Is Personality Inherited? Steven Pinker on Nature vs. Nurture

A mother and toddler depict the question of whether personality is inherited and Steven Pinker's nature vs. nurture argument

Is personality inherited? How much of who you are comes from your genes versus your upbringing? Steven Pinker’s nature vs. nurture argument shows up in his book The Blank Slate. He explores the scientific evidence behind personality inheritance. Pinker argues that our core traits are largely genetic, with upbringing playing a minimal role. Continue reading to understand Pinker’s argument, and see whether you believe the debate is settled.

The Scientific View of Human Nature: Steven Pinker Explains

A collage of three people--a young man, a young woman, and an old woman--illustrate the scientific view of human nature

What’s wrong with the mainstream view of human nature? How does it hold up in light of current scientific understanding? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker lays out his scientific arguments against the mainstream view of human nature. Then, he articulates a scientific view of human nature and what this alternative perspective means for gender differences, politics, and our understanding of personality. Read more to understand where Pinker is coming from.

Why the Mainstream Theory of Human Nature Is Flawed (Pinker)

People walking down a city street illustrates the mainstream theory of human nature

What’s the mainstream theory of human nature? Why does Steven Pinker think it’s old-fashioned and, thus, misguided? Throughout most of the 20th century, the mainstream intellectual view of human nature was that humans are benevolent blank slates, with immaterial souls distinct from their physical bodies. But, according to cognitive psychologist and public intellectual Steven Pinker, this view is mistaken. Keep reading to learn what the theory is and how it falls short.

How to Promote Wellness in the Workplace Like Salesforce

An employee who knows how to promote wellness in the workplace, wearing a suit while meditating at work

How does Salesforce foster the wellness of its employees? Are Salesforce’s wellness methods applicable to any business? Marc Benioff explains that Salesforce fosters employee well-being because vibrant employees are more engaged and productive. That way, they can better support the company’s principled business efforts. Check out how to promote wellness in the workplace like Salesforce does.

Compatibilism: Can Free Will & Determinism Coexist?

A man standing in front of two closed doors illustrates the concept of compatibilism (free will and determinism coexisting)

What’s the nature of free will? Is it possible for our actions to be both predetermined and freely chosen? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky challenges the concept of compatibilism—free will and determinism coexisting in harmony. He argues that the universe doesn’t work that way. Continue reading to challenge your understanding of choice and determinism as we unpack this fascinating philosophical debate.

Chaos Theory and Free Will: Unpredictability vs. Choice

Two colored circles representing the diagram of chaos theory

Is free will really a thing? How might chaos theory relate to our ability to make choices? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores the fascinating intersection of chaos theory and free will. He explains the theory and how it might be applied to decision-making in complex systems. He also points to what he believes are flaws in the application. Keep reading to discover why unpredictability doesn’t necessarily mean indeterminism and how you can use options to navigate an unpredictable world.

Does Quantum Indeterminacy Make Free Will Possible?

A person holding a pair of dice in their hand illustrates quantum indeterminacy and free will

Is free will real or just an illusion? Could quantum mechanics hold the key to understanding our ability to make choices? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky picks apart arguments in favor of free will. He even dives into the fascinating world of subatomic particles and their potential impact on human decision-making, as some people believe there’s a connection between quantum indeterminacy and free will. Read more to understand the issue and Sapolsky’s arguments.

The Old Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains Why We Need It

a diagram of the old brain and the neocortex

Do you know how your brain processes information? What role do the primitive parts of your brain play in your everyday life? In A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins explores the relationship between the Old Brain and the neocortex. He explains how these two parts work together to shape our understanding of the world and enable intelligent behavior. Continue reading to discover how your ancient brain structures influence your modern thoughts and actions.

The True Believer: Book Overview & Takeaways (Eric Hoffer)

a bearded middle-aged man with grey hair reading a book outside with a building in the background

What drives people to join mass movements? What makes some movements succeed while others fizzle out? In his book The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores the psychology behind mass movements. He examines why certain groups are more susceptible to joining these movements and what factors contribute to their success or failure. Keep reading to discover Hoffer’s insights on the forces that shape our society and drive social change.

Our Abstract Thinking Ability & the Science Behind It

A young thoughtful man in profile with a cityscape in the background illustrates our abstract thinking ability

How does your brain process abstract concepts? How does our ability to think abstractly shape our understanding of the world? In his book A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins seeks to explain our incredible abstract thinking ability. He proposes that our brain uses similar mechanisms for both concrete and abstract thought. Continue reading to explore the complex mysteries of abstract thinking.