Humankind

A Hopeful History

De: Rutger Bregman, Erica Moore, Elizabeth Manton

Narrado por: Rutger Bregman, Thomas Judd

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The “lively” (The New Yorker), “convincing” (Forbes), and “riveting pick-me-up we all need right now” (People) that proves humanity thrives in a crisis and that our innate kindness and cooperation have been the greatest factors in our long-term success as a species.

If there is one belief that has united the left and the right, psychologists and philosophers, ancient thinkers and modern ones, it is the tacit assumption that humans are bad. It's a notion that drives newspaper headlines and guides the laws that shape our lives. From Machiavelli to Hobbes, Freud to Pinker, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought. Human beings, we're taught, are by nature selfish and governed primarily by self-interest.

But what if it isn't true? International bestseller Rutger Bregman provides new perspective on the past 200,000 years of human history, setting out to prove that we are hardwired for kindness, geared toward cooperation rather than competition, and more inclined to trust rather than distrust one another. In fact this instinct has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of Homo sapiens.

From the real-life Lord of the Flies to the solidarity in the aftermath of the Blitz, the hidden flaws in the Stanford prison experiment to the true story of twin brothers on opposite sides who helped Mandela end apartheid, Bregman shows us that believing in human generosity and collaboration isn't merely optimistic—it's realistic. Moreover, it has huge implications for how society functions. When we think the worst of people, it brings out the worst in our politics and economics. But if we believe in the reality of humanity's kindness and altruism, it will form the foundation for achieving true change in society, a case that Bregman makes convincingly with his signature wit, refreshing frankness, and memorable storytelling.

"The Sapiens of 2020."—The Guardian

"Humankind made me see humanity from a fresh perspective."—Yuval Noah Harari, author of the #1 bestseller Sapiens

Longlisted for the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction

One of the Washington Post's 50 Notable Nonfiction Works in 2020

©2020 Rutger Bregman (P)2020 Little, Brown & Company

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Rutger Bregman is one of the most provocative thinkers of our time... This book demolishes the cynical view that humans are inherently nasty and selfish, and paints a portrait of human nature that's not only more uplifting—it's also more accurate... by taking us on a guided tour of the past, he reveals how we can build a world with more givers than takers in the future."—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals

"I greatly enjoyed reading Humankind. It made me see humanity from a fresh perspective and challenged me to rethink many long-held beliefs. I warmly recommend it to others, and I trust it will stir a lot of fruitful discussions."—Yuval Noah Harari, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Sapiens and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

"Some books challenge our ideas. But Humankind challenges the very premises on which those ideas are based. Its bold, sweeping argument will make you rethink what you believe about society, democracy, and human nature itself. In a sea of cynicism, this book is the sturdy, unsinkable lifeboat the world needs."—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of When and A Whole New Mind

Good news

Want some good news for a change, some hope? Read this book. Afterward, if you're like me, you'll wish everyone would read it and act accordingly.

The essence of paradigm shift. The fine line in perspective

This experience has been revolutionary. I feel like a more complete person, more aware of the resources all around me. I’m not an enlightened person… Not yet. I must do the things that make my load much later, that is acknowledge myself for the good deeds I do. Much much more than we acknowledge and focus our attention on the confusion all around us and distractions, understanding our own beautiful intentions is core to a New World self realization. We are so good! We are so so so good one another. Bless the other as yourself

Made me see others through a new lens

I had to listen to this book, because the ideas are so foreign. I found that how I perceived the world is not the way it is, but how I was told by others. This book allowed me to look at the people and places with greater appreciation, understanding and compassion. Thanks!

Important POV.

He does a great job of presenting the reality of the world around us, and uncovers the incentives of the people and groups who benefit from us seeing otherwise. And also points out that many of the famous researchers that caused us to see each other as monsters are, ironically, the real monsters.

Outstanding - full of realism and joy!

What a gem - thank you to the authors for bringing a very realistic view of human beings to light. Let that light be a torch to all!

A well needed injection of optimism

This book breaks down discoveries and research from the past to point out mistakes in research methods and conclusions of world famous truths.

While this book is not without flaws, it's certainly worth reading through it.

Recommended!

the real realism

I love and am moved by this book. it is a book that all of us must read.

Brings a much needed perspective

Appreciated his research to debunk many incorrect understandings and research we’ve been taught. The world needs an optimistic view more now than ever.

Required reading: redacting big societal problems

Please listen to what Rutger has to say. Look elsewhere for some deeply decolonial thinking, but this still paves the way for more than just 101 level human kindness and what that requires of humans, states, and war. The top ten lessons learned at the end, however, don't encompass or necessarily emphasize some of the most important redactions of what used to be considered scientific research. A must read for everyone, but especially folks who claim to be considering cognitive biases, as some of that "fundamental" research is upended here by looking at the real archives and biases of the folks directing those performances.

Incredible & Important

A must read for cynics, realist & everyone in between. Bregman demonstrates that we are naturally inclined to harmony not hate.