Enlightenment Now cover art

Enlightenment Now

The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

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Enlightenment Now

By: Steven Pinker
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker, read by Arthur Morey. Includes a bonus PDF of graphs.

Is modernity really failing? Or have we failed to appreciate progress and the ideals that make it possible? If you follow the headlines, the world in the 21st century appears to be sinking into chaos, hatred and irrationality. Yet, as Steven Pinker shows, if you follow the trendlines, you discover that our lives have become longer, healthier, safer and more prosperous - not just in the West but worldwide.

Such progress is no accident: it's the gift of a coherent value system that many of us embrace without even realising it. These are the values of the Enlightenment: of reason, science, humanism and progress. The challenges we face today are formidable. But the way to deal with them is not to sink into despair or try to lurch back to a mythical idyllic past; it's to treat them as problems we can solve, as we have solved other problems in the past. This is the case for an Enlightenment newly recharged for the 21st century.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 Steven Pinker (P)2018 Penguin Audio Consciousness & Thought History & Philosophy Movements Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Science Society Socialism Capitalism Humanism Middle East Social justice Africa Economic Inequality Iran
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I loved "Better Angels" and this is a fitting sequel. A reminder that the big picture is a good one, regardless of what Facebook and Twitter may tell us.

Essential listening

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Overall this book makes a compelling argument for humanism, reason and enlightenment ideals, though it could have been much shorter.
The chapter on existentialism was certainly the weakest with some self defeating arguments, particularly with Pinker straw manning some of existential arguments.

Great story with some good arguments.

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gives insight and clarity to world views, history, fake news and where we are heading in the future

excellent read

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Vast information, Very interesting and reassuring topics.
It is questionable though, whether nuclear power as an alternative resource of energy production is reasonable. Europeans were protesting against the radio active waste disposal back in the 80s, and no one wanted such a disposal site in their vicinity. It is interesting to know that ever since that time exit strategies have been put in place and the energy production through nuclear power has decreased with no new plants to be build in Switzerland.
The only part I disliked was the writers personal view about US politics.
All considered a great book. Loved the accompanying graphs and tables.

Great Idea on pointing-out Human Achievements

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A tremendous work. Pinker uses research and facts to offer balance (and counter-balance) to the doom and gloom ideologies of this age. He is not the Pollyanna some would dismiss him as; he just offers perspective which in turn allows us to consider applying solutions to the world’s problems rather than sinking into nihilistic despair and radical destructive “activism”.

Important

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The third chapter is a bit complex considering it’s an audiobook; however, I loved the whole book. Very informative and positive. We’ve been hearing all these bad news everywhere for a long time. It’s good to look at the positive side of the world and there are many to look at.

Amazing book! Worth your time!

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A book everyone should read. gives so much clarity to most of the controversies of modern society

A book everyone should read

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There is something about facts that allows my mind from drifting into illusions. I like this book to bring different aspects and perspectives to the foreground.

Our stories or reality

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the way of the future. jump on board. leave behind your gods and your rituals. choose progress, science and reason.

humanism

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This brilliant work, which should be mandatory text in every secondary school on the planet, articulates with such clarity and compelling evidence why there is so much to be grateful for, so much to be proud of and humbled by, so much about which to be hopeful. Arthur Morey’s heartfelt narration turns this profound work into a transcendent guided meditation. Listen. Then listen again. Then gift it to your loved ones.

An exquisite testament to the human being!

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