The Blank Slate

In 'The Blank Slate,' Steven Pinker challenges the age-old notion that humans are born as blank slates shaped solely by experience. He argues that our brains are pre-wired with innate tendencies that influence our behaviors, thoughts, and identities. Through captivating examples from psychology, neuroscience, and evolution, Pinker unveils the complex interplay between nature and nurture. This thought-provoking exploration sparks a debate about free will, morality, and the fundamental essence of humanity. Dive into this enlightening read to uncover the surprising truths about what truly shapes us.

By Steven Pinker

Published: 2003

The Blank SlateBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

The Undoing ProjectBook binding

The Undoing Project

Michael Lewis

The Psychology of Executive CoachingBook binding

The Psychology of Executive Coaching

Bruce Peltier

Not AfraidBook binding

Not Afraid

Daniele Bolelli

The Happiness HypothesisBook binding

The Happiness Hypothesis

Jonathan Haidt

Pre-SuasionBook binding

Pre-Suasion

Robert Cialdini

Einstein's DreamsBook binding

Einstein's Dreams

Alan Lightman

The Social LeapBook binding

The Social Leap

William von Hippel

Cognitive PsychologyBook binding

Cognitive Psychology

Michael W. Eysenck, Mark T. Keane

Psychology of the Digital AgeBook binding

Psychology of the Digital Age

John R. Suler

BehaveBook binding

Behave

Robert M. Sapolsky

The Philosophy of Andy WarholBook binding

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol

EthicsBook binding

Ethics

Benedict de Spinoza

A Philosophy of WalkingBook binding

A Philosophy of Walking

Frederic Gros

The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Volume 1Book binding

The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Volume 1

David M. Buss

Irrational ExuberanceBook binding

Irrational Exuberance

Robert J. Shiller

ArcadiaBook binding

Arcadia

Tom Stoppard

The Moral AnimalBook binding

The Moral Animal

Robert Wright

Against EmpathyBook binding

Against Empathy

Paul Bloom

The Mind-Body ProblemBook binding

The Mind-Body Problem

Jonathan Westphal

The Sunday Philosophy ClubBook binding

The Sunday Philosophy Club

Alexander McCall Smith

InvariancesBook binding

Invariances

Robert Nozick

Fighting PowerBook binding

Fighting Power

Martin Van Creveld

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

Psychology and Religion: West and EastBook binding

Psychology and Religion: West and East

Carl Gustav Jung

The Origins and History of ConsciousnessBook binding

The Origins and History of Consciousness

Erich Neumann

AwakeningsBook binding

Awakenings

Oliver Sacks

The Neuropsychology of AnxietyBook binding

The Neuropsychology of Anxiety

Jeffrey Alan Gray, Neil McNaughton

You Are Not So SmartBook binding

You Are Not So Smart

David McRaney

Riverworld WarBook binding

Riverworld War

Philip José Farmer

Book Collections you might like →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.

View Collection
Vinod Khosla's Book Recommendations

Vinod Khosla's Book Recommendations

Vinod Khosla is an Indian-American venture capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, one of the companies that helped drive the development of the internet. Khosla is the founder of Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology and energy. He is known for his bold approach to investing, often backing companies working on breakthrough technologies in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Khosla is a vocal advocate for using technology to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. His visionary approach to investing has made him one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Maria Popova's Book Recommendations

Maria Popova's Book Recommendations

Maria Popova is a renowned writer, literary critic, and the creator of Brain Pickings, a highly influential blog that curates and explores a wide array of literary and philosophical content. Known for her deep and eclectic insights, she has become a significant voice in literature, providing thoughtful commentary on works spanning various genres and eras. Popova has also authored "Figuring," a book that delves into the interconnected lives of historical figures in science and literature. Her work has been celebrated for its intellectual rigor and ability to make complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Through her writing and curatorial efforts, Popova has significantly contributed to contemporary literary discourse and the appreciation of the humanities.

View Collection
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

View Collection
John Fish's Book Recommendations

John Fish's Book Recommendations

John Fish is a dynamic author and YouTuber known for his insightful explorations of productivity, education, and personal development. Gaining prominence through his engaging video content, Fish has also made significant contributions to literature with his thought-provoking essays and articles. He has been particularly influential among students and young professionals, offering practical advice on effective learning techniques and time management. His work often emphasizes the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning, resonating with a broad audience. In addition to his literary pursuits, Fish is recognized for his commitment to fostering a supportive and motivating online community.

View Collection
Steven Pinker's Book Recommendations

Steven Pinker's Book Recommendations

Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, linguist, and author, best known for his work on language, the mind, and human nature. Pinker has written several best-selling books, including The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now, where he argues that human progress is real and measurable, often citing data to show that violence, poverty, and other negative trends have been declining over time. He is also a professor at Harvard University and a frequent public intellectual who speaks on topics related to science, reason, and progress. Pinker’s optimistic view of human development has made him a leading figure in modern intellectual discourse.

View Collection
Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams is an American entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Twitter and Medium. Williams has a long history in the tech industry, having co-founded Blogger, one of the first blogging platforms, which was later acquired by Google. His work has significantly shaped online communication, giving people platforms to share their thoughts and ideas globally. Williams’ focus on simplicity and user experience has been a hallmark of his career. He continues to lead Medium, a platform that champions quality content and thoughtful discourse.

View Collection
Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, best known for his book The 4-Hour Workweek, which advocates for designing a lifestyle of financial and personal freedom through efficiency and outsourcing. He has written several other books, including Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors, compiling lessons from interviews with high achievers across industries. Ferriss’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, is one of the most popular in the world, where he interviews leaders and influencers about their habits, strategies, and personal development. He is known for his emphasis on productivity, health, and optimizing performance.

View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.

View Collection
Will MacAskill's Book Recommendations

Will MacAskill's Book Recommendations

Will MacAskill is a renowned philosopher and ethicist, primarily known for his pioneering work in the effective altruism movement. He is an associate professor at the University of Oxford, where he co-founded the Global Priorities Institute. MacAskill's influential books, "Doing Good Better" and "What We Owe the Future," have significantly shaped contemporary ethical discourse by advocating for evidence-based approaches to philanthropy and long-termism. Additionally, he co-founded the organizations Giving What We Can and 80,000 Hours, which guide individuals toward impactful career and donation choices. MacAskill’s contributions have made a lasting impact on both academic philosophy and practical ethics.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions