A Conversation About Almost Everything

A Passage to India, published in 1924, is one of E.M. Forster's most celebrated works. It delves into the complexities of colonial rule and the strained relationships between British and Indian characters, particularly through the trial of Dr. Aziz, who is falsely accused by Adela Quested. The novel explores themes of racism, colonialism, and the challenges of cross-cultural understanding.

Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.