Humankind A Hopeful History

by Rutger Bregman

Date: Wednesday December 8, at 8 a.m. Pacific Time
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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 ofHomo 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 ofhumanity'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.

About the Author

Rutger Bregman (born April 26th, 1988) is a Dutch popular historian and author. He was born in Renesse, the Netherlands. His father is a Protestant minister and his mother is a special needs teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history at Utrecht University in 2009. He earned his Master's of Arts in history in 2012, partly at Utrecht University and partly at the University of California, Los Angeles.

He has published 5 books on history, philosophy, and economics, including Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World, (Dutch title: Gratis geld voor iedereen) which has been translated into thirty-two languages. In it he promotes a more productive and equitable life based on three core ideas which include a universal and unconditional basic income paid to everybody, a short workweek of fifteen hours, and open borders worldwide with the free exchange of citizens between all nations.

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