Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress

Explore the profound impact of human agency on the course of history in Martin Seligman's insightful book. Drawing on extensive research spanning 2500 years, this work examines how confidence, optimism, and imagination have driven civilizations forward, and their absence has led to stagnation.

Seligman presents agency as the pivotal idea for our times, demonstrating its role from ancient Athens to the Enlightenment and beyond. The book offers a clear-eyed perspective on the future, particularly in the context of AI, and argues that humanity is entering a new era of flourishing.

• Offers a sweeping reexamination of history through the lens of human agency.
• Provides insights into how individuals can cultivate agency.
• Presents an optimistic outlook on future human flourishing, even with AI advancements.
• Based on six decades of pioneering psychological research.

• Author: Martin Seligman
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Dimensions: 16 x 3.8 x 23.6 cm
• Weight: 610 g
• Release Date: 10 September 2026
• ISBN-10: 1399843028
• ISBN-13: 978-1399843027

This remarkable book is essential reading for anyone interested in psychology, history, and the future of human progress.