Originally published in hardcover in 2011 by Viking

Includes bibliographical references (p. 697-771) and index

A foreign country -- The pacification process -- The civilizing process -- The humanitarian revolution -- The long peace -- The new peace -- The rights revolutions -- Inner demons -- Better angels -- On angels' wings

Today we may be living in the most peaceful time in human existence. The ceaseless news about war, crime, and terrorism makes it seem as if the world is getting bloodier. But in this book the author shows that violence has in fact declined over long stretches of history. How has this happened? Here the author examines the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that pull us away, and shows how changes in ideas and practices have allowed our better angels to prevail. In the process he explodes many myths about violence and presents a new defense of modernity and enlightenment. This exploration of human nature blends psychology and history to provide a picture of humanity's gradual conquest of violence