The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial Of Human Nature -

Pinker suggests we cling to these myths out of fear. If we admit that certain traits—like intelligence, aggression, or personality—have a genetic component, people worry it will lead to:

The fear that biological differences justify discrimination. The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature

The fear that if we are "wired" a certain way, we can’t improve society. Pinker suggests we cling to these myths out of fear

Pinker identifies three entrenched ideas that dominate modern intellectual life, which he seeks to dismantle: By understanding the "knobs and levers" of human

The romanticized notion that humans are naturally selfless and peaceful, and that greed or violence are purely "corruptions" of society.

The fear that we aren't responsible for our actions. The Reality of Human Nature

Pinker’s central argument is that , but ignoring it is a mistake. By understanding the "knobs and levers" of human nature, we can design better social policies and have a more honest conversation about why we do what we do.