known events in history and suggests that the key facts may have been altered in order to fit a narrative which shows humans in a very negative light.
I definitely feel the most engaging parts of the book were the ones concerning the famous psychological experiments and how the subjects were manipulated, prodded, and sometimes completely traumatised in order to make them produce the desired results.
I also feel this is very much a book of two halves. I loved the first half, which was so engaging with Bregman’s fantastic storytelling. It is clear the whole book is incredibly-well researched. The second half explores some intriguing concepts and discusses alternate approaches to education and politics. Personally though, this second half just wasn’t quite as gripping for me.
Having said that, it is undeniable that Bregman’s positive outlook on human nature is extremely refreshing and whether you agree with him or not, the book will certainly make you think. I‘d say, in particular, the points raised in the book regarding the way news reports are presented to the world will make you question your own trust in the media.
I feel I am now more likely than ever to question things around me, especially the way news is reported. It challenged me and encouraged me to view human behaviour from a fresh perspective. I feel a little smarter already.
This is such a timely read and an extraordinary, uplifting history of human capacity for kindness. Humankind is a wonderful read - accessible and full of great stories. In a world of cynicism, a little positivity goes a long way!
Overall reaction:
