Humankind: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Humankind, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Most people are basically decent
Bregman argues that, contrary to popular belief, most people are kind and cooperative.
He criticises veneer theory, the idea that civilisation is a thin layer over a selfish, violent human nature that breaks through in crises.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Humans are friendly animals
Bregman suggests that humans evolved to be friendly, calling our species Homo puppy.
Our success, he argues, comes from cooperation and learning from each other. Friendliness was an evolutionary advantage.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Real stranded boys cooperated
Bregman tells the true story of six Tongan boys stranded on an island in the 1960s.
Unlike the fictional boys in Lord of the Flies, they worked together, cared for each other and survived for over a year.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Famous studies were flawed
Bregman criticises the Stanford Prison Experiment and other studies that seemed to show human cruelty.
He argues that many were poorly designed or misrepresented. Their lessons need rethinking. Evidence was selective.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Easter Island's story is misunderstood
Bregman challenges the idea that Easter Island's people destroyed themselves through greed.
He suggests that disease and slavery brought by outsiders caused much of the decline. The tragedy came from outside.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Soldiers made peace at Christmas
Bregman describes the Christmas truce of 1914, when soldiers on opposite sides of the First World War stopped fighting and celebrated together.
It shows human kindness even in war. Enemies became friends.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Expecting the worst makes it happen
Bregman describes the nocebo effect: expecting harm can create harm.
Assuming people are selfish can make them act selfishly. Our expectations shape how others behave towards us, for better or worse.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Trust builds better societies
Bregman argues that institutions based on trust, from schools to prisons, can work better.
He encourages readers to assume the best in others. Trust tends to be returned. Kindness spreads.
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