Goodness Paradox

The Goodness Paradox: The Strange Relationship Between Peace and Violence in Human Evolution by Richard Wrangham

People are good, but not good. Humans have domesticated themselves, and in the process have come to dominate. Some cultures can appear to be so peace-loving, but also very violent. The death penalty may have curtailed many of the most violent tendencies in society. Homo sapiens have had more feminine influences and less violence.

This book is a hodgepodge of ideas and studies that explore peace and violence. The history of humanity is explored as well as comparisons of other animals. Chimpanzees can be very violent, but Bonobos are much more peaceful. A number of theories are tossed around, but we don't seem to be at a point where one can be declared the best.