The Brighter Side Of Human Nature: Altruism And Empathy In Everyday Life [Paperback]

Alfie Kohn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 1992

Drawing from hundreds of studies in half a dozen fields, The Brighter Side of Human Nature makes a powerful case that caring and generosity are just as natural as selfishness and aggression. This lively refutation of cynical assumptions about our species considers the nature of empathy and the causes of war, why we (incorrectly) explain all behavior in terms of self-interest, and how we can teach children to care.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"There is a widespread belief that our darker side is more pervasive, more persistent, and somehow more real than our other facets," writes Kohn ( No Contest: The Case Against Competition ), before going on to argue vehemently that human life isn't the nasty, brutish thing it's been cracked up to be since the days of Thomas Hobbes. The author builds his pro-people case in a well-reasoned manner. Starting from the premise that the power of "nature" is nowadays given undue weight over that of "nurture," he contends that character can indeed be influenced for the better. Kohn explores the concepts of empathy and altruism, pointing out that humans are the only animals who can choose to look at the world from another being's perspective, and he also discusses the thornier issues of violence and aggression. The book concludes by detailing a morality of caring that precludes Western emphasis on competition and rugged individualism. This is a subtle, many-layered effort, making a succession of provocative, well-considered points. Kohn's style is academic and often dense, but persevering readers will be rewarded.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Alfie Kohn is the author of ten previous books, including Punished by Rewards, The Schools Our Children Deserve, and Unconditional Parenting. He lives with his family in the Boston area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (May 21, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465007589
• ISBN-13: 978-0465007585
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alfie Kohn is the author of nine previous books, including Punished by Rewards and The Schools Our Children Deserve, that have helped to shape the thinking of parents and educators across the country and abroad. He lectures widely and lives (actually) with his family in the Boston area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yes, Virginia, altruism does exist., June 3, 1998

By 

Word Wrangler (KCMO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Brighter Side Of Human Nature: Altruism And Empathy In Everyday Life (Paperback)

I find all of Alfie Kohn's books to be thoughtfully, lucidly, and gracefully written; and this one is no exception. He deals here with an important philosophical question--which also has practical ramifications--in a way that makes it both instructive and entertaining. A shot in the arm for those of us who are more and more depressed by the seemingly endless stream of atrocities reported each evening on the news--a non-pollyanna-ish ray of hope!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kohn presents much of value..., March 11, 2009

By 

Ronald F. Colby "Ron F. Colby" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Brighter Side Of Human Nature: Altruism And Empathy In Everyday Life (Paperback)

The Brighter Side of Human Nature, Altruism & Empathy in Everyday Life.
His work rigorously explores the question of the basic nature of the human animal. Beginning with an assessment of the rational behind our Western world's tacit, when not explicit, acceptance of the notion that man is a selfish, wholly self-serving, being, Kohn explores numerous disciplines including: biology, sociology, socio-biology, economics, psychology, social psychology, anthropology, history and philosophy, considering the many diverse contributors to our "widespread belief that our darker side is more pervasive, more persistent, and somehow more real than our other facets." (p 4) Interestingly, he notes: "From the traditionally opposed quarters of religion and science, then, we receive instruction on our innate wickedness." (p 42) While acknowledging the historically obvious and inescapable fact of man's (and woman's) brutality, violence, and destructiveness, Kohn goes on to present substantial, significant and wide ranging evidence and arguments from the above mentioned academic disciplines which taken together strongly support the contention that man is equally, if indeed, not more, disposed to other-centered/positive behavior - what he describes as "prosocial" behavior. In the end, Kohn leaves the question of what is human nature unanswered, appropriately so I think as its answer, ultimately, seems to rely on faith. This notwithstanding, he does present a compelling well reasoned comprehensive argument for the consideration, also, of humanity's innate goodness. Although I am still wrestling with this issue it seems to me that, aside from deeply engrained religious considerations, it is perfectly reasonable and possibly more accurate and/or truthful, to view man as basically a good being that occasionally does bad rather than a bad being that occasionally does good. The implications of this ostensibly minor distinction are in fact major and I will address them shortly.
In addition to the nature of human nature question which was my primary focus, Kohn presents much of value regarding the relative benefits of cooperation verses competition, particularly within the context of education; and he devotes considerable time in the closing chapter of his book effectively and forcefully arguing for the acknowledgement and acceptance of "us" as opposed to "I", that is, that we are all intrinsically related and inter-dependent and that life and even the self doesn't't make sense, is unfulfilling and meaningless outside of the context of human relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brighter Side, June 12, 2011

By 

dond - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Brighter Side Of Human Nature (Hardcover)

Alfie Kohn is not only bright and informed, but is changing my mind about human nature. My hat is off to him.