“When put to the test, the theories set forth by celebrated crowd psychologist Gustave Le Bon [who argued that crowds lose rationality and individuality and become manipulable] could hardly have been further off the mark. Crisis brought out not the worst, but the best in people.”

This statement serves as a pointed critique of the collective understanding (or misunderstanding) that governs how people view human behavior and ethics. Rutger Bregman challenges widely accepted narratives, encouraging readers to reconsider what they think they know about humanity. This contextual framing adds weight to the ironic tone of the quote, enhancing its call for a more critical assessment of societal beliefs.

“So what is this radical idea? That most people, deep down, are decent.”

This quote underscores the theme of the Innate Goodness of Humans. The use of the word “radical” serves as a rhetorical device, emphasizing the irony that something so basic and intuitive about human nature is considered revolutionary. This statement sets the stage for a critique of societal norms and ideologies that often paint a less flattering picture of humanity.

“Catastrophes bring out the best in people. I know of no other sociological finding that’s backed by so much solid evidence that’s so blithely ignored.”

The tension between something having empirical “solid evidence” while nonetheless being “blithely ignored” serves as a form of dramatic irony, revealing a disconnect between societal perception and scientific data. This observation emphasizes the gulf between commonly held beliefs and what is scientifically supported about human nature.