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Jun 2020
44m 49s

Steven Pinker – Talking About Talking

Alan Alda
About this episode
Steven Pinker and Alan explore the words we use that bind us together, even when asking someone to pass the guacamole. A conversation that explores the surprising ways we have of connecting through language – and why, despite our current crises, some things in the world really have become better. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/clearandvivid 
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