Why should I read Enlightenment Now
Enlightenment Now. As with most of Steven Pinker’s work not everything is something that I agree with. I do feel that he does generalize some topics and have some bias towards others.
Steven Pinker does however, make topics that would normally be complex to most and simplifies them.
We live in the now
We live in a world filled with negative news, so its easier to think the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Then it is to see the world as moving forward in a positive and progressive manner.
The enlightenment refers to a period of time, where Europe prospered. because of science and becoming more civilized as a whole.
A prime example would be slavery which became see as immoral. Up until that point it was simply seen as a way of life. The enlightenment is often referred to the age of reason.
Wealth, and life expectancy has increased as well as the quality of life.
Now I will argue that now all walks of life have the same opportunities, but undoubtedly have a better life, than their predecessors had.
The only thing I really got from this book, is that if we continue to fight for the just things in life, the world will continue to improve.
Although we will always quickly point to the unjust aspects of life, there are just as many if not more positives then negatives.
When we put things into context, that world is better than its been and will continue to get better. one thing I will add, is that each and everyone of us, has the capacity to help shape the world into a better place.
Other books By Steven Pinker
My review of The Blank Slate| Amazon link
My review of Enlightenment Now | Amazon link
My review of The Stuff of Thought | Amazon link
My review of The language instinct | Amazon link
My review of The Better Angels of our nature | Amazon link
My review of The sense of style | Amazon link
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