Episode · StarTalk Radio · 2026-01-31
Books mentioned on How Common Knowledge Shapes the World, with Steven Pinker
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Blank Slate
The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker is a widely read nonfiction book that challenges the traditional sociological doctrine that the human mind is entirely shaped by culture and environment at birth, arguing instead for a nuanced view of innate human nature and genetics.
Discussed“I got you down here for a dozen books, several of them are some of my favorite books. You know, The Blank Slate, which had its own bit of controversy, but it's fun to see an intelligent argument presented into that space.”
Where to get it
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The Better Angels of Our Nature
The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker is a comprehensive historical study arguing that violence has steadily declined over the course of human history.
Discussed“The Better Angels of Our Nature. Oh my gosh. It has the two words common knowledge in the title.”
Where to get it
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The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin is a foundational 1872 scientific work exploring how humans and other species communicate feelings through physical behavior.
Discussed“NEIL: He had a whole book on it. STEVEN: A whole book on the expression of the emotions in animals and man.”
Where to get it
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The Variations of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume 1
The Variations of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume 1 by Charles Darwin examines the biological changes and traits observed in domesticated species, serving as a foundational text for evolutionary biology.
Discussed“NEIL: He had a whole book on it. STEVEN: A whole book on the expression of the emotions in animals and man.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“So the title of the book is When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows... And there's a story behind that. The subtitle is Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power and Everyday Life.”
“NEIL: Steven Pinker's latest book. Give me the title again. STEVEN: When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows...”