#375
Mentioned in 70 episodes

Enlightenment Now

Book • 2019
In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society.

He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally.

Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology.

He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 70 episodes

Recommended by
undefined
Rand Paul
, who described it as an amazing book.
1,556 snips
Senator Rand Paul: Tariffs, Debt, China, and a Warning for America
Mentioned by
undefined
Steven Pinker
as containing a quote from Thomas Edison on how electricity will liberate women.
753 snips
Steven Pinker: Harvard Professor Explains The Rules of Writing | How I Write
Mentioned by
undefined
Tobi Lütke
as a book that provides evidence of human progress.
665 snips
Tobi Lütke: Calm Progress
Mentioned by
undefined
Steven Pinker
as a reference point for revisiting and updating indicators of global progress a decade after its publication.
540 snips
Steven Pinker on Coordination, Common Knowledge, and the Retreat of Liberal Enlightenment
Mentioned by
undefined
Jimmy Carr
as a source of optimism about human progress.
241 snips
Jimmy Carr: The Easiest Way To Live A Happier Life
Mentioned by
undefined
Angela Duckworth
, referencing his work on objective improvements in the world.
162 snips
221. Why Are We So Pessimistic?
Mentioned by
undefined
Vas Narasimhan
as one of his favorite books, highlighting that we live in the greatest moment in human history.
159 snips
Novartis CEO: Medical Innovation, Tech Partnerships, and European Competitiveness
Mentioned by
undefined
Jimmy Carr
when discussing gratitude and the progress of society.
132 snips
#2045 - Jimmy Carr
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson as a book documenting an economic miracle.
131 snips
Risk Being a Fool: A 12 Rules for Life Lecture
Mentioned by
undefined
Dan Gilbert
as an author who wrote about the world getting better.
126 snips
Turning Work into Play (Update)

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app