Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
A New Book Offers A Hopeful Perspective On Human Nature
If you watch the news or scroll through social media, you might get the impression that the world is full of evil and violence, and that humans are the worst species on the planet. You might think that humans are greedy, selfish, aggressive, and irrational, and that they need constant supervision and punishment to keep them in line. You might also think that this is the natural and inevitable state of humanity, and that there is nothing we can do to change it.
But what if you are wrong? What if humans are not as bad as you think, and that there is more to human nature than meets the eye? What if humans are actually capable of kindness, compassion, cooperation, and reason, and that these qualities are more prevalent and powerful than you realize? What if the stories and evidence that support the negative view of humanity are flawed or false, and that there are many more stories and evidence that support the positive view of humanity? And what if the way we think about human nature affects the way we behave and the way we shape our society?
These are the questions that Rutger Bregman, a 32-year-old Dutch historian and author, explores in his latest book, “Humankind: A Hopeful History”. Bregman, who has been described as “one of the most prominent young European thinkers of our time”, and whose previous book, “Utopia for Realists”, was an international bestseller and won various prizes, challenges the conventional wisdom and the dominant narrative about human nature. He argues that humans are not born evil, but good, and that they have an innate tendency to cooperate and help each other. He also argues that most of the examples and experiments that are used to prove human evil are either misleading, misinterpreted, or manipulated, and that they do not reflect the reality of human behavior. He also shows how the belief in human evil is harmful and self-fulfilling, and how it is used by the media and the institutions that benefit from fear and control. He proposes a more optimistic and realistic view of human nature, and suggests ways to create a more humane and peaceful society.
Bregman’s book is not a naive or utopian fantasy, but a rigorous and well-researched work of history, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. He draws on a wide range of sources, from ancient myths and legends, to modern scientific studies and experiments, to historical events and anecdotes, to personal stories and interviews. He also uses a clear and engaging writing style, using facts, quotes, and examples to support his arguments. He also uses headings, lists, and images to organize and illustrate his book. He also anticipates and addresses the possible objections and criticisms of his thesis, and invites the readers to question their own assumptions and biases.
Bregman’s book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the art and science of human nature, and the stories and secrets behind the scenes. It is a captivating and informative piece of literature, that reveals the hidden and hopeful dimensions of human behavior, and the potential and possibilities of human society. It is also a reflection on the meaning and value of humanity, and the role and responsibility of each of us in shaping our future.
