This is a key takeaways and analysis of the book and NOT the original book. Start Publishing Notes' Summary, Analysis, and Review of Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined includes: Summary of the book, a review, analysis & key takeaways, and a detailed "About the Author" section. Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature argues that violence has been decreasing over most of human history. People have innate tendencies towards violence, but they also have innate tendencies towards peace. Historical developments, especially the consolidation of state power and the Enlightenment, have allowed humans to move away from violence, murder, and war, and move towards more peaceful ways of living. The Better Angels of Our Nature is a daring, provocative, and important book. As Pinker himself notes, journalists and pundits generally argue that the world is getting worse and that we live in uniquely dangerous or violent times. The September 11th attacks, the threat of terrorism, and the ongoing wars in the Middle East are presented as evidence of increasing violence, chaos, and instability. Pessimism is seen as realism, and policymakers declare that unprecedented effort is required to avert crises.