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The thing that I don't like about books and articles like this is that they promote complacency. They obscure shitty living conditions that billions of people
by kevmo 9y ago
The thing that I don't like about books and articles like this is that they promote complacency. They obscure shitty living conditions that billions of people are still living under by pointing to statistical averages and fun concepts like "war is illegal" (which is highly arguable in and of itself).
I am all for recognizing that humanity is maturing, but I think books like this actually slow the pace at which it does so.
- criddell 9y ago> promote complacency I get the exact opposite feeling. Things aren't hopeless and there's no reason to stop pushing for improvement because what we've been doing for the past 100 years is working! Maybe it depends on if you are an optimist or a pessimist.
- deeg 9y agoI understand your concern but I disagree that Pinker's book will lead to complacency. I believe the opposite: Pinker's book will prevent us from sliding into nihilism and despondency. We have plenty of media and politicians reminding us how terrible the world is; Trump gained the presidency in part by convincing a sizable population that America is declining. We need Pinker to tell us that we are actually making the world a better place. If the media ever switches to telling us how great the world is all the time then I'll agree with you. :)