Humankind: A Hopeful History

Discover how adversity uncovers human decency and shatters cynical myths

Rutger Bregman

2019

7 Key Insights

About This Book

What if everything you’ve been taught about human nature is upside down? You’ll journey from the bombed-out streets of London to the frozen trenches of war camps, from clandestine psychology labs to the digital headlines shaping our worldview. Along the way, you’ll uncover radical evidence that crises spark cooperation, that our worst instincts can be tamed, and that empathy and cynicism are two sides of the same coin. By embracing a new realism rooted in science, you’ll learn how to break free from fear, build deeper connections, and spark positive change in your community and beyond.

About the Author

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and popular thinker known for challenging conventional pessimism with rigorous research. His work has appeared in major international journals, and he’s lectured at Yale, Harvard, and the Tavistock Institute. When he’s not digging through archives or writing bestsellers, he enjoys hiking, debating human nature over coffee, and mentoring young researchers.

Biggest Takeaway

You’ll see how ordinary people unite in emergencies, boosting resilience and reducing stress. You’ll learn to spot and resist manipulative authority, sharpen your moral courage, and foster trust instead of suspicion. You’ll break free from the doom-and-gloom news cycle, reclaim your mental well-being, and experience more meaningful relationships at work and home. Finally, you’ll discover how small acts of solidarity amplify into lasting social transformation.

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