Enlightenment Now

The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

Steven Pinker

Book Synopsis

"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker offers readers a compelling and optimistic overview of human progress. Pinker's book argues that despite the prevailing narrative of doom and gloom, the world is actually becoming a better place. Grounded in data and scientific evidence, Pinker explores various aspects of human well-being, including health, wealth, peace, knowledge, and happiness.

Drawing on historical trends, Pinker demonstrates how the Enlightenment ideals of reason, science, and humanism have led to remarkable advancements in society. He highlights the significant strides made in reducing poverty, improving education, increasing life expectancy, and enhancing democracy. Pinker debunks common misconceptions and fear-driven narratives, presenting a balanced assessment of the challenges that still lie ahead.

Pinker also addresses concerns around environmental sustainability, inequality, and other pressing issues. He acknowledges the ongoing struggles humanity faces, but argues that progress can be achieved by embracing Enlightenment values and continuing to harness the power of reason and knowledge.

Written in engaging and accessible prose, "Enlightenment Now" offers an uplifting and evidence-based perspective on the state of humanity. Pinker's narrative effectively challenges pessimism, providing readers with a fresh outlook on the world and inspiring them to actively contribute to the ongoing project of human progress.

Explore More Books

See All
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
Guns, Sails, and Empires
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field
Writing My Wrongs
Dance to the Tune of Life
Bet The Farm
The Interpretation of Dreams
The True Believer
American Prison
National Economic Planning
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Memos From The Chairman
Darwin's Blind Spot
Once a Warrior
The Intel Trinity
Power Failure
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Expectations Investing
Everything All At Once
Glass
The Sun Also Rises
History of the World
Code
The Jungle Book
The Creative Society
The Most Important Thing
The Ordeal of Civility
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Awareness
A Universe From Nothing
DeMark Indicators
The Red Queen
Walter Benjamin
The Man Without a Face
Moorish Spain
End The Fed
Rational Ritual
Being You
The Blue Sweater
The Remains Of The Day
Influence
I Am Not a Tractor
The Trump Century
The Little Prince
A Magic Web
The Outsiders
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Dreamland
The Dao of Capital
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
My Inventions
Your Dad Stole My Rake
Nixonland
Long Walk to Freedom
It's About Damn Time
A Higher Loyalty
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
Dream Yoga
Sam Walton
The Quest
The Knowledge
In the Company of Giants
The Enchiridion
The Creative Act
Democracy In America
Blink
Hillbilly Elegy
War
Small Is the New Big
The Language Instinct
The Snowball
Slow Horses
Anything You Want
Children of Dune
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
Financial Derivatives
Born Standing Up
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
Self Reliance
End of Illness
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Innovating Out of Crisis
Reamde
Burn
The Immortality Key
Joy on Demand
The New Science of Strong Materials
The Invention of Air
When The Facts Change
Shantaram
The Order of Time
Built from Scratch
#AskGaryVee
Blitzscaling
Billion Dollar Whale
100 Best-Loved Poems
Man's Search for Meaning
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman