Summary, Analysis, and Review of Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined PLEASE NOTE: This is a key takeaways and analysis of the book and NOT the original book. Start Publishing Notes' Summary, Analysis, and Review of Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined includes a summary of the book, review, analysis & key takeaways, and a detailed About the Author section. PREVIEW: Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature argues that violence has been decreasing over most of human history. People have innate tendencies towards violence, but they also have innate tendencies towards peace. Historical developments, especially the consolidation of state power and the Enlightenment, have allowed humans to move away from violence, murder, and war, and move towards more peaceful ways of living.