Reviews
Los ángeles que llevamos dentro. El declive de la violencia y sus implicaciones, by Steven Pinker
somniumviatordiem's review against another edition
slow-paced
4.0
Documentary covered all book subjects but the book is more in depth for those who are interested various case studies, great book!
bfraynt's review against another edition
5.0
Quite frankly, this book ranks in the top 10 most important books I have read. This book is not just about why violence has declined, and I think Pinker is pretty convincing about the fact that it has, at least since people have had written records of killing each other. It also tackles some pretty profound questions about whether human nature is fundamentally good or evil (The short version of Pinker's answer is neither; we have both good and evil inclinations. However, our brains are programmed with an innate capacity to learn from our mistakes and make progress over time, as painful as that progress might be). Pinker also makes a pretty solid case for the benefits of modern living. Namely, that modern life is certainly imperfect, but there has been some stunning progress over time. For example, while slavery still exists in many places, it is generally illegal, underground, and sane people don't make public arguments that its a good thing or ordained by a divine entity. That was most certainly not the case even 100 years ago.
I've read a fair number of criticisms of Pinker's work, and they center around a couple of themes. Some of it is Pinker's irreverent and occasionally offensive tone. Pinker has no problem tossing some barbs at organized religion, extreme left and right wing politics, and over-protective parents. And honestly, Pinker does occasionally come off as an elitist and arrogant white dude. However, just because I'm not sure that I want to have lunch with someone or sign up to be their graduate student doesn't mean that they may not have a point. The bottom line is that even if 50% of Pinker's book is correct, and I think he has enough data behind him that that very well may be the case, then this is a book worth reading. Because if we can find even a few manipulable variables that prevent people from raping and killing each other, then I think most of us can agree that we should do everything in our power to start manipulating those variables.
The other big criticism I've heard about Pinker's work is that it is highly Eurocentric. That is probably the case. Many critics take offense at Pinker's argument that tribal societies are more violent than societies with a government. His data is a little shakier on this point. However, even if he is wrong about this, Pinker is still fairly convincing about the fact that violence has declined since societies developed writing. And the correlational evidence that increasingly literate, democratic, feminist, and free market societies appear to be more peaceful is also convincing. Since I think few people are arguing that we return to tribal living any time soon, one can disagree with Pinker's point about tribes and still agree that fostering cultures that are open to the exchange of goods and ideas, allow citizens to choose their leaders and place checks and balances on governmental authority, and treat women as autonomous beings who are not the property of men, might be the kinds of cultures we want to live in.
People also seem to get very huffy about Pinker's clear admiration for Enlightenment principles. Again, I don't think one has to agree with pinker completely to take something important from his argument. No, Enlightenment ideas may not be the only good ideas ever invented or the only factor that has contributed to increased cooperation among people. For example, Buddhist concepts of mindfulness and moderation may also be powerful contributors. However, it's hard to argue that the idea that individuals' happiness is sacred and important, and that all of us have inalienable rights, is a bad idea. It's also hard to argue that these ideas have not had an impact on violence.
So, what are the big take-aways from the book? On a personal level, the best ways for us to reduce violence in ourselves and our communities is to increase literacy, critical thinking, and perspective taking skills. On a policy level, advancing women's rights, investing in education, building sustainable democracies, and promoting non-exploitative trade relationships are likely to decrease wars and even government sponsored violence against citizens. These are ideas I can definitely get behind.
What I appreciate about this book is that it is not a Pollyannaish narrative about how people are destined to get better all the time. Nor did it dismiss the many ways in which violence continues to exist. But Pinker correctly points out that if people are doing things that are reducing violence, it is in all of our best interests to figure out what those things are and start doing more of them. This book begins an important conversation that I hope many people will continue.
dhilderbrand's review against another edition
5.0
OK, this is a strange review. I actually only read the preface and first chapter AND I don't really have plans to read more BUT I so loved what I read I give it five stars. It was absolutely hilarious to hear this guys version of history - totally accurate, I don't doubt, but just too funny to hear him recite all the violece in the old testament.
The book is long so I doubt I will continue to read it, but I would highly recommend the first chapters.
The book is long so I doubt I will continue to read it, but I would highly recommend the first chapters.
tessaays's review against another edition
5.0
An instant classic from Pinker. Everyone should read this book and feel better about the world. As usual, it is exhaustive and exacting in its research, and it’s very difficult to argue with any of the conclusions reached. Truly an intellectual feat on a scale I don’t think I’ve ever read before. But (also as usual) it’s also so well written and readable that it doesn’t feel at all like the door-stopper that it is.
tigermuffin's review against another edition
4.0
More than I could handle, actually I didn't finish this book, it finished me. Super Tome, reference item.
I took notes.
I took notes.
spinnerroweok's review against another edition
5.0
If you read/listen to one book this year, make it this one. Wow. It really made me think and reflect. It combines history, psychology, game theorey, social psychology, economics, biology, and politics into one book that looks at the decline in violence in our history. It will make you think. You will probably argue with some of the ideas. It will challenge you. I most highly recommend this book.
dkel10's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
A really interesting topic and overall good read. Definitely not a life changing book though, and even if the world is less violent than the past it doesn't mean the violence of the present should be discounted. There are definitely a few logical fallacies and some oversight and assumptions in the use and application of the data.
What I find more interesting than this book and it's topic is how most people respond to the ideas within it, interesting information to start some intruiqing conversations.
What I find more interesting than this book and it's topic is how most people respond to the ideas within it, interesting information to start some intruiqing conversations.
fourtriplezed's review against another edition
5.0
What an interesting read! If the idea is to give the reader food for thought this book more than nourishes.
My approach to this book was a bit different than is usual. I have tended to write a review and then read others. Not in this case. I read many good reviews and few that were critical so was very open to being a critic. I am of the opinion that a few did not take note of what Pinker wrote. He got some numbers wrong was a fairly common complaint. He may have and admits as much. A few times he made it clear that his numbers were estimates based on researchers who are respected in the field. “…. so there is no single correct estimate” he writes on page 60 of my copy. Page 168 “….. no one knows exactly how many were killed…..” when discussing holy slaughters. In fact Pinker supports scepticism as he suggested on page 217 when discussing the Enlightenment.
As a westerner living a very comfortable life in Australia I was intrigued to read a comment by US politician John Kerry on page 417. “We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorist are not the focus of our lives, but they’re a nuisance. As a former law-enforcement person, I know we’re never going to end prostitution. We’re never going to end illegal gambling. But we’re going to reduce it, organised crime, to a level where it isn’t on the rise. It isn’t threatening people’s lives every day, and fundamentally it’s something that you continue to fight, but it’s not threatening the fabric of your life” He was right of course but he became “unfit to lead” and had to back pedal as the reality is that the authorities may well have reduced and contained crime, by cripes don’t tell the people that because the media will not be happy unless they are able to make you feel bad about just about every part of your life. Less violence? How dare that be considered when there is news to sell. And take it in your stride as you are not going to get hit by the Mafia? Bah!
This book covered a variety of female issues and after conversation elsewhere I even read On Rape by Germaine Greer. Hardly an area I knew much about. Glad I did. Perhaps blokes my age, 60ish, need to get of their fat arses and not think they rule the world as Pinker has given a very good case that the rise of feminist thought has been good for our collective health. While reading this I came across this item on the repulsive practise of female circumcision. Yes the item says caution is required but it is good to read that progress is taking place.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/nov/07/fgm-rates-in-east-africa-drop-20-years-study-shows
This book has some fascinating sub chapters and one on page 572 called Whence The Rights Revolution? should thrill the hearts of all book readers. Among other things is a fivefold increase in books published from 1960 to 2000. The information we are getting seems to just make us collectively smarter when it comes to treating each other with a little bit of respect and not get on our high horse and want to smash the face in of our neighbours be they next door or in the nation next door.
So does Pinker say we are in for even less violence in the future? No! In fact he makes it abundantly clear that one bit of lunacy can change everything. I personally am very unsure we have rosy future. I am like the next father of children and worry about the environment, that a loony with a nuke will go mad but the book itself is in fact not really about that. It is about the data that shows violence has dropped and gives several reasons why. Disagree with the reasons by all means but also enjoy the fact you have more chance of dying in a car crash than by a terrorist attack no matter what the newspapers tells you.
My approach to this book was a bit different than is usual. I have tended to write a review and then read others. Not in this case. I read many good reviews and few that were critical so was very open to being a critic. I am of the opinion that a few did not take note of what Pinker wrote. He got some numbers wrong was a fairly common complaint. He may have and admits as much. A few times he made it clear that his numbers were estimates based on researchers who are respected in the field. “…. so there is no single correct estimate” he writes on page 60 of my copy. Page 168 “….. no one knows exactly how many were killed…..” when discussing holy slaughters. In fact Pinker supports scepticism as he suggested on page 217 when discussing the Enlightenment.
As a westerner living a very comfortable life in Australia I was intrigued to read a comment by US politician John Kerry on page 417. “We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorist are not the focus of our lives, but they’re a nuisance. As a former law-enforcement person, I know we’re never going to end prostitution. We’re never going to end illegal gambling. But we’re going to reduce it, organised crime, to a level where it isn’t on the rise. It isn’t threatening people’s lives every day, and fundamentally it’s something that you continue to fight, but it’s not threatening the fabric of your life” He was right of course but he became “unfit to lead” and had to back pedal as the reality is that the authorities may well have reduced and contained crime, by cripes don’t tell the people that because the media will not be happy unless they are able to make you feel bad about just about every part of your life. Less violence? How dare that be considered when there is news to sell. And take it in your stride as you are not going to get hit by the Mafia? Bah!
This book covered a variety of female issues and after conversation elsewhere I even read On Rape by Germaine Greer. Hardly an area I knew much about. Glad I did. Perhaps blokes my age, 60ish, need to get of their fat arses and not think they rule the world as Pinker has given a very good case that the rise of feminist thought has been good for our collective health. While reading this I came across this item on the repulsive practise of female circumcision. Yes the item says caution is required but it is good to read that progress is taking place.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/nov/07/fgm-rates-in-east-africa-drop-20-years-study-shows
This book has some fascinating sub chapters and one on page 572 called Whence The Rights Revolution? should thrill the hearts of all book readers. Among other things is a fivefold increase in books published from 1960 to 2000. The information we are getting seems to just make us collectively smarter when it comes to treating each other with a little bit of respect and not get on our high horse and want to smash the face in of our neighbours be they next door or in the nation next door.
So does Pinker say we are in for even less violence in the future? No! In fact he makes it abundantly clear that one bit of lunacy can change everything. I personally am very unsure we have rosy future. I am like the next father of children and worry about the environment, that a loony with a nuke will go mad but the book itself is in fact not really about that. It is about the data that shows violence has dropped and gives several reasons why. Disagree with the reasons by all means but also enjoy the fact you have more chance of dying in a car crash than by a terrorist attack no matter what the newspapers tells you.