Human nature and progress
Human nature is not evil. We are not innately aggressive. Culture and science can make us better
Steven Pinker
American cognitive psychologist and author, investigating language, mind, and human nature through psycholinguistics.
All moments: Steven Pinker
- Universal grammar — Steven Pinker
All languages are variations on a theme. Every human brain contains universal grammar
- Syntax and meaning — Steven Pinker
Syntax transforms a finite set of words into infinite meanings. That's the magic of language
- Linguistics and the brain — Steven Pinker
Through language we can understand how the brain works. Grammar is a fingerprint of our thinking
- The evolution of language — Steven Pinker
Language evolved because it gave a survival advantage. It allows us to transmit ideas
- Language as a window into human nature — Steven Pinker
Language is not just a common code. It's a window into how our mind works
- Language and thought — Steven Pinker
Language shapes thought but doesn't determine it. We are free to change our words, and thus our thoughts
Related moments
- All Music Is Folk Music — Louis Armstrong
All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song.
- The Power of Compassion — Michael Jackson
The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
- Music Is Life — Jon Batiste
Music is a spiritual practice, a therapy, a way to connect us to ourselves and each other
- Compromise and Conscience — Bob Dylan
I'll never sell my soul for money or fame. It's my only true asset.
- The Soul of Music — Questlove
Soul is what makes music real. It's what people feel
- Childhood - Where It All Starts — Michael Jackson
Childhood is where it all starts. If we lose childhood, we lose everything.