Better Angels Of Our Nature Quote Origin
"The better angels of our nature" is a phrase that has been used in various contexts throughout history. However, it became more widely known in recent times due to a book by the same name written by Steven Pinker. The book explores the concept of human violence and how it has decreased over time. The phrase has since become a popular idiom used to express the belief in the innate goodness of human nature.
The Origin of the Quote
The phrase "the better angels of our nature" was first used by Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1861. The speech was delivered at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war. In the address, Lincoln appealed to the "better angels" of the American people, urging them to come together and work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Here is the full quote from Lincoln's address:
"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
The phrase "better angels" refers to the idea that each person has both good and bad tendencies, and that it is the "better angels" or the better part of our nature that should guide our actions.
The Meaning of the Phrase
The phrase "the better angels of our nature" has come to represent the idea that there is a moral compass within each person that can guide them towards doing good. It suggests that despite the many negative aspects of human behavior, there is also a capacity for kindness, compassion, and empathy.
The phrase has been used in various contexts to express this idea. For example, it has been used in political speeches to appeal to the better nature of the electorate, and in religious sermons to encourage people to act in accordance with their highest principles.
The Book "The Better Angels of Our Nature"
In 2011, Steven Pinker published a book titled "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined." The book is a detailed analysis of the decline of violence throughout human history. Pinker argues that despite the perception of increased violence in the modern world, we are actually living in the most peaceful time in human history.
He attributes this decline in violence to a number of factors, including the development of state institutions, the spread of literacy and education, and the rise of commerce and trade. Pinker also argues that the "better angels" of our nature have played a role in reducing violence, as people have become more empathetic and compassionate towards others.
Conclusion
The phrase "the better angels of our nature" is a powerful expression of the belief in the innate goodness of human nature. Its origin in Lincoln's first inaugural address has given it a special significance in American history, and it continues to be used today in a variety of contexts to express the idea that we are capable of great kindness and compassion towards one another.
