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Steven Pinker: AI in the Age of Reason

Lex Fridman Podcast

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The Psychology of Negativity

Negativity tends to make individuals seem smarter than being positive, leading to a focus on potential risks and losses rather than gains. This preference for negativity may stem from humans being more sensitive to negative stimuli than positive ones. This inclination towards pessimism might allow individuals to be perceived as prophets when predicting worst-case scenarios. The preference for negativity could be driven by a societal emphasis on avoiding losses rather than seeking gains. Additionally, the book 'Enlightenment Now' by the author was influenced by 'The Beginning of Infinity' by David Deutsch, which emphasizes the power of knowledge in improving the human condition and solving inevitable problems.

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