Economics Quote by Steven Pinker
““I am sometimes asked, "How do you know there won't be a war tomorrow (or a genocide, or an act of terrorism) that will refute your whole thesis?" The question misses the point of this book. The point is not that we have entered an Age of Aquarius in which every last earthling has been pacified forever. It is that substantial reductions in violence have taken place, and it is important to understand them. Declines in violence are caused by political, economic, and ideological conditions that take hold in particular cultures at particular times. If the conditions reverse, violence could go right back up.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011
The book argues that while future violence is possible, historical trends show a long‑term decline due to political, economic, and cultural shifts.
In simple terms: Violence has fallen over centuries, but could rise if conditions change.
Key Takeaway
Study the forces that reduced violence and protect them.
Themes
history
violence
progress
politics
economics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- conflict prevention
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Long‑term decline
risk of reversal
civilization
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions most strongly drive peace?
- How can societies guard against regression?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate the consistency of decline across regions.
