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Enlightenment Now
The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
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Enlightenment Now
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
In Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker, one of the world's foremost thinkers and cognitive scientists embarks on a compelling exploration of human progress, arguing that despite the seemingly chaotic headlines dominating today’s media landscape, humanity has experienced dramatic advancements. Pinker confronts the widespread belief that the modern world is heading towards disaster by presenting a fact-driven narrative that showcases the remarkable progress we’ve made in various facets of human life.
Pinker meticulously examines key areas such as life expectancy, health, safety, prosperity, and knowledge, demonstrating that our lives have indeed improved significantly. The author attributes this progress to the enduring principles of the Enlightenment - reason, science, humanism, and progress - which have collectively given rise to a value system that benefits humanity even if we often take it for granted.
By evaluating historical data and trendlines rather than sensationalist headlines, Pinker reveals a more optimistic perspective: humanity is progressing towards a better future. He provides an encouraging message that rather than succumbing to despair or nostalgia for a supposedly idyllic past, we should continue to apply the problem-solving strategies that have proven effective over the centuries.
The book goes beyond mere historical analysis and explores the practical implications of Enlightenment values in addressing present-day challenges. Pinker argues convincingly that these values are not only relevant but essential for overcoming the contemporary issues we face, such as climate change, global health crises, and political instability.
This comprehensive and thought-provoking work is laden with evidence and offers a refreshing perspective amid the prevalent pessimism. Enlightenment Now makes a robust case for optimism, reason, and incremental progress, urging us to embrace the Enlightenment’s legacy as we strive to solve the pressing problems of today and build a brighter future for tomorrow.
Steven Pinker's eloquent prose and rigorous analysis make this book an enlightening read for anyone interested in understanding the true state of our world and the principles that can help sustain human progress in the 21st century.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker is highly praised for its optimistic view of human progress. Various reviewers highlight Pinker's compelling use of data to argue that humanity is living in its best era yet, with improvements in health, wealth, and peace. The book is seen as a necessary antidote to prevalent pessimism, emphasizing the enduring benefits of Enlightenment values like reason and science.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141979090
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 January 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 394g
Pages: 576
About the Author
Steven Pinker is one of the world's most influential thinkers and writers on the human condition. His popular and highly praised books include The Better Angels of Our Nature, The Sense of Style, The Stuff of Thought, The Blank Slate, How the Mind Works, and The Language Instinct. The recipient of several major awards for his teaching, books, and scientific research, Pinker is Harvard College Professor and Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. He also writes frequently for The New York Times, the Guardian and other publications. He has been named Humanist of the Year, Prospect magazine's "The World's Top 100 Public Intellectuals," Foreign Policy's "100 Global Thinkers," and Time magazine's "The 100 Most Influential People in the World Today."
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