Humankind

Why it’s on the list: Bregman’s argument against the “veneer theory” of civilization — that humans are fundamentally decent and cooperative, and that the grim view of human nature baked into economics, politics and management is itself part of the problem.

Where I heard about it

• Unknown — saved to a personal reading list on 2026-10-18, alongside Ordinary Men.

Connections

• Ordinary Men — saved the same day; the two make an interesting pair on how ordinary people behave under pressure, from opposite conclusions.