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HappinessYou’ll learn
- The benefits humanism imposes on progress
- How enlightenment shapes the world
- Where science has the most power
- Why progress has a dark side
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
The enlightenment ideals of reason, science, humanism, and progress can improve human lives
A lot of people have the wrong knowledge and mindset about the situation of the world; they believe that the world is in terrible shape. Their worldview is centered on humans trapped in poverty, flawed educational systems, crimes, etc. Having observed this, Steven Pinker provides a different understanding of the world focused on enlightenment ideals. These ideals are reason, science, humanism, and progress, which have led to the rise of health, prosperity, safety, peace, and happiness worldwide. In a public lecture, a student asked Steven Pinker the reason for living. The tone of the question didn’t suggest that the student was suicidal or sarcastic. She was actually genuinely looking for the meaning and purpose of life. The answer Steven Pinker gave the student was the ideals of enlightenment. The enlightenment principle uses reason and sympathy to improve human existence. We need to defend reason, science, humanism, and progress like never before.
Compared with what is propagated in the media, the world is getting better because humans live longer and healthier on average than before.
Many good things happen in the world today that most people don’t know. For example, the world is becoming more equal; poor people are getting wealth and benefits from the emergence of technology. In addition, many people are currently advocating for equal rights; this was not the case centuries ago.In this summary, you will be exposed to the ideals of enlightenment and how they can be defended in the 21st century. In addition, you will be informed on what is going on around you that the media does not publicize.
second KEY POINT
Enlightenment answers the question of why we are alive
Philosopher Immanuel Kant defines enlightenment as humans coming out of selfishness obtained from immaturity and its submission to beliefs of religious and governmental authorities. He sees enlightenment’s basis as freedom of thought and speech, and its motto is “dare to understand.” The only way to make progress is by daring to understand science, morality, politics, and more. There will always be problems, as failure is due to insufficient knowledge, and problems arise when knowledge does not suffice. The way forward is, therefore, a search for knowledge and attempting to understand.
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first KEY POINT
Entropy, evolution, and information are the three keys necessary to understanding the human condition
second KEY POINT
We should be grateful for all our progress instead of ignoring it
third KEY POINT
The state of the world now shows both good and bad progress, and it is up to us to determine where we end up
fourth KEY POINT
Equal rights are a result of enlightenment and show how proper reason and understanding can help the world progress
fifth KEY POINT
Reason, science, and humanism as the ideals of enlightenment
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is Enlightenment Now: The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress about?
Enlightenment Now, written by Steven Pinker, advocates for reason, science, and humanism as the pillars of societal advancement. The book emphasizes the progress humanity has made and argues that these principles are crucial for addressing contemporary challenges.
What are the key takeaways from Enlightenment Now: The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress?
Key takeaways include the importance of rational thought in solving global problems, the dramatic improvements in quality of life due to scientific advancement, and the call for optimism based on facts and data. Pinker encourages readers to embrace humanism as a guiding force for future progress.
Is Enlightenment Now: The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress worth reading?
Yes, many readers find Enlightenment Now to be a compelling read, as it provides uplifting evidence of human progress and a framework for understanding future challenges. Its engaging style and thorough research make it valuable for those interested in science and philosophy.
How many pages is Enlightenment Now: The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress and when was it published?
Enlightenment Now has approximately 550 pages and was published in February 2018. This hefty read offers in-depth analysis and insight into humanitarian issues backed by scientific data.
Who is the author of Enlightenment Now: The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress?
The author of Enlightenment Now is Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive scientist and bestselling author known for his work on language and the human mind. His expertise lends significant authority to the arguments presented in the book.