Enlightenment Now Book Summary - Enlightenment Now Book explained in key points
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Enlightenment Now summary

The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

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Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker is a hopeful and data-driven book that celebrates the progress humanity has made in improving health, prosperity, and quality of life worldwide. It urges readers to embrace reason, science, and humanism in order to continue this trend.

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    Enlightenment Now
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    The Enlightenment, which began in eighteenth-century Europe, is at the heart of today’s modern cosmopolitanism.

    If you’re familiar with European history, you’ve probably heard of the period known as the Enlightenment. Sometimes referred to as the “age of reason,” it was a historical watershed moment. Indeed, it profoundly influenced the future development of Western society.

    The Enlightenment started in the first half of the eighteenth century and it offered a bracing antidote to the rampant ignorance, terror and paranoia to which society had previously been in thrall.

    Prior to the Enlightenment, spells of bad weather were blamed on witches or angry, sky-dwelling gods; oceans and forests were the domain of evil beasts; and scores of people were tortured and killed in the name of religion. It was high time for a change. And thus four main Enlightenment themes began to take shape: reason, science, humanism and progress.

    Reason means that there are things in the world that are non-negotiable – that no matter what your so-called sacred text or authoritarian leader says, only reason can dictate the ultimate right. A good example is slavery. Prior to the age of reason, slavery was seen as a fact of life, but as the values of Enlightenment spread, reason shook the foundations of this barbaric practice and eventually helped bring it down.

    With the emphasis on science, people began to value knowledge, especially as it pertained to certain universal human traits. Early versions of neuroscience, psychology and cultural anthropology opened the door to humanism, which offered a secular way for people to understand and respect one another. Before this period, religious fervor had been responsible for the bloodbath of the Crusades, and humanism offered a moral footing to acknowledge that genocide and murderous conquests weren’t acceptable.

    Humanism also led to what’s known as cosmopolitanism, which can be seen in today’s modern values. Cosmopolitanism is a rejection of tribalism and the narrow-mindedness that pits one group against all others. It looks at everyone as a child of the world and recognizes that just because someone was born in a different country doesn’t mean they’re less deserving of the same rights.

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    What is Enlightenment Now about?

    Enlightenment Now (2018) offers a refreshingly optimistic take on the state of the world today. With reams of data, charts and graphs, Steven Pinker shows how much progress we’ve made since the eighteenth century, when the Age of Reason, otherwise known as the Enlightenment, shifted society away from centuries of rule by superstition and paranoia.

    Enlightenment Now Review

    Enlightenment Now (2018) by Steven Pinker gives a powerful argument for why optimism is justified in our world today. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It presents a wealth of data and evidence that shows how progress has been made in various aspects of human life, challenging pessimistic narratives.
    • Pinker explores a wide range of topics, including health, education, violence, and happiness, providing a comprehensive perspective on human progress.
    • The book offers a refreshing counterbalance to the prevailing doom and gloom mindset, reminding us of the positive trends shaping our world.

    Best quote from Enlightenment Now

    As globalization and technology have lifted billions out of poverty and created a global middle class, international and global inequality have decreased…

    —Steven Pinker
    example alt text

    Who should read Enlightenment Now?

    • Optimists and recovering pessimists
    • Students of economics and philosophy
    • Readers tired of negative news

    About the Author

    Steven Pinker is a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at Harvard University. He is also a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the Atlantic and sits on the usage panel at The American Heritage Dictionary. Many of his books on popular science have been influential cultural touchstones, including How the Mind Works and The Language Instinct.

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    Enlightenment Now FAQs 

    What is the main message of Enlightenment Now?

    The main message of Enlightenment Now is that progress is possible and human well-being has improved over time.

    How long does it take to read Enlightenment Now?

    The reading time for Enlightenment Now varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Enlightenment Now a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Enlightenment Now is worth reading for its positive outlook, use of data, and thought-provoking insights.

    Who is the author of Enlightenment Now?

    The author of Enlightenment Now is Steven Pinker.

    What to read after Enlightenment Now?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Enlightenment Now, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Factfulness by Hans Rosling
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    • The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
    • Rationality by Steven Pinker
    • Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
    • Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart
    • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
    • Uncommon by Mark Divine
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • In Cold Blood by Truman Capote