$1.99 | Humankind: A Hopeful History (eBook) by Rutger Bregman

Unveiling the True Nature of HumanityA groundbreaking exploration that will transform your understanding of human kindness and cooperation.Discover the Book

• Author: Rutger Bregman
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Publication Date: June 2, 2020
• Print Length: 481 pages

Why Humankind ThrivesThis instant New York Times bestseller makes a compelling case: humanity is not inherently selfish. Instead, it brilliantly demonstrates that our innate kindness and profound capacity for cooperation are the most significant factors in our long-term success as a species.For centuries, a powerful, pervasive belief has dominated our understanding of human nature: that we are fundamentally bad, driven by self-interest and aggression. This narrative, echoed from Machiavelli to Freud, has shaped our laws and societal norms. But what if this deeply ingrained assumption is fundamentally flawed?International bestselling author Rutger Bregman challenges this conventional wisdom. He provides a fresh, illuminating perspective on the past 200,000 years of human history, arguing that we are hardwired for compassion, geared towards collaboration over competition, and more inclined to trust than to distrust each other. Bregman reveals that this powerful instinct has a robust evolutionary basis, stretching back to the very origins of Homo sapiens.Through a series of captivating stories—from the true account of a “Lord of the Flies” scenario that ended in solidarity, to the resilience witnessed during the Blitz, and from the re-evaluation of the Stanford prison experiment to the powerful tale of twin brothers who helped dismantle apartheid—Bregman convinces us that believing in human generosity and collaboration isn’t just optimistic, it’s profoundly realistic. He meticulously illustrates how our fundamental beliefs about human nature have immense implications for our politics and economics. Embrace the reality of humanity’s kindness and altruism, and lay a new foundation for true societal change. All presented with Bregman’s signature wit, refreshing candor, and unforgettable storytelling.Acclaimed by Critics

• “The Sapiens of 2020.” —The Guardian
• “Humankind made me see humanity from a fresh perspective.” —Yuval Noah Harari, author of the #1 bestseller Sapiens

Recognized Excellence

• Longlisted for the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction
• One of the Washington Post‘s 50 Notable Nonfiction Works in 2020