Re: [nukkad] Book Review -- The Blank Slate

["Samira Razdan" <>]

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The most effective kind of education is that a child should play 
amongst lovely things. -Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)
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Rohit queried...
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Can anyone give review on the latest released title: 'The Blank Slate'
by Steven Pinker ??
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The full title of the book is --
"The Blank Slate - The Modern Denial Of Human Nature"
Author : Dr. Steven Pinker.
It is a superb book. I enjoyed reading it. :-)

The book explores human nature and behavior in modern society...
and gives a *truly thought provoking* insight into how the human
mind works.

The book discussion revolves around (evolutionary) psychology, human
nature, neuro-psychology, psycho-analysis, personality and behavior,
religion and sociology... basically a book trying to understand
human nature and the role of science in our psychological, spiritual
and social development.

If you like "heavy" reading, then this book is for you.
Because this book is - solid, engrossing non-fiction. :-)

One cannot read it fast. It is highly analytical, provocative and
even humorous at times.

If I may suggest... please read it slowly... ponder... if you want,
even write down your thoughts on a certain issue... then continue.
I must warn you... you may not agree with everything the author says,
for example he believes that we are a product of our genes and our
environment plays no role in shaping our personality. Now, I do not
believe in that. Yet... it was interesting to read his point of view.

The author gives a lot of advice on ethics, maintaining the sanctity
in modern marriages, raising kids, our role in society, gender issues,
violence, our fears, nihilism, dealing with our imperfections and
human suffering.

I had a thesaurus (dictionary) handy... some of the words Dr. Pinker
used were grandiloquent. I learnt many new words.

What more can I say... Dr. Pinker's advocacy of "nature" against
"nurture" in society and psychology... compels attention...
     ... a must read... :-)

P.S.- Dr. Pinker has written quite a few books. You may also
enjoy "The Language Instinct".
I am a Dr. Pinker fan. He is a senior professor (Cognitive Psychology)
at MIT. And... MIT's Department of Psychology is one of the best in
the world.

Sincerely,
-Sam.












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