Humankind

About the Author

Rutger Bregman is a renowned historian and author known for his optimistic outlook on human nature. Born in the Netherlands, Bregman has made a name for himself through his thought-provoking books and articles that challenge conventional wisdom. His work often delves into the social, political, and economic issues of our time, with a particular focus on the potential for human goodness. Bregman’s previous works, including Utopia for Realists, have earned him widespread acclaim for his ability to present complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. In Humankind: A Hopeful History, Bregman continues this tradition by exploring the fundamental nature of human beings, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to be human.

Main Idea

Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the deeply ingrained belief that humans are inherently selfish and driven by self-interest. Bregman argues that, contrary to popular belief, humans are fundamentally good, compassionate, and cooperative. He suggests that our species has evolved to be friendly and altruistic, and that the darker aspects of human behavior are often a result of societal structures rather than an innate tendency toward evil. By reexamining our assumptions about human nature, Bregman believes we can create a more just and humane society.

Throughout the book, Bregman uses a combination of historical examples, scientific studies, and philosophical arguments to support his thesis. He engages with the long-standing debate between Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau about whether humans are naturally good or evil, ultimately siding with Rousseau's more optimistic view. Bregman argues that by embracing a positive view of human nature, we can foster a world where trust, cooperation, and kindness are the norm, rather than the exception.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: A New Perspective on Human Nature
2. The Debate: Are Humans Good or Evil?
3. Evolutionary Evidence: We Evolved to Work Together
4. Historical Evidence: Civilization Causes Suffering
5. Modern Evidence: Evil Doesn’t Come Naturally to Us
6. Why Do We Commit Evil Actions?
7. Seeing Humans as Fundamentally Good Can Create a Better World

Introduction: A New Perspective on Human Nature

Bregman opens Humankind with a bold assertion: the belief that humans are inherently selfish and malevolent is not only incorrect but also harmful. This perspective, he argues, has shaped much of our history, leading to systems and structures that perpetuate distrust and violence. However, by reexamining the evidence and adopting a more optimistic view of human nature, we can begin to create a better world. Bregman’s goal is not just to argue that humans are good, but to demonstrate how this belief can lead to real, positive change in society.

The Debate: Are Humans Good or Evil?

For centuries, philosophers have debated the nature of humanity. Central to this debate are the contrasting views of Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes, writing in the 17th century, believed that humans are naturally selfish and cruel. He argued that before the establishment of society, life was "nasty, brutish, and short," and that civilization was necessary to curb our base instincts.

On the other hand, Rousseau, an 18th-century French philosopher, maintained that humans are fundamentally good and that it is civilization that corrupts us. He believed that in a state of nature, humans were compassionate and cooperative, but the development of property and societal structures led to inequality and conflict.