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Violence has declined dramatically throughout human history from "summary" of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
The idea that violence has declined dramatically throughout human history may seem counterintuitive at first. After all, news reports and history books are filled with accounts of wars, crime, and brutality. But upon closer examination of the data, a different picture emerges. When we look back at the past, we can see that life for our ancestors was far more violent than it is for us today. Tribal warfare, blood feuds, and public executions were common occurrences in many societies. The idea of a peaceful, stable society would have seemed like a far-fetched fantasy to many people living in those times. However, as societies began to organize themselves more effectively and establish systems of government and justice, rates of violence started to decline. The emergence of centralized states, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights all played a role in reducing the levels of violence in society. Furthermore, as we have progressed technologically and economically, the costs of violence have increased. In a world where information travels quickly and resources are more valuable, the incentives for engaging in violent behavior have diminished. The risks of retaliation, punishment, and social ostracism have also acted as deterrents to violent behavior.- The overall trend is clear: we are living in a time of unprecedented peace and stability. By recognizing this fact, we can better appreciate the progress that has been made and work towards building a more peaceful future for all.
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