Enlightenment Now

The world does agree on these values. In the year 2000, all 189 members of the United Nations, together with two dozen international organizations, agreed on eight Millennium Development Goals for the year 2015 that blend right into this list. Quantifiable improvements. Life expectancy, health, wealth, safety, knowledge, and freedom have all increased substantially over time. Global life expectancy rose from 29 years in 1770 to 71.4 years in 2015. Extreme poverty has fallen from 90% of the global population in 1800 to less than 10% today. Child mortality dropped from 43% in 1800 to 4.3% in 201

Lesson 1: Progress is real: Life has improved dramatically across multiple dimensions

This principle from Enlightenment Now is backed by Steven Pinker's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: The Enlightenment ideals drive human progress

This principle from Enlightenment Now is backed by Steven Pinker's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: Science and reason are powerful tools for solving problems

This principle from Enlightenment Now is backed by Steven Pinker's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply Enlightenment Now's Lessons

The real value of Enlightenment Now lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Steven Pinker's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"Progress is real: Life has improved dramatically across multiple dimensions" — Steven Pinker, Enlightenment Now

About the Author

Steven Pinker is the author of Enlightenment Now. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.