The Blank Slate
Steven Pinker
13 people recommended it in 10 threads, 2015–2020.
What people on Hacker News said
Absolutely. There is this notion that things were much better in the past. These books shred it to pieces.
Both books counter much accepted wisdom. The second book, in particular, will make you think of humanity in a fundamentally different light.
The Blank Slate, another great book by Pinker, is a thorough and fascinating read that lays out the many misconceptions of human nature and its implications. He performs an exorcism on those who confuse morality with nature – myself included.
To develop mental models you need to start at the ground floor, with understanding basic human nature.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read? 2015 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite non-fiction books of all time? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: 2018 Summer Reading List? 2018 · 1 recommendation
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- My new favorite book of all time 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Any recommended books on developing mental models? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2015? 2015 · 1 recommendation