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The Better Angels of Our Nature:

Why Violence Has Declined
Front Cover
35 Reviews
Penguin Group US, Oct 4, 2011 - Psychology - 832 pages

A provocative history of violence—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Stuff of Thought and The Blank Slate

Believe it or not, today we may be living in the most peaceful moment in our species' existence. In his gripping and controversial new work, New York Times bestselling author Steven Pinker shows that despite the ceaseless news about war, crime, and terrorism, violence has actually been in decline over long stretches of history. Exploding myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, this ambitious book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly enlightened world.

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Well researched and readable. - Goodreads
The premise is interesting. - Goodreads
Some look educational. - Goodreads
Steven Pinker's writing is very clear, even playful. - Goodreads
It's well researched. - Goodreads
This book looked educational. - Goodreads

Review: The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

User Review  - Lane - Goodreads

Few books truly qualify as "must-read", but the evidence Pinker marshals for the historical decline in violence is so massive that it simply must be seen by a serious student of history, society or ... Read full review

Review: The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

User Review  - Bill Pardi - Goodreads

Steven Pinker doesn't shy away from big topics. Whether it's nature vs. nurture in "The Blank Slate" or the construction of ideas in "The Stuff of Thought, " Pinker goes after tough topics and doesn't ... Read full review

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About the author (2011)

Steven Pinker is one of the world's leading authorities on language and the mind. His popular and highly praised books include Words and Rules, How the Mind Works, and The Language Instinct. The recipient of several major awards for his teaching and scientific research, Pinker is Peter de Florez professor of psychology in the department of brain and cognitive sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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