The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

This book... tome really (it's really really long) is stunningly good and so very clearly written and researched. I've been long thinking about this topic, but it took a Stephen Pinker to confirm most of my suspicions as to why violence has not only declined but dramatically declined. He then, of course, adds plentiful evidence, reasoning, numbers, and description that paints a contextually rich historical picture of where we once were, and where we are today.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's worth the time to work your way through it. Outstanding accomplishment.