Humankind

Imagine a world where ordinary people consistently help neighbors and even total strangers. This might sound too idealistic, yet countless stories show that kindness is more common than we think. Many of us have also heard about darkness in human nature—from real-life horrors to famous experiments suggesting people submit to cruelty. But what if humanity’s core is much gentler?

This book starts by challenging the assumption that most folks are fundamentally selfish. It shows how media negativity feeds our pessimism and how, in reality, compassion and understanding often triumph. By rethinking our view of what drives us, we unlock a fresh perspective on social issues, education, business, and politics.

The central argument is that humans are wired for cooperation more than conflict. We see it whenever disaster strikes and communities pull together. We see it in groundbreaking research with children, who display empathy and helpfulness from an early age. Our capacity for goodness may be much greater than we ever imagined.

For decades, we’ve been told that humans descend into chaos when social norms break down. Popular culture is filled with images of looting, violence, and every-man-for-himself panic in emergencies. Yet when researchers examine real events—like evacuations during floods or earthquakes—they frequently find a different pattern: neighbors rescuing trapped families, strangers offering food, and communities rebuilding together.

Similar misconceptions come from sensational news coverage. Because we constantly hear about crime and conflict, we assume these behaviors are typical. We underestimate the quiet, daily acts of support that surround us. This negativity bias primes us to believe the worst about others, even though reality is far more nuanced.

The book cites examples like the Blitz in WWII London, where, instead of panicking, most residents showed calm solidarity. By questioning the media’s fixation on fear and violence, we can open ourselves to evidence of widespread altruism.