Many artists and scholars have pointed out that ultimately art depends on human nature. Steven Pinker artartistdepend Change image and share on social
The idea that children are passive repositories to be shaped by their parents has been massively overstated. A child's peer group is a far greater determinant of its development and achievements than parental aspiration. Steven Pinker achievementaspirationchild 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
Though as a psychologist I like to think that nothing human is foreign to me, I admit to having been repeatedly flabbergasted by the insouciance, and sometimes relish, with which our ancestors carried out and witnessed unspeakable cruelties. Steven Pinker admitancestorcarry share on social
Most intellectuals today have a phobia of any explanation of the mind that invokes genetics. Steven Pinker explanationgeneticintellectual Change image and share on social
Roads, better harnesses for horses, time-keeping devices, financial instruments like a currency that was recognized everywhere in the kingdom, enforceable contracts - all of this made commerce more appealing than plunder. Steven Pinker appealcommercecontract share on social
Like the early days of the Internet, the dawn of personal genomics promises benefits and pitfalls that no one can foresee. Steven Pinker benefitdawnday Change image and share on social
Today we take it for granted that war happens in smaller, poorer and more backward countries. Steven Pinker backwardcountrygrant Change image and share on social
I suspect music is auditory cheesecake, an exquisite confection crafted to tickle the sensitive spots of... our mental faculties. Steven Pinker auditorycheesecakeconfection Change image and share on social
Reading is a technology for perspective-taking. When someone else's thoughts are in your head, you are observing the world from that person's vantage point. Steven Pinker headobserveperson Change image and share on social
