People I (Mostly) Admire 167. The Secret of Humanity? It’s Common Knowledge.
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Sep 27, 2025 
In this conversation, Steven Pinker, a Harvard cognitive psychologist and author, dives into the essence of common knowledge and its impact on our relationships. He explains how shared assumptions shape our social interactions and even economic behaviors, from currency stability to Super Bowl ads. Pinker also reflects on the dynamics of cancel culture, the psychology behind eye contact, and the consequences of public signaling. His insights highlight the intricacies of human connection and the importance of rational discourse in a contentious world.
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Common Knowledge Powers Social Life
- Common knowledge is knowing something plus knowing that others know it ad infinitum, enabled by recursive mentalizing.
- Such mutual knowledge ratifies social relationships and explains why people use innuendo rather than blunt statements.
Public Signals Create Instant Common Knowledge
- Public signals can generate common knowledge instantly because everyone sees the same salient cue.
- That shared visibility removes the need to mentally iterate 'I think that you think...' to coordinate behavior.
Schelling's Grand Central Focal Point
- Thomas Schelling's New York parable shows how separated partners need common expectations to meet.
- They use focal points like Grand Central's clock to create common salience and solve coordination.
