Why We Hate: Understanding the Roots of Human Conflict, Michael Ruse (Oxford University, New York, 2022)
Over thirty-five thousand people are killed by guns every year. There has been a sharp rise in antisemitism, with threats against Jewish people near an all-time high. A six-year-old boy was brutally stabbed and killed because he was Muslim and had a Palestinian heritage. Black men are shot and killed by police at a drastically higher rate than white men or men of other nationalities. There are hundreds of pieces of legislation aimed at limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Covid 19 produced a backlash against Asians. There are deep divisions in our country between urban and rural populations, conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats. The list could go on and on. There is so much hate in the world.
Michael Ruse’s book, Why We Hate, is an important book because of the breadth and depth of hate in the world. In his book, Ruse places hate under a microscope. He examines its origin, what nurtures its growth, and possible deterrents. The disciplines of science, anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy, and theology are used in his inspection. In a sense, Ruse leaves no stone unturned, and he discovers some amazing facts under a few of those rocks.
Why We Hate is a scholarly work, but it interesting, clearly written, and Ruse’s line-of-reasoning easy to follow. I found the book refreshing in that it didn’t fall into a blame game—the problem is the Nazis, the terrorists, or those who don’t have a college education. The book also has a strong note of hope. Hate doesn’t need to be the way of life between individuals, groups and even nations.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is concerned about the discord that is so much a part of our daily lives. Though no study guide is available (that I am aware of) this book would spark a spirited discussion in any small group. Read the book, and together let’s stamp out hate.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.