I would argue that nothing gives life more purpose than the realization that every moment of consciousness is a precious and fragile gift.
Steven PinkerIt's likely that taboo words are stored in the right hemisphere of the brain. Massive left hemisphere strokes or the entire surgical removal of the left hemisphere can leave people with no articulate speech other than the ability to swear, spout cliches and song lyrics.
Steven PinkerDemocracy is an imperfect way of steering between the violence of anarchy and the violence of tyranny, with the least violence you can get away with.
Steven PinkerMany artists and scholars have pointed out that ultimately art depends on human nature.
Steven Pinker