The Battle for Our Better Angels: A Review

The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels

by Jon Meacham

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51601 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	372 pages

FREE

In his latest book, The Battle for Our Better Angels, Steven Pinker argues that human nature is not inherently violent or selfish. Rather, he says, we are born with a capacity for both good and evil, and it is up to us to choose which path we will take.

Pinker's book is a sweeping history of violence and peace, from the earliest days of human evolution to the present day. He shows how our species has made remarkable progress in reducing violence over the centuries, and he argues that this progress is not due to any inherent change in human nature. Rather, it is the result of cultural and institutional changes that have made it more difficult for us to harm one another.

Pinker's book is not just a history lesson. It is also a call to action. He argues that we must continue to fight for our better angels, and he offers a number of concrete steps that we can take to make the world a more peaceful place.

The Battle for Our Better Angels is a powerful and timely book. It is a reminder that we have the power to choose a better future, and it offers a roadmap for how we can get there.

The Problem of Violence

Violence is one of the most pressing problems facing humanity today. It takes many forms, from war and terrorism to domestic violence and school shootings. Violence destroys lives, families, and communities. It also undermines economic development and social progress.

There are many factors that contribute to violence, including poverty, inequality, and discrimination. However, Pinker argues that the most important factor is our own human nature.

Pinker says that we are born with a capacity for both good and evil. We have a natural tendency to be aggressive and selfish, but we also have a capacity for empathy and cooperation. Which path we choose is up to us.

For much of human history, violence was the norm. We lived in a world of constant warfare and violence. However, over the past few centuries, we have made remarkable progress in reducing violence.

The Decline of Violence

Pinker argues that the decline of violence is not due to any inherent change in human nature. Rather, it is the result of cultural and institutional changes that have made it more difficult for us to harm one another.

One of the most important factors in the decline of violence has been the rise of the state. States have a monopoly on violence, and they use it to protect their citizens from harm.

Another important factor in the decline of violence has been the spread of education. Education teaches us the value of empathy and cooperation, and it helps us to develop the skills we need to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Finally, the decline of violence has been aided by the development of new technologies. These technologies have made it easier for us to communicate and cooperate with one another, and they have also made it more difficult for us to harm one another.

The Battle for Our Better Angels

Pinker argues that we must continue to fight for our better angels. We must continue to work to reduce violence, poverty, and inequality. We must also continue to promote education and cooperation.

The battle for our better angels is not an easy one. However, it is a battle that we must win. If we do not, we will face a future of increasing violence and conflict.

Pinker offers a number of concrete steps that we can take to make the world a more peaceful place. These steps include:

• Support education. Education is one of the most important ways to reduce violence. It teaches us the value of empathy and cooperation, and it helps us to develop the skills we need to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Promote dialogue. Dialogue is essential for building understanding and resolving conflict. We need to create more opportunities for people to talk to each other, even if they have different viewpoints.
• Support organizations that work for peace. There are many organizations that are working to reduce violence and promote peace. We can support these organizations by donating our time or money.

The battle for our better angels is a difficult one, but it is one that we must win. If we do not, we will face a future of increasing violence and conflict.

Let us all work together to build a more peaceful world.

Steven Pinker is a cognitive scientist and author. He is a professor of psychology at Harvard University and the author of several best-selling books, including The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, and The Better Angels of Our Nature.

The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels

by Jon Meacham

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51601 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	372 pages

FREE