Author Robert Wright delves into the notion of “non-zero-sumness,” a theory that people with linked fortunes will cooperate for mutual benefit. In the game of life, this dynamic increases productive potential and has guided our biological and cultural evolution.

However, as tension and hatred grows throughout the world, such as between the Muslim world and the Western world, this non-zero-sum dynamic is turning into a “death spiral of negativity,” according to Wright.

What do we do?

In this important video, Wright explains that less hatred, less bigotry and more empathy -- in other words more moral progress -- are necessary to win the game of life.