“Much of what is today called ‘social criticism’ consists of members of the upper classes denouncing the tastes of the lower classes (bawdy entertainment, fast food, plentiful consumer goods) while considering themselves egalitarians.” — Steven Pinker, The Blank Slate
“Suicide terrorists who believe they will be rewarded in paradise cannot be deterred by the prospect of death on Earth.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (02021-11-17)
“If rationality is so great, why do we associate it with a dour joylessness?” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (02021-11-17)
“We keep our distance from hotheads, implore people to be reasonable, and regret various flings, outbursts, and acts of thoughtlessness.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (2021-11-17)
“Most of us would plug our ears if an oracle promised to tell us the day we will die.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (2021-11-17)
“Odysseus had himself tied to the mast and rationally relinquished his option to act, his sailors plugged their ears with wax and rationally relinquished their option to know.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (2021-11-17)
“Cheesecake is fattening, unattended kids get into trouble, and cutthroat ambition earns contempt—you can’t always get what you want.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (2021-11-17)
“It is neither rational nor irrational to prefer chocolate ripple to maple walnut.” — Steven Pinker, “It’s Not Irrational to Party Like It’s 1999,” Nautilus (2021-11-17)
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