The strongest argument against totalitarianism may be a recognition of a universal human nature; that all humans have innate desires for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The doctrine of the blank slate... is a totalitarian's dream.
Steven PinkerAn eye for beauty locks onto faces that show signs of health and fertility - just as one would predict if it had evolved to help the beholder find the fittest mate.
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 PinkerPeople know there is a difference between what you do and what you accept. There is a difference between me knowing that people swear, me hearing people swear and me swearing, and everyone accepting that this is something you can do as much as you like.
Steven PinkerThere's a misconception that survival of the fittest means survival of the most aggressive. The adjective 'Darwinian' used to refer to ruthless competition; you used to read that in business journals. But that's not what Darwinian means to a biologist; it's whatever leads to reproductive success.
Steven Pinker