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.
In this book, Jared Diamond explains why Eurasian and North African civilizations have survived and conquered others. He argues that differences in societal development arise primarily from geographical causes. The book details how agricultural societies developed immunities to deadly diseases, advanced in technology, and formed centralized political structures, ultimately leading to the conquest of other societies. Diamond also discusses the impact of germs, domesticated animals, and environmental factors on human history[2][4][5].
In this essay, Colin Gillespie examines the significant scientific advancements of the 20th century and how they have transformed our lives. He also delves into what factors might be hindering further progress and presents a startling conclusion on how to overcome these obstacles. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of science, society, and human potential.
In the wake of our Naomi Klein episode, the masses have spoken. And like the responsible Gurometricians that we are, we've taken your feedback to heart and thus open this episode with a series of scientific and spiritual recitations. Then it's straight back into the sweet science—and mystical art—of Gurometry, as we test how well it measures up to Naomi Klein’s anti-capitalist spirit. Fun for the whole family!
P.S. Don't worry—Chris Langan’s Gurometer has not been forgotten and will be arriving very soon!
The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 4 mins).
Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
Gurometer: Naomi Klein
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Sponsor Shoutouts!
03:29 Naomi Klein Feedback
05:03 Podcast Format Limitations and Reading the Book!
11:37 Consistency in Standards of Evaluation
20:21 Evaluating the Arguments Independent of the Conclusions
24:53 The Importance of Disconfirming Evidence
26:28 Differing Definitions Cross-Culturally
29:36 The Gurometer
29:59 Galaxy Brainness
32:03 Cultishness
34:02 Anti-Establishmentarianism
38:12 Grievance Mongering
38:55 Self-Aggrandizement
41:29 Cassandra Complex
44:06 Revolutionary Theories
46:53 Pseudo Profound Bullshit
49:25 Conspiracy Mongering
53:57 Excessive Profiteering
54:48 Moral Grandstanding
56:04 Final Scores and Reflections
58:52 Quickfire Guru Bonus Points
Decoding the Gurus 
