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Cover of Rationality

Rationality

by Steven Pinker

Book Details

Publisher:Penguin
Published:2022-09-27
Pages:433
Format:BOOK
Language:en
ISBN:9780525562016

Reading Info

About This Book

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “In our uncertain age, which can so often feel so dark and disturbing, Steven Pinker has distinguished himself as a voice of positivity.” – New York Times Can reading a book make you more rational? Can it help us understand why there is so much irrationality in the world? Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now (Bill Gates’s "new favorite book of all time”) answers all the questions here Today humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding--and also app

Our Review

In an era of misinformation and polarized thinking, this book offers a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the modern world with clarity and reason. Steven Pinker systematically dismantles common cognitive biases and logical fallacies, providing readers with practical frameworks for better decision-making and critical analysis. He explores why irrationality persists despite our scientific advancements, examining everything from conspiracy theories to political tribalism through the lens of cognitive psychology and statistical reasoning. The book serves as both a defense of Enlightenment values and a practical guide to thinking more clearly.

What makes this work particularly compelling is how Pinker translates complex concepts of probability, game theory, and logic into accessible mental models anyone can apply. Readers who feel overwhelmed by information overload or frustrated by seemingly senseless debates will find concrete strategies for separating signal from noise. The author doesn't just explain why we stumble into irrational thinking—he provides the intellectual tools to build better reasoning habits. This is essential reading for anyone seeking to strengthen their analytical muscles and engage with the world more thoughtfully.

Themes

Psychology

Subjects

Psychology