At a time of uncertainty, struggle, and the rise of authoritarianism here and around the globe, Bringing Fire provides hope - and a path out of the darkness. McGrath reminds us that our trajectory is toward progress, with setbacks along the way; that we have been here before. With clarity, character, and collective will, we will survive this moment. He doesn't promise quick fixes, but he does offer something just as important: historical perspective, the critical role of resilience, and the reminder that progress is built by those who choose to believe in it — and fight for it.
Congressman Greg Landsman
Beware jaundiced and negative people because they will suck you down in their doom loop. Instead, read Bob McGrath's brilliant polemic and find out what optimism about improving human nature is scientifically justified. Cast off the gloom and celebrate!
Sir Anthony Seldon, author, educator, historian
Bringing Fire is an extraordinary work — bold in vision and grounded in deep psychological insight. Dr. McGrath guides us through a narrative arc: from our human origins, through the sparks of change, into the chaos of unintended consequences, and finally toward a future shaped by hope. This is a brilliant and timely map of how we fracture, evolve, and keep striving to become better.
Tayyab Rashid PhD, Faculty Associate, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University; President Elect, International Positive Psychology Association
In an age overshadowed by pessimism and polarization, Bringing Fire is a bold and necessary work — at once visionary, scientifically grounded, and deeply hopeful. Bob McGrath challenges the prevailing narrative that human nature is fixed or fatally flawed. Instead, he makes a compelling case that we are capable of real, measurable moral and psychological growth — and that this inner evolution has been one of history's most powerful drivers.
Like the best of interdisciplinary thinkers, McGrath draws from psychology, history, philosophy, and technology to argue that changes in how we think, feel, and relate to one another have not only shaped our past but hold the key to a more humane future. Rather than attributing progress solely to material conditions or institutions, he shines a spotlight on the human heart, mind, and will — and how they can, and have, changed for the better.
Bringing Fire stands out for its rare blend of intellectual rigor and optimism. McGrath weaves a sweeping narrative that takes us from the roots of our species to the challenges of our digital age, offering not just diagnosis but direction. In fractured times, this book is a reminder that hope is not naïve — it is evidence-based and essential.
A timely, courageous, and inspiring read.
Katy Granville-Chapman DPhil (Oxon), Associate Fellow, Oxford Character Project, University of Oxford; Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Leadership for Flourishing, and Senior Fellow, Flourishing Network, Human Flourishing Program at Harvard
About the Author
Robert McGrath is a professor of psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has an international reputation for his research on personal character, He is co-author of the bestselling book The Power of Character Strengths. He lives in Warwick, NY.
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