Contents
Overview
Enlightenment Now is the culmination of Steven Pinker's life's work, building on his previous books, such as The Better Angels of Our Nature and The Blank Slate. Pinker's argument is rooted in the ideas of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, science, and humanism as the foundation for progress. He draws on a wide range of sources, including data from the United Nations, the World Bank, and other reputable organizations, to demonstrate that the world is indeed getting better, with significant declines in poverty, hunger, and violence. For example, according to the World Bank, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has decreased from 35% in 1990 to less than 10% in 2015. Pinker also cites the work of economists like Thomas Piketty and Joseph Stiglitz, who have written extensively on the topic of economic inequality and its relationship to progress.
🔬 The Science of Progress
Pinker's thesis is supported by a vast array of data and research, including studies by the Pew Research Center, the National Science Foundation, and the Harvard University's Center for International Development. He also engages with critics of the Enlightenment, such as postmodernists and environmentalists, who argue that the emphasis on reason and science has led to the exploitation of the natural world and the marginalization of certain groups. Pinker responds to these criticisms by arguing that the Enlightenment values of reason, science, and humanism are essential for addressing the challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, inequality, and social injustice. For instance, he cites the work of climate scientists like James Hansen and Katharine Hayhoe, who have used reason and science to advocate for climate action.
🌎 Global Trends and Challenges
Enlightenment Now has been praised by a wide range of experts, including Bill Gates, who has said that the book is 'a terrific book' that 'will change your mind'. Elon Musk has also endorsed the book, stating that it is 'a must-read' for anyone interested in the future of humanity. Other prominent figures, such as Yuval Noah Harari and Neil deGrasse Tyson, have also weighed in on the topic, with Harari arguing that Pinker's book is 'a powerful antidote to the pessimism and nihilism that are so prevalent in our time'. However, not all experts agree with Pinker's optimistic view, with some critics arguing that his data is flawed or that he ignores the complexities of global challenges. For example, the economist Thomas Piketty has argued that Pinker's book ignores the issue of economic inequality and the need for more radical economic reforms.
📊 Measuring Progress and Happiness
The book has also sparked a global conversation about the role of reason, science, and humanism in shaping a better future. The Enlightenment Now website, launched by Pinker, features a range of resources, including data visualizations, videos, and podcasts, to help readers engage with the ideas and arguments presented in the book. The website also includes a section on 'Enlightenment Now in the News', which features articles and reviews from prominent publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. Additionally, the book has been translated into over 20 languages, making it a truly global phenomenon, with readers from all over the world engaging with Pinker's ideas and arguments.
Key Facts
- Year
- 2018
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- philosophy
- Type
- book
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main argument of Enlightenment Now?
The main argument of Enlightenment Now is that the world is getting better, and that reason, science, and humanism are the driving forces behind this progress. Pinker presents a comprehensive case for optimism, challenging common pessimistic views of the world. He argues that the Enlightenment values of reason, science, and humanism are essential for addressing the challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, inequality, and social injustice. For example, he cites the work of climate scientists like James Hansen and Katharine Hayhoe, who have used reason and science to advocate for climate action.
Who has endorsed Enlightenment Now?
Enlightenment Now has been endorsed by a wide range of experts, including Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Yuval Noah Harari, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. These prominent figures have praised the book for its thorough analysis and data-driven approach, with Gates stating that it is 'a terrific book' that 'will change your mind'. Musk has also endorsed the book, stating that it is 'a must-read' for anyone interested in the future of humanity.
What are some of the key statistics presented in Enlightenment Now?
Some of the key statistics presented in Enlightenment Now include the decline in poverty, hunger, and violence over the past few centuries. For example, according to the World Bank, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has decreased from 35% in 1990 to less than 10% in 2015. Pinker also presents data on the increase in life expectancy, the decline in child mortality, and the growth of global trade and economic development. These statistics are based on data from reputable sources, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Harvard University's Center for International Development.
How has Enlightenment Now been received by critics?
Enlightenment Now has received a wide range of reviews from critics, with some praising the book for its thorough analysis and data-driven approach, while others have criticized it for being overly optimistic or ignoring the complexities of global challenges. For example, the economist Thomas Piketty has argued that Pinker's book ignores the issue of economic inequality and the need for more radical economic reforms. However, many experts, including Yuval Noah Harari and Neil deGrasse Tyson, have praised the book for its powerful argument and its ability to challenge common pessimistic views of the world.
What is the significance of Enlightenment Now in the context of contemporary debates?
Enlightenment Now is significant in the context of contemporary debates because it presents a comprehensive case for optimism and challenges common pessimistic views of the world. The book has sparked a global conversation about the role of reason, science, and humanism in shaping a better future, with many experts weighing in on the topic. For example, the book has been cited by politicians, business leaders, and activists as a powerful argument for the importance of science, technology, and innovation in addressing global challenges. Additionally, the book has been translated into over 20 languages, making it a truly global phenomenon, with readers from all over the world engaging with Pinker's ideas and arguments.