The Kindness of Strangers

One of "Our Favorite Books of 2020"—Editors, Greater Good magazine

"A deliciously provocative analysis of an entirely admirable human quality."
—Kirkus (starred review)

"An inspiring and engrossing new look at human goodness. Without sentimentality or glibness, and wearing his depth and erudition lightly, McCullough enlightens us on when and why we care for others."—Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now

"This is a controversial book, but McCullough's arguments are smart, clear, and ultimately persuasive."—Paul Bloom, author of Against Empathy

"Enlightened by evocative anecdotes and well-explained theory, The Kindness of Strangers is as original as it is persuasive."—Richard Wrangham, author of The Goodness Paradox

"A fine achievement. McCullough expertly braids together the distinctive strands of evolutionary psychology, history, and philosophy to explore and explain a characteristic unique to our stage of development: kindness to strangers. An important book that looks at the whole of human history, and more, and thereby offers a valuable counterweight to the all-to-common view that everything is getting worse."— Peter Singer, author of The Life You Can Save and The Most Good You Can Do

"McCullough has brought an impressive breadth and depth of intellect to bear...McCullough's text constantly walks an intellectual tightrope - trying to not fall into a too-academic treatment on one side, or an oversimplified popularization of complex ideas on the other. Overall, he deftly maintains his balance.The takeaway message of his copious research - for individuals and nations alike - is akin to motherly advice: Getting where you want to be in life isn't just a matter of out-competing everyone; it's about co-operating with them, too."—Douglas J. Johnston , Winnipeg Free Press