Diving into the fascinating decline of violence throughout human history, Steven Pinker provides compelling evidence that our world has become significantly less violent over time. Contrary to popular belief, the author demonstrates that we are currently living in the most peaceful period in human history.

Pinker supports this idea by analyzing historical data and trends in violence, from prehistoric times to the present day. He examines various forms of violence, such as wars, homicide, and even cruelty to animals. Through this comprehensive analysis, it becomes clear that violence has been on a steady decline for centuries.

For instance, the author highlights the decrease in the rate of violent deaths in tribal societies compared to modern ones. In prehistoric times, the chances of dying from violence were about 15%, while today, this figure has dropped to just 0.03%. Pinker also sheds light on the decline of major wars, pointing out that the 20th century, despite being marred by two World Wars, was less deadly than previous centuries when taking into account population size.

One example that illustrates this trend is the decrease in the number of European countries involved in wars from 1500 to 2000. In the 16th century, 75% of European countries were engaged in wars, while in the 20th century, only 25% were involved in conflicts.

This key idea delves into the reasons behind the impressive reduction in violence throughout human history, painting an optimistic picture of humanity's progress. By understanding this decline, we can better appreciate the factors that have led to a safer and more peaceful world. Pinker's thought-provoking analysis serves as a reminder of the power of human progress and our ability to learn from our past mistakes to create a brighter future.