Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman Ep122 "Why do we so rarely say what we mean?" (with Steven Pinker)
11 snips
Sep 22, 2025 
Cognitive scientist and linguist Steven Pinker dives into the nature of communication and common knowledge. He explores why people often use innuendo on dates and how it helps maintain relationships. Pinker discusses how shared beliefs shape society, touching on issues like cancel culture and mob behavior. He also explains how human emotions like blushing and laughter serve as crucial social signals. With insights from his book, he illuminates the complex interplay between language, awareness, and societal coordination.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Recursive Nature Of Common Knowledge
- Common knowledge is recursive: I know X, you know X, and we know that we know X ad infinitum.
- That recursive awareness enables coordination at scales from two people to entire societies.
Why We Speak In Innuendo
- Indirect language like euphemism preserves relationships by avoiding generation of common knowledge.
- Blunt speech creates common knowledge and can permanently change social bonds.
Institutions Depend On Shared Belief
- Money, laws, and authority rest on common knowledge that others accept them.
- When that shared belief unravels, institutions like banks or regimes can collapse quickly.
