“What’s so remarkable about the miracle? Firstly, it overcame some natural tendencies humans have. Studies of babies and ancient societies show that excluding others and violence are deep-rooted in us. But it’s not all bad—there’s proof that we’re born with a sense of morality. However, we also tend to be wary of strangers.

Psychologist Paul Bloom found that even six-month-old babies have a sense of right and wrong. In a puppet play, when one puppet helped or hindered another, babies preferred the helpful one. However, humans also have a tribal side, which helped us survive. But tribalism can be harmful. Societies that resisted modern ways often showed intense violence.

Anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon studied the Yanomamö tribe in the Amazon. He found high rates of violence, not just for survival but as a source of pride. The miracle, though, has reduced human cruelty. Psychologist Steven Pinker says violence is less common now than ever before. To illustrate, if the 20th century had violence levels of ancient times, the death toll wouldn’t be 100 million, but two billion!”