Moshe Koppel on Norms, Tradition, and Resilient Societies

In 'The Secret of Our Success', Joseph Henrich presents a provocative alternative to the standard narrative about human evolution. He argues that the key to human success is not our individual intelligence, but our ability to form collective brains that store and transmit vast amounts of cultural knowledge. Henrich draws on findings from anthropology, linguistics, behavioral economics, psychology, and evolutionary biology to demonstrate how culture and genes interact in a unique evolutionary process that drives human innovation and progress. The book challenges traditional views of evolution and highlights the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping human behavior and achievements.

In 'Judaism Straight Up', Moshe Koppel delves into the differences between traditional societies, like traditional Judaism, and contemporary cosmopolitan ones. He argues that traditional Jewish communities thrive by balancing fairness, loyalty, and restraint, offering a compelling defense of religious life in a fragmented society. The book combines stories with ideas from moral psychology and philosophy to make a sophisticated case for the value of traditional religion.

In *The Uses of Pessimism*, Roger Scruton argues that pessimism is not fatalistic but rather a hopeful perspective that acknowledges human limitations and the dangers of false hope. He critiques the optimistic worldview, highlighting how it often overlooks the hard truths of human nature and leads to societal and economic crises. Scruton advocates for a balanced appraisal of society, focusing on personal improvement as the most achievable reform.