Plants can't very well defend themselves by their behavior, so they resort to chemical warfare, and plants are saturated with toxins and irritants to deter creatures like us who want to eat them. Steven Pinker behaviorchemicalcreature Change image and share on social
By all measures men are the more violent gender. Steven Pinker gendermanmeasure Change image and share on social
Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control. Steven Pinker complexcontrolcooperation Change image and share on social
Art works because it appeals to certain faculties of the mind. Music depends on details of the auditory system, painting and sculpture on the visual system. Poetry and literature depend on language. Steven Pinker appealartauditory Change image and share on social
Personality and socialization aren't the same thing. Steven Pinker personalitysocializationthing Change image and share on social
Most wars are not fought over shortages of resources such as food and water, but rather over conquest, revenge, and ideology. Steven Pinker conquestfightfood Change image and share on social
No matter how inured you get to atrocities, you're still always stunned and shocked by how cruel and wasteful Homo sapiens can be. Steven Pinker atrocitycruelhomo Change image and share on social
Many artists and scholars have pointed out that ultimately art depends on human nature. Steven Pinker artartistdepend Change image and share on social
For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment that we can savor - and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible. Steven Pinker accomplishmentcherishcivilization share on social
Violent movements attract thugs and firebrands who enjoy the mayhem. Violent tactics provide a pretext for retaliation by the enemy and alienate third parties who might otherwise support the movement. Steven Pinker alienateattractenemy Change image and share on social
