Books Recommended by Steven Pinker
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The Nurture Assumption
Why Children Turn Out the Way They Do
Judith Rich Harris
Source: "A grandmother from New Jersey uses genetics, ethnography, and child psychology to refute the dogma that parents shape their children's intelligence and personality." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
36 Arguments for the Existence of God
A Work of Fiction
Rebecca Goldstein
Source: "A moving, hilarious, and intellectually deep novel about religion and atheism. Disclosure: I like this author’s fiction so much that I married her." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
Atrocities
The 100 Deadliest Episodes in Human History
Matthew White
Source: "A good way to settle bets (who was worse, Genghis Khan or Hitler?), brush up your history, and marvel at the cruelty and stupidity of our species." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
Whole Earth Discipline
Why Dense Cities, Nuclear Power, Transgenic Crops, Restored Wildlands, and Geoengineering Are Necessary
Stewart Brand
Source: "An allusion to [the author]'s groundbreaking 'Whole Earth Catalog,' which merged technology with the counterculture and encouraged global consciousness." - Steven Pinker
The Evolution of Human Sexuality
Donald Symons
Source: "The founding document of evolutionary psychology, filled with insights about sex and the sexes, and more relevant than ever with #metoo." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
One Two Three . . . Infinity
Facts and Speculations of Science
George Gamow
Source: "A delightful introduction to number theory, Einstein’s theory of relativity, higher dimensions, and other mathematical and scientific topics." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
The Beginning of Infinity
Explanations That Transform the World
David Deutsch
Source: "This 21st-century statement of the ideals of the Enlightenment offers fresh insight on a vast number of topics." - Steven Pinker
Enemies, a Love Story
Isaac Bashevis Singer
Source: "About a holocaust survivor who ends up with three wives. Every scene is a goldmine of insight about human nature." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
The Blind Watchmaker
Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe without Design
Richard Dawkins
Source: "Perhaps the best display of expository scientific prose of the twentieth century." - Steven Pinker
4 recommenders
The Mental Life of Modernism
Why Poetry, Painting, and Music Changed at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Samuel Jay Keyser
Source: "Fascinating, important new book by friend & former colleague." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
Knowledge And Decisions
Thomas Sowell
Source: Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
2 recommenders
The Strategy of Conflict
Thomas C. Schelling
Source: Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
1 recommender
The Science of Words
George A. Miller
Source: Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
1 recommender
Retreat from Doomsday
The Obsolescence of Major War
John Mueller
Source: Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
1 recommender
Clear and Simple as the Truth
Writing Classic Prose
Francis-Noël Thomas
Source: "Perhaps the best analysis of writing style." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
The Bias That Divides Us
The Science and Politics of Myside Thinking
Keith E. Stanovich
Source: "This is the book for our era." - Steven Pinker
1 recommender
FAQ
Did Steven Pinker recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Steven Pinker, it also includes a variety of titles that Steven Pinker has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Steven Pinker's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Steven Pinker mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Steven Pinker. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Steven Pinker has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Steven Pinker referred to the book.
Did Steven Pinker actually create this list?
No, Steven Pinker did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Steven Pinker. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Steven Pinker's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Steven Pinker?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Steven Pinker. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Steven Pinker in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Steven Pinker. Our team keeps a close eye on Steven Pinker's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Steven Pinker, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Steven Pinker has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
How can I find books recommended by other individuals?
Our website features a wide range of reading lists curated based on the recommendations of various successful individuals. You can easily browse these lists through our navigation menu or use our search feature to find lists associated with specific individuals.
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