Enlightenment Now

About the Author

Steven Pinker, a cognitive psychologist and linguist, has established himself as a leading figure in the exploration of the human mind, language, and the nature of progress. Born in 1954 in Montreal, Canada, Pinker developed a keen interest in the sciences early on, which eventually led him to pursue psychology. After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard University, Pinker went on to teach and conduct research at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. He is currently a professor at Harvard, where he continues to influence the field with his groundbreaking work.

Pinker’s career is marked by a commitment to the empirical study of human nature, particularly through the lenses of cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology. His books, which include "The Language Instinct," "How the Mind Works," and "The Better Angels of Our Nature," have earned him a reputation as a clear and compelling communicator of complex ideas. His ability to synthesize vast amounts of data and present them in an accessible and engaging manner has made him a popular figure not only in academic circles but also among the general public.

In "Enlightenment Now," Pinker takes on the ambitious task of defending the values of the Enlightenment, arguing that reason, science, and humanism have led to unprecedented progress in human history. He challenges the pervasive pessimism of modern discourse by demonstrating, with extensive data, that the world is improving across a wide range of metrics. His work is a clarion call for a renewed commitment to the principles that have driven human progress and a reminder that the path forward lies in the continued application of these principles.

Main Idea

"Enlightenment Now" is a robust defense of the Enlightenment values that have shaped the modern world. Steven Pinker argues that the core principles of reason, science, and humanism have been the driving forces behind the significant improvements in human well-being over the past few centuries. Despite the common belief that the world is getting worse, Pinker presents compelling evidence that, in fact, life has improved on nearly every front.

Pinker’s thesis is that the progress we’ve seen—from longer life expectancies and improved health to greater wealth, peace, and freedom—is a direct result of applying Enlightenment principles. He emphasizes that these gains are not guaranteed, and they must be actively preserved by continuing to value and promote reason, science, and humanism. By countering the narrative of decline with data-driven optimism, Pinker seeks to inspire a recommitment to the ideals that have brought about so much progress and to encourage the pursuit of further advancements in the human condition.

What Are Enlightenment Values?

The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that began in the 17th and 18th centuries, was a period of profound intellectual change. Thinkers of the Enlightenment, such as René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, and John Locke, sought to apply reason and scientific inquiry to all aspects of life, challenging the traditional authority of the church and monarchy. The central tenet of the Enlightenment was the belief that human beings could use reason to improve their lives and societies.

According to Pinker, the Enlightenment gave rise to four key values: reason, science, humanism, and progress. These values have driven the development of modern institutions, technologies, and social norms that have improved the quality of life for billions of people. Let's delve deeper into each of these values:

• Reason: The Enlightenment emphasized the importance of reason as the primary means of understanding the world. Pinker contrasts reason with faith and dogma, which he argues were the foundations of pre-Enlightenment thinking. By applying reason, humans can make informed decisions, develop sound policies, and solve complex problems. Reason, Pinker argues, is what allows us to challenge outdated beliefs and make progress.
• Science: Closely tied to reason is the scientific method, which involves observing the world, forming hypotheses, testing them through experiments, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence. Science has been the engine of technological and medical advancements that have transformed human life. Pinker contends that the application of scientific methods to social and political issues can lead to better outcomes, just as it has in other fields.
• Humanism: Humanism is the belief that human well-being should be the central concern of our moral and political systems. This value rejects the idea that divine will or religious doctrine should dictate human behavior. Instead, it advocates for a secular morality that seeks to maximize human happiness and minimize suffering. Pinker argues that humanism has led to the rejection of practices such as slavery, torture, and discrimination, and has promoted the expansion of human rights.
• Progress: The idea of progress is the belief that through reason, science, and humanism, humanity can continuously improve its condition. This belief in progress has driven the development of democratic institutions, educational systems, and technologies that have raised the standard of living and expanded opportunities for people around the world. Pinker emphasizes that progress is not inevitable, but it is possible if we remain committed to Enlightenment values.

The Origin of Enlightenment Values

The Enlightenment did not arise in isolation. Pinker notes that much of the inspiration for Enlightenment thought came from interactions between European colonists and indigenous peoples in the Americas. These encounters exposed Europeans to different ways of thinking about society, governance, and morality, which influenced Enlightenment thinkers as they sought to challenge the status quo in Europe.

For example, David Graeber and David Wengrow argue in "The Dawn of Everything" that Enlightenment values were partly inspired by the critiques that indigenous Americans made of European social customs. These critiques, which included challenges to monarchical rule, social hierarchies, and materialism, resonated with European intellectuals who were already beginning to question the traditional structures of their societies.