The Daily Stoic Steven Pinker on the Pursuit of Rationality | Never Wish Away A Minute of Your Life
Oct 20, 2021
Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and author from Harvard, dives into his insights on rationality and effective altruism. He discusses the significance of rational thought in societal progress and the decline of violence through moral movements. Pinker emphasizes the responsibility of institutions in safeguarding the common good. He also critiques the evolving nature of morality and the complexities of racism, urging for a nuanced understanding rather than oversimplified narratives. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of how rationality shapes our world!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Stoicism and Rationality
- Stoicism prioritizes rational thought and action over impulsive reactions.
- It emphasizes using reason to navigate emotions, not suppress them.
Athenodorus's Advice to Augustus
- Athenodorus advised Emperor Augustus to recite the alphabet before reacting in anger.
- This highlights the Stoic emphasis on pausing before acting on strong emotions.
Media Polarization and Myside Bias
- Media polarization fuels distrust as people reject sources that criticize their "side".
- The "myside bias" further complicates this issue regardless of political affiliation or intelligence.
