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A review by microglyphics
The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker
5.0
Pinker provides strong support for his hypothesis of the existence of a biologically or genetically based component to human nature. As a staunch social justice warrior (SJW) in the Rawlsian tradition, it was a bit like a cold shower to grab my attention and force me to self-reflect. And although I disagree with the conclusion he reaches in re post-modernism (my contention falling outside of the scope of a review), I agree with much of what he conveys.
Pinker understands at the outset that his views will upset many of his peers, who will invariably and vehemently oppose the genetic component of human nature in favour of a more comfortable adoption of a blank slate.
Although reading this a full decade-and-a-half after its initial publication, it feels that much of this is still not accepted in polite company, and the Oprahs and Dr Phils of the world still hold sway over public imagination. This might be the favourite of books I've read in 2017 and I won't even demerit his attack on post-modern thought, though I do concur with his charge of its banality in many cases. I'd love to read an updated version that showcases the progress and acceptance (or rejection) between 2002 and today.
Pinker understands at the outset that his views will upset many of his peers, who will invariably and vehemently oppose the genetic component of human nature in favour of a more comfortable adoption of a blank slate.
Although reading this a full decade-and-a-half after its initial publication, it feels that much of this is still not accepted in polite company, and the Oprahs and Dr Phils of the world still hold sway over public imagination. This might be the favourite of books I've read in 2017 and I won't even demerit his attack on post-modern thought, though I do concur with his charge of its banality in many cases. I'd love to read an updated version that showcases the progress and acceptance (or rejection) between 2002 and today.