Dive into Steven Pinker's groundbreaking book, The Better Angels of Our Nature, which challenges the widespread perception that the world is becoming more violent. Contrary to what headlines might suggest, Pinker presents a compelling argument that violence has actually declined significantly across human history, calling it perhaps the most important development ever.

This episode explores Pinker's core message and the mountain of data he uses to support his claim, from homicide rates to war casualties, often viewed as a proportion of the population. We'll discuss why this perspective is vital today, helping us see beyond constant media coverage of violent events.

Learn about the key historical forces Pinker identifies as drivers of this decline: the rise of states (the Leviathan), the expansion of commerce, increasing feminization, growing cosmopolitanism, and the power of reason (the Escalator of Reason). We'll also touch on the psychological "inner demons" and "better angels" – empathy, self-control, moral sense, and reason – that shape human behavior towards or away from violence.

Discover how Pinker surveys violence across millennia through six major transitions, including the Pacification Process, the Civilizing Process, and the Long and New Peaces. Finally, we'll consider Pinker's view that understanding this historical trajectory is key to continuing the progress towards peace and civility.

Join us as we unpack this influential work that uses history, psychology, and data to paint a surprising picture of humanity's journey away from violence.

References

Amazon.com. (2011). The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined: Steven Pinker.

Concordia Theology. (2011, December 24). Five inner demons, four better angels . . .

Counterfire. (n.d.). The Darker Angels of our Nature: Refuting the Pinker Theory of History and Violence – book review.

Frederick, B. (2013, August 21). The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker. The Ethical Society of St. Louis.

NPR. (2016, July 16). Despite The headlines, Steven Pinker says the world is becoming less violent.

Reason.tv. (n.d.). Steven Pinker on The Decline of Violence & "The Better Angels of Our Nature" [Video].

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. (Note: Wikipedia entries are subject to change.)

The better angels of our nature summary. (n.d.). (Note: No specific website name or author is available in the source excerpts).