79 pages • 2 hours read
Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
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Book Brief
556
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Viking
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker contends that Enlightenment-era values—reason, humanism, and science—are crucial yet undervalued. He argues against modern pessimism, demonstrating through quantitative evidence that, contrary to widespread beliefs, society has made significant progress in areas such as health, safety, and human rights, and advocates for continued adherence to these foundational principles to further improve society. The book references mental health conditions, anti-gay sentiment, death by suicide, sexual servitude, abuse, police violence, slavery, torture, and murder.
Informative
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
37,492 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now is praised for its thorough use of data to argue that human progress is flourishing due to Enlightenment values. Critics appreciate his optimism and compelling narrative. However, some find Pinker's dismissal of contemporary social issues overly simplistic or naive. Despite this, the book is largely seen as a powerful, data-driven argument for optimism.
Who Should Read Enlightenment Now?
Readers of Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now are typically well-educated individuals with an interest in science, philosophy, and human progress. They enjoy data-driven arguments and intellectual discussions, similar to those found in works like Hans Rosling's Factfulness and Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens.
37,492 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Angus Deaton
Angus Deaton
A British economist whose work on health, wealth, and inequality is referenced by Pinker to demonstrate improvements in human well-being over recent centuries.
C.P. Snow
C.P. Snow
A British scientist and author admired by Pinker for advocating a rationalist approach to societal issues, emphasizing the importance of scientific advancement in improving quality of life.
Stewart Brand
Stewart Brand
An American writer and environmentalist whose ideas on eco-pragmatism and technological solutions to climate change are used by Pinker to support arguments for industrialization's benefits.
Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant
An Enlightenment philosopher from Germany praised by Pinker for his writings against war and his influence on peace, democracy, and reason in European development.
Voltaire
Voltaire
An 18th-century French philosopher frequently cited by Pinker for his contributions to Enlightenment thought, particularly in advocating for social reforms and promoting international harmony through commerce.
556
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Viking
Adult
18+ years
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