Enlightenment Now

In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker presents an optimistic assessment of the human condition, arguing that despite pervasive doom-and-gloom narratives, global progress is evident in health, prosperity, safety, and happiness. Utilizing seventy-five impactful graphs, he illustrates how the principles of the Enlightenment—anchored in reason and science—are key to understanding and enhancing human flourishing. Pinker defends these ideals against rising tribalism and authoritarianism, emphasizing their importance for maintaining liberal democracy and global cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges.