Real Time with Bill Maher Ep. #705: Steven Pinker, Kaitlan Collins, Stephen Moore
221 snips
Sep 6, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, cognitive scientist Steven Pinker highlights insights from his latest book on the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics. Stephen Moore offers a bold critique of government funding practices, shedding light on the treatment of tech industry giants versus struggling companies. The conversation humorously navigates military presence in civilian life and the absurdities of modern diplomacy, alongside the intersection of politics, public health, and culture, making for a thought-provoking blend of humor and serious discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Progress Is Mixed Not Inevitable
- Progress is mixed: many metrics improved since the 20th century but some have regressed recently.
- Steven Pinker urges measured optimism, not a belief that progress is automatic.
Balance Free Speech With Clear Policies
- Universities must uphold academic freedom while creating clear policies for disruptive protests.
- Harvard should balance free speech with protections against intimidation, Pinker argues.
Common Knowledge Enables Coordination
- Common knowledge means everyone knows that everyone knows something, enabling coordination at scale.
- Pinker shows money and social norms depend on this cascading mutual awareness.
