Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now is praised for its thorough use of data to argue that human progress is flourishing due to Enlightenment values. Critics appreciate his optimism and compelling narrative. However, some find Pinker's dismissal of contemporary social issues overly simplistic or naive. Despite this, the book is largely seen as a powerful, data-driven argument for optimism.

Readers of Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now are typically well-educated individuals with an interest in science, philosophy, and human progress. They enjoy data-driven arguments and intellectual discussions, similar to those found in works like Hans Rosling's Factfulness and Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens.

In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker contends that Enlightenment-era values—reason, humanism, and science—are crucial yet undervalued. He argues against modern pessimism, demonstrating through quantitative evidence that, contrary to widespread beliefs, society has made significant progress in areas such as health, safety, and human rights, and advocates for continued adherence to these foundational principles to further improve society. The book references mental health conditions, anti-gay sentiment, death by suicide, sexual servitude, abuse, police violence, slavery, torture, and murder.

Steven Pinker

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Enlightenment Now reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Enlightenment Now | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Enlightenment Now and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Enlightenment Now Summary and Study Guide

Background

Enlightenment Now Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface and Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Enlightenment Now Preface and Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-7

Enlightenment Now Part 2, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 8-11

Enlightenment Now Part 2, Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-15

Enlightenment Now Part 2, Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-20

Enlightenment Now Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 21-23

Enlightenment Now Part 3, Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Enlightenment Now Key Figures

theme

Themes

Enlightenment Now Themes

Index of Terms

Enlightenment Now Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Enlightenment Now Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Enlightenment Now Essay Topics

Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Enlightenment Now?

Reading Age

Book Details