Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 The violence of these examples is perplexing. What does Anton’s brother and nephew and Kimmy’s friend have to do with anything. What explains their actions, taken one week or five years later. #2 The person-to-person spread of violence is not a novelty, but rather an ancient phenomenon. It is not just that the impetus to revenge is ancient, but that violence can spread through social ties and has done so since humans emerged from the African savanna. #3 The role that social connections can play in the spread of both good and bad deeds has prompted the creation of novel strategies to address social problems. For example, programs in several U. S. metropolitan areas involve teams of violence interrupters who attempt to stop the killing by breaking the cycle of transmission. #4 Our connections affect every aspect of our lives. They are always there, exerting both subtle and dramatic influence over our choices, actions, thoughts, feelings, and even our desires.
