Enlightenment NowRecommendations
About the book
"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the progress humanity has made and the principles that have driven this advancement. Pinker argues that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—are the keys to solving the world's problems. In a time when pessimism about the future seems prevalent, Pinker's optimistic perspective, backed by data and historical analysis, offers a refreshing reminder of the potential for human progress. This book is for thinkers, activists, and anyone interested in the future of society. By diving into this work, readers will not only gain insight into the challenges we face but also be inspired by the solutions that have emerged through reason and collaboration.The book comes highly recommended by a diverse group of influential figures, including authors, entrepreneurs, and scientists. Notable names such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk, who are recognized leaders in their respective fields, are among those advocating for this book. This mix of voices reflects a strong interest in the intersection of technology, science, and societal progress. The enthusiasm from these prominent individuals suggests that "Enlightenment Now" is seen as a vital contribution to understanding our modern world and the role of Enlightenment principles in shaping a better future.
If you think the world is coming to an end, think again: people are living longer, healthier, freer, and happier lives, and while our problems are formidable, the solutions lie in the Enlightenment ideal of using reason and science.
Is the world really falling apart? Is the ideal of progress obsolete? In this elegant assessment of the human condition in the third millennium, cognitive scientist and public intellectual Steven Pinker urges us to step back from the gory headlines and prophecies of doom, which play to our psychological biases. Instead, follow the data: In seventy-five jaw-dropping graphs, Pinker shows that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise, not just in the West, but worldwide. This progress is not the result of some cosmic force. It is a gift of the Enlightenment: the conviction that reason and science can enhance human flourishing.
Far from being a naïve hope, the Enlightenment, we now know, has worked. But more than ever, it needs a vigorous defense. The Enlightenment project swims against currents of human nature–tribalism, authoritarianism, demonization, magical thinking–which demagogues are all too willing to exploit. Many commentators, committed to political, religious, or romantic ideologies, fight a rearguard action against it. The result is a corrosive fatalism and a willingness to wreck the precious institutions of liberal democracy and global cooperation.
With intellectual depth and literary flair, Enlightenment Now makes the case for reason, science, and humanism: the ideals we need to confront our problems and continue our progress.
People recommending Enlightenment Now
What readers say about ‘Enlightenment Now’
Jordan Peterson on Enlightenment Now
Recommended on Jordan Peterson's website.
David Deutsch on Enlightenment Now
"There are a few philosophical errors and poor arguments in [this] otherwise excellent book."
Michael Mauboussin on Enlightenment Now
"[One of the] books that helped me think better in 2018."
Sam Harris on Enlightenment Now
Sam Harris picked this as the first book in his Book Club.
A.J. Jacobs on Enlightenment Now
"We should be thrilled to be alive now."
David Friedberg on Enlightenment Now
"A great book."
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