The decline of violence is not predetermined or irreversible from "summary" of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
The notion that the decline of violence is not predetermined or irreversible is a crucial one to keep in mind when considering the trajectory of human history. It is tempting to fall into the trap of assuming that progress is inevitable, that humanity is on an upward slope towards ever greater peace and prosperity. However, this belief is not only unwarranted but also dangerous. History is full of examples of societies that have regressed, of periods of peace giving way to war and chaos. The decline of violence is not a linear process, but rather a complex and contingent one. It is the result of a multitude of factors, from cultural norms to institutional structures to individual decisions. These factors can interact in unpredictable ways, leading to sudden shifts in the prevalence of violence. For example, the outbreak of a new conflict or the rise of a charismatic leader can quickly reverse the downward trend in viol...
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