Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and writer known for making academic topics accessible to the general public. His background in history equips him with the tools to tackle complex subjects that range from economics and human nature to political theory. Bregman’s influence isn’t limited to academia; he has gained visibility internationally.

What sets Bregman apart isn’t just his academic qualifications or his scholarly publications, but his ability to distill complex and often arcane topics into easily understandable language. He is known for bringing a democratizing force to intellectual discourse, making academic conversations accessible to everyday readers as well. His style merges the storytelling appeal commonly found in mainstream literature with the evidence-based, rigorous analysis of scholarly work. This blend enables him to act as a bridge between academia and the general public. His approach becomes particularly relevant in Humankind, which doesn’t just aim to inform but to provoke thought, challenging beliefs about human nature and societal organization and prompting readers to see the world through a different lens.

Central to Humankind is Bregman’s generally optimistic view of human nature and potential. This perspective is the cornerstone upon which the entire book is constructed.