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
How To Avoid a Climate Disaster
The Inimitable Jeeves
The Blank Slate
Fortitude
Blueprint
The Language Instinct
Life on the Edge
What If?
Edison
Tribe of Mentors
Diet for a Small Planet
Linchpin
The Box
Who Am I
Learn or Die
Command
East of Eden
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Am I Being Too Subtle?
Experimental Man
Empire of the Summer Moon
7 Powers
The Success Equation
Information
The Company
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
The Choice
The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership
Confessions of a Philosopher
All Out War
Swarm Troopers
Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero
Turn the Ship Around!
Don't Shoot the Dog!
Acid Test
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Keeping At It
Continental Reckoning
National Economic Planning
Holistic Management
Lost in Shangri-La
Stuff Matters
Beyond Entrepreneurship
A History of Western Technology
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
Cognitive Surplus
Status Anxiety
Old Man and the Sea
The Third Chimpanzee
The Road to Character
Play Anything
Stalingrad
You Can Be a Stock Market Genius
Crash Proof 2.0
Believe In People
The Friction Project
The Venture Mindset
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
The Social Animal
Twilight of the Bombs
Take On The Street
Getting Real
Daughter of the Heartland
Eat a Peach
The Robber Barons
Manias, Panics, and Crashes
Malabar Farm
The Only Game In Town
Elon Musk
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
The E-Myth Revisited
Portfolios of the Poor
The Blazing World
Into The Silence
Built from Scratch
Savage Son
Oscar
The Alchemist
Consolations
The Diversity Myth
Little Fires Everywhere
The Art of Stillness
Ishmael
I Want To Be A Mathematician
1984
Boom
Prof. Arnold Ehret's Mucusless Diet Healing System
Atomic Habits
Connectography
The Power of Relentless
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Faith
The Farming Ladder
The Half-Life of Facts
Paper Lion
Tao Te Ching
Viral Loop
The Alliance
Pebbles of Perception
The Real Crash