Show notes / PDF & Infographic / Free Audiobook / Find out why Bill Gates refers to Enlightenment Now as his new favorite book of all time.
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Life gets busy. Has Enlightenment Now been on your reading list? Learn why the world is a much better place, and why this refreshing message is the key to tackling climate change. (with this book summary)
IN THIS EPISODE: Through data and philosophical analysis, Steven Pinker demonstrates that the world is becoming better by applying Enlightenment principles of reason, science, and humanism.
TOPICS: Humanism, Science, Progress, enlightenment, Reason
KEY FIGURES: Bill Gates, Montreal, El Salvador, Rwanda, Immanuel Kant, Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker, Enlightenment, StoryShots, Better Angels of Our Nature, Franklin Pierce Adams, Rationality
SUMMARY:
In his book 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker argues that the world is progressively improving through the principles of reason, science, and humanism. He traces the origins of these principles to the Enlightenment era, characterized by questioning, understanding, and critiquing existing beliefs. Pinker emphasizes that the Enlightenment's core motto is 'Dare to know', promoting freedom of thought and speech, and challenging traditional authorities.
Pinker explores three key concepts: entropy, evolution, and information, to demonstrate humanity's potential for progress. He counters the pessimistic view that humanity is declining, instead arguing that we are part of a larger, complex organism with the capacity for improvement. Specifically, he provides compelling economic data showing that global poverty has dramatically decreased, with over 90% of the world's population living in abject poverty two centuries ago, compared to less than 10% today.
The book advocates for the continuous application of Enlightenment values to solve global challenges. Pinker believes that by embracing reason, science, and humanism, we can tackle complex issues like climate change and improve the human condition. He suggests that our increasing standards and awareness of global problems are signs of progress, not decline, and that commitment to Enlightenment principles can drive further advancement.
KEY QUOTES:
• "Our greatest enemies are ultimately not our political adversaries, but entropy, evolution in the form of pestilence and the flaws in human nature and most of all, ignorance. A shortfall of knowledge of how best to solve our problems." - Steven Pinker
• "Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory." - Steven Pinker (quoting Franklin Pierce Adams)
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• The Enlightenment era fundamentally championed reason, science, and humanism as key principles for human progress and understanding
• Global poverty has dramatically decreased, with over 90% of the world's population living in poverty two centuries ago, compared to less than 10% today
• Contrary to pessimistic views, the world is becoming safer, less violent, and wealthier due to Enlightenment principles of rational inquiry and scientific advancement
• Humanism aims to promote human well-being by focusing on life, health, knowledge, freedom, and richness of experience, rather than relying on religious faith
• The scientific revolution sparked rapid innovation, industrialization, and global economic exchange, driving significant improvements in human living standards
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