Humankind
A Hopeful History – from the presenter of the 2025 BBC ‘Moral Revolution’ Reith lectures
What's it about
What if our deepest assumptions about human nature are wrong? This summary challenges the cynical view that people are inherently selfish. Discover a radical, evidence-based argument for our innate kindness and cooperation, and learn how embracing this optimistic view can transform your life and society. Explore groundbreaking research from history, biology, and economics that dismantles the myths of human wickedness. You'll uncover how events like the real-life Lord of the Flies played out and why our collaborative instincts have been the true secret to our success as a species.
Meet the author
Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author, and the presenter of the BBC’s highly anticipated 2025 ‘Moral Revolution’ Reith lectures, exploring humanity's capacity for good. A leading European thinker, his work challenges long-held pessimistic assumptions about human nature. Bregman's extensive historical research led him to a powerful, evidence-based conclusion: that most people, deep down, are pretty decent. This radical idea forms the core of his international bestseller, Humankind, offering a hopeful new perspective for our times.
The Script
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