KhizooologyThe Better Angels of Our Nature
A historical trend is not a promise.
Big Idea
Pinker argues that some forms of violence declined across long historical spans and examines possible psychological and institutional explanations.
Measuring violence
Rates, absolute counts, time periods, and definitions can produce different pictures.
Historical transitions
Pinker links changes in violence with developments in institutions and social life.
Human tendencies
The argument considers capacities for both aggression and restraint.
Contested evidence
Historical estimates and the author's interpretations require critical comparison.
No guarantee
A claim about past trends does not predict a peaceful present or inevitable future improvement.
Notooo Take
Check the metric and period before accepting a claim about declining violence.
One Thing to Keep
A historical trend is not a promise.