59 pages • 1 hour read
Rutger BregmanHumankind: A Hopeful History
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In an intellectual landscape dominated by bleak takes on human nature, Rutger Bregman's Humankind: A Hopeful History offers a counter-narrative that argues for humanity's inherent kindness and cooperative behavior, using historical accounts, psychological research, and real-world case studies. Bregman critiques widely-accepted experiments and societal structures that paint a pessimistic view of human nature, and he advocates for policies and systems that prioritize trust and collaboration. Sensitive topics such as World War II and atrocities are explored in the book.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rutger Bregman's Humankind challenges the perception of human nature as inherently selfish, presenting evidence of widespread cooperation and kindness. Critics praise its hopeful outlook and extensive research but note it occasionally oversimplifies complex issues. Overall, it offers a refreshing, optimistic view of humanity while inviting deeper reflections on societal structures.
Who Should Read Humankind?
Readers who appreciate Humankind by Rutger Bregman tend to be intellectually curious and optimistic about human nature. They enjoy thought-provoking narratives similar to Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now and Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens. These readers often seek compelling arguments challenging conventional pessimism about humanity.