# Rethinking Violence: A Reflection on Steven Pinker’s Ideas
Written on
Chapter 1: The Illusion of Progress
During my time in graduate school, no book influenced me more than The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker. His arguments, backed by substantial data, suggest that society has become less violent over time. Instead of succumbing to sensational headlines, Pinker urges us to reflect on our social norms regarding what constitutes acceptable violence.
As we examine the evolution of our societal practices, we see a significant reduction in brutal methods such as torture, public executions, and animal cruelty. Pinker attributes this progress to various social movements, including the acceptance of LGBTQ individuals, women's rights, and the transition from primitive tribes to more complex agricultural societies.
Section 1.1: Understanding Violence in Context
While Pinker’s insights into human behavior are compelling, recent developments over the last decade have prompted scholars in fields like ecopsychology to reassess this narrative. Although interpersonal violence may have decreased, the harm inflicted on our biosphere has escalated dramatically. The degradation of ecosystems—evident in the alarming scale of destruction from toxic mining and fracking—illustrates this point.
Subsection 1.1.1: A New Perspective on Violence
Our actions toward the environment, while perhaps less violent in traditional terms, have become increasingly ruthless. The current extinction crisis is intertwined with our reckless exploitation of nature. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic can be traced back to our aggressive interactions with wildlife, leading to potential future outbreaks related to the mistreatment of animals in agriculture.
Section 1.2: Interconnectedness of Humanity and Nature
Human beings, while dominant, are not separate from the ecosystems that sustain us. Our existence depends on the intricate relationships we maintain with various species and the health of our environment. Issues like environmental racism and gender discrimination reveal how those already marginalized suffer disproportionately from pollution and ecological degradation.
Chapter 2: Confronting Our Apathy
In the video The Besties: Justin, Griffin, Chris and Russ Pick the Best Games of the Year 2016, the hosts highlight the best games, showcasing how entertainment can serve as a distraction from pressing issues such as environmental destruction.
Our complacency is troubling. Many of us prioritize superficial concerns, like gas prices, over the catastrophic climate changes unfolding around us. This indifference perpetuates a cycle of neglect toward both animals and their habitats.
In the Sustainable World Conclave 2024 | Day 2, experts discuss sustainable practices and the urgent need for systemic changes to mitigate environmental harm.
My own inclination toward believing in a less violent world stems from confirmation bias—a comforting narrative fueled by activism that seems to have reduced overt acts of cruelty. While it’s encouraging to witness a decline in public executions and other brutal practices, we must not overlook the ongoing suffering inflicted on ecosystems and animals.
As we confront these uncomfortable truths, we must recognize that our ignorance contributes to suffering. A genuine understanding of the origins of our food and the ecological impact of our choices is essential for fostering a more compassionate world.
In conclusion, confronting the reality of our actions is crucial. We cannot rely on abstract notions of benevolence to shield us from the consequences of our neglect. It is time to awaken the true better angels of our nature by acknowledging and addressing the harm we cause to our planet and its inhabitants.