The 9/11 strikes left an indelible impact on our minds, but in relative terms, the scale of casualties actually wasn't all that high.
Steven PinkerMost intellectuals today have a phobia of any explanation of the mind that invokes genetics.
Steven PinkerDominance in an adaptation to anarchy and it serves no purpose in a society that has undergone a civilising process or in an international system regulated by agreements and norms. Anything that deflates the concept of dominance is likely to drive down the frequency of fights between individuals and wars.
Steven PinkerNo matter how inured you get to atrocities, you're still always stunned and shocked by how cruel and wasteful Homo sapiens can be.
Steven PinkerDear White Fella When I am born Iโm black When I grow up Iโm black When I am sick Iโm black When I go out ina sun Iโm black When I git cold Iโm black When I git scared Iโm black And when I die Iโm still black. But you white fella When youโre born youโre pink When you grow up youโre white When you git sick youโre green When you go out ina sun you go red When you git cold you go blue When you git scared youโre yellow And when you die youโre grey And you got the cheek to call me coloured?
Steven Pinker