Uprisings, riots, war and terrorism are a daily features on news media but Steven Pinker, taking an historical perspective, makes the argument that the world is getting less violent. Literacy, the rise of government, commerce, travel and education all have played a part in helping us to control impulsive behavior, consider opposing viewpoints, expose jingoism and chauvinism and make the world a better place.  The Better Angels of our Nature makes fascinating reading, but be warned, -- it is many books in one and you’ll need time  to stop, think and ponder Pinker’s insights.