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Stephen Pinker’s New Book Reveals His Journey into Contradiction

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Stephen Pinker argues that “cancel culture” represents a form of censorship

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When Everyone Knows What Everyone Knows
Stephen Pinker (Allen Lane (UK); Scribner (US) September 23rd

Stephen Pinker’s latest book offers a thorough exploration of his evolving persona. It features insightful discussions on significant psychological concepts, while also revealing his perspectives on contemporary issues.

Pinker, a Harvard University Psychologist and author known for his contributions to popular science, has penned thought-provoking works such as Words and Rules. His research-driven approach is commendable, although some of his broader assertions, such as those made in Better Angels of Our Nature, which claims a longstanding reduction in violence, have sparked debate.

While books like the latter have enjoyed commercial success, they have also faced criticism for their oversights. For instance, in Better Angels of Our Nature, Pinker grappled with the stark realities of violence in the 20th century—two world wars, the Holocaust, and more. Critics argue that his selective use of statistics downplayed these events in favor of a narrative that praises progress.

Approaching Pinker’s latest work, I wondered which version of him would emerge: the reflective psychologist or the brash commentator? Both traits surface throughout the text. The theme focuses on “common knowledge,” highlighting the idea that when a critical mass is aware of an issue, change is possible. Pinker draws parallels to Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, illustrating how a child’s honest observation can lead to collective acknowledgment and action.

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It parallels writing about the criminal justice system by solely focusing on instances of judicial errors.
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Pinker emphasizes that widespread awareness can empower the oppressed to challenge authoritarian regimes. However, the hidden fear of isolation can deter individuals from joining protests, even when they recognize the regime’s brutality.

In the Emperor’s New Clothes, the child speaks truths known to all

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Pinker elaborates on this theme in the initial seven chapters, utilizing examples from game theory and psychology. His writing style is engaging and adept, effectively navigating through complex logical puzzles, even integrating comics and notable dialogues.

Occasionally, he digresses. For instance, he refers to the early publication of logic puzzles as a peculiar “political innocuous sin” of the 1950s. However, these instances are minor distractions.

In Chapter 8, which discusses the psychological underpinnings of “cancel culture,” the narrative falters. Pinker argues that cancel culture serves as a censorship mechanism, driven by the aim to prevent certain ideas from becoming widely acknowledged. He posits that while holding prejudicial views about an ethnic group may be personally acceptable, public acknowledgment could foster discrimination, prompting efforts to silence such views.

While Pinker offers insights into the motivations behind cancel culture, his analysis falls short due to the poor quality of the debate surrounding it. Many of his examples stem from left-wing perspectives, while right-wing cases remain overlooked. His discussion of the Chick-fil-A controversy—a response to arguments against the 2003 Iraq invasion—illustrates this bias. He neglects to address instances where individuals face cancelation due to genuine harm they caused, echoing the earlier quote about judicial narratives that focus solely on miscarriages of justice.

The final chapter attempts to guide readers on whether to keep certain beliefs private or share them publicly, concluding that context matters. Thank goodness he retains an interest in psychological studies. It’s disappointing that he veers off course at times.

Michael Marshall is a writer based in Devon, UK

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Gravitational Waves Confirm Stephen Hawking’s Black Hole Theory

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Illustration of two black holes merging and emitting gravitational waves throughout the universe

Maggie Chiang from the Simons Foundation

Stephen Hawking’s theorem, established over 50 years ago, has aided astronomers in detecting waves produced by extraordinarily powerful collisions as they traverse Earth at light speed, shedding light on the merging of black holes thanks to significant advancements in gravitational wave astronomy.

In 1971, Hawking introduced the Black Hole Area theorem, which posits that when two black holes combine, the resultant event horizon cannot be smaller than the combined size of the original black holes. This theorem aligns with the second law of thermodynamics, which asserts that the entropy of a system cannot decrease.

The merging of black holes warps the structure of the universe, generating tiny ripples in space-time known as gravitational waves that move through the cosmos at the speed of light. Five gravitational wave observatories on Earth search for waves that are 10,000 times smaller than an atom. These include two detectors in the US—LIGO, a laser interferometer, alongside Italy’s Virgo, Japan’s Kagura, and Germany’s GEO600.

The recent event, named GW250114, mirrors the event that first detected gravitational waves in 2015.

Now, the upgraded LIGO detector is three times more sensitive than it was in 2015, enabling the capture of waves from collisions with remarkable detail. This has allowed scientists to confirm Hawking’s theorem, proving that the size of the event horizon actually increases following a merger.

When black holes collide, they generate gravitational waves with overtones akin to the sound of a ringing bell, as noted by Laura Nuttall, a member of the LVK team at the University of Portsmouth, UK. Previously, these overtones were too rapid to be detected clearly enough to assess the area of the event horizon before and after a merger, a crucial requirement to test Hawking’s theory. The initial 2021 study supporting the theory confirmed it at a 95% confidence level, but the latest findings suggest an impressive 99.999% confidence.

Over the past ten years, scientists have witnessed approximately 300 black hole collisions while observing gravitational waves. However, none have been as strong as GW250114, which was twice as powerful as any previously detected gravitational wave.

“What we are discovering in our data has tremendous implications for understanding basic physics,” remarked a researcher. “We’re eager for nature to provide us with further astonishing revelations.”

Only LIGO was operational when GW250114’s waves reached Earth; other detectors in the LVK collaboration were not active. This did not affect the validation of Hawking’s theory but limited researchers’ ability to pinpoint the waves’ origins more precisely.

Future upgrades to LIGO and upcoming observatories are anticipated to enhance sensitivity, offering deeper insights into black hole physics, according to Ian Harry, also from the University of Portsmouth and part of the LVK team. “We may miss some events, but we will certainly capture similar phenomena again,” Harry expressed. “Perhaps with our next set of upgrades in 2028, we might witness something of this magnitude and gain deeper insights.”

These findings pave the way for future research into quantum gravity, a field where physicists aim to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics. Nuttall stated that the latest results indicate that both theories remain compatible, although inconsistencies are expected in future observations.

“At some point, discrepancies are likely to emerge, especially when close signals appear noisy as the detector’s sensitivity improves,” Nuttall explained.

Moreover, the recent data from LVK enabled scientists to confirm equations proposed by mathematician Leakir in the 1960s, which suggested that black holes could be described by two key metrics: mass and spin. Essentially, two black holes with identical mass and spin are mathematically indistinguishable. Observations from GW250114 have verified this assertion.

Physical Review Letters
doi: 10.1103/kw5g-d732

The Mystery of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Join a weekend with leading scientific minds. Unravel the mysteries of the universe in an engaging program that features a visit to the iconic Lovell telescope.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Top New Science Fiction Releases of August 2025, Highlighting Stephen King and Adrian Tchaikovsky

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In a post-apocalyptic world shaped by Stephen King’s Stand, other writers weave their own narratives

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One of my most anticipated releases this month is a collection of short stories set in the devastating aftermath of Stephen King’s Stand. I have a soft spot for compelling endings, and King’s masterful storytelling shines through in this 1978 classic. I’m eager to get my hands on this anthology, especially after reading Annaly Newts’ cozy take in New Scientist; the addition of titles like Automatic Noodles featuring the Jolly Robot and Artificial Wisdom alongside more literary works like Rudder. Stay tuned for updates on the prolific Adrian Tchaikovsky!

As a dedicated fan of Stephen King (please call me Annie Wilkes), I can’t stress enough how thrilled I am about this anthology. It features talented authors, including the brilliantly eerie Tananarive Due, who have been granted the chance to explore King’s universe alongside many other noteworthy names. Set in the aftermath of a superflu that decimates the global population, Stand pits the forces of good against evil in a crucial apocalyptic narrative. I’m excited to see how these writers envision the future that follows. What a captivating treat!

Whoopi Goldberg as Mother Abagail in a 2020 adaptation of The Stand

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I am an admirer of Adrian Tchaikovsky’s work featured in New Scientist; his novel Alien Clay was a massive hit among my book club. I eagerly anticipate his latest entry into this chilling World series. In this tale, Amri fights for survival in “an explosive landscape of a decimated, poisoned world” as a “god” named Guy Westen descends from the heavens.

This thriller unfolds in 2050, against the backdrop of impending climate catastrophes, requiring global leaders to confront the “Apocalypse to Come.” The main candidates are ex-US presidents Lockwood and Solomon — the first political AI in the world. Journalist Marcus Tully dives into an investigation when Solomon’s creator is murdered, revealing whispers of a vast conspiracy. This premise has caught my attention, and I can’t wait to see more.

This charming novel by columnist Annaly Nutz appears to inspire hope. It follows a group of robotic misfits establishing a restaurant in San Francisco while the city’s residents recover from the aftermath of a devastating war. Annalee shares insights in a column here, making it one of my top picks for an eventful August.

Clarity By Olaine Johnson

In an alternate Birmingham, teenager Joseph Jacobs gets drawn into a realm where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Publishers are drawing comparisons to Inception and Ready Player One.

This surreal tale sees Tom Crowley lose his daughter during “Take Your Daughter to Work Day.” He frantically searches for her in “a maze of corridors and an impossible multidimensional space,” while she crafts something that wasn’t ever built.

Rudder By Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall is a profound literary voice, and although this book seems to include fantastical elements, I believe it stands robustly in the science fiction realm for enthusiasts. It chronicles the fierce winds of Helm and those who have fought and aimed for Eden Valley since the beginning of time. Currently, scientist Dr. Selima Sutal measures this phenomenon from an observation post, yet fears that the end is approaching.

The latest Star Wars installment offers a fresh narrative about the Bad Batch gang, embarking on a mission to restore a safe haven following devastation brought about by ocean waves on a small planet, far from the Empire’s reach.

Knights flee across the abandoned world of Aeon Heart

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This graphic novel promises to fuse science fiction with fantasy, delivering a thrilling tale of a knight escaping through radioactive ruins while pursued by sinister forces. Equipped only with the very power that brought the world to its knees, readers will find themselves questioning whether this is magic or technology. Publishers liken it to a combination of Tin Tin, Blade Runner, and The Dark Tower—it sounds like a potent mix!

Road Kill Translated by Amil and Archana Madhavan

This story collection from Korean authors weaves between science fiction and fantasy, offering a chilling glimpse into a near future where women face extinction, as two friends strive to escape a facility for those capable of giving birth. I’m also intrigued by a tale set in the Alps Grand Park in Korea, where residents of a luxurious facility live within a massive air-purifying tower.

An intriguing concept emerges from an anthology where the editor invited ten Iranian authors to envision Iran in 2053, a century post-coup. Their imaginative futures range from Tehran sinking into “great, tourist-attracting pits” to alternate universes rich with interdimensional voids.

Pilot crashes on the moon of Theo’s Durmi

Frans Lemmens / Alamy Stock Photo

This title serves as a sequel to the Space Opera See‘s Godri and promises a whirlwind of excitement, as a space pilot wrongfully accused of murdering his family crash-lands on a moon. I recommend reading the first installment before diving into the second.

This book marks the finale of Johnston’s Enkeradon trilogy, arriving 18 months after the peaceful alien Enkeradon escapes the grasp of the US military.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Transforming Your Goals: Stephen Bartlett’s Innovative Approach

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Stephen Bartlett, a visionary entrepreneur, understands that having a vision is not enough. In partnership with Adobe Express, a quick content app, he uses carefully crafted manifestos to align with people’s goals and values to turn visions into actionable steps. This approach, known as the Manifest-o Method, provides a framework for guiding entrepreneurs in the early stages. By creating a manifesto, Bartlett aims to help people develop daily habits that bring them closer to their goals and alleviate fears about the journey.

Unlike a traditional business plan or mission statement, a manifesto goes beyond structure and focuses on belief, intent, and purpose. It serves as a daily reminder of why you embarked on your path in the first place. Bartlett, known for his work with Flight Studio, leverages Adobe Express to create manifestos for business development.

Creating a manifesto involves reflecting on core values and goals. It is a statement of intent that defines your position and objectives. Manifestos, when well-designed, carry more weight and are more enduring. Bartlett emphasizes the importance of distilling beliefs into actionable steps and making manifestos visually appealing. Creative digital tools like Adobe Express make designing manifestos easy and enjoyable.

Regularly reviewing and updating your manifesto is essential to ensure it remains a dynamic tool for growth. It should inspire you to take action and move closer to your goals. The Manifest-o method is not limited to business; it can also be applied to personal life, helping clarify values and priorities.

Learn more about Adobe Express

Source: www.theguardian.com

Stephen Hawking’s closest collaborator explains his final theory: The Universe as a hologram

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In 1998, Stephen Hawking accepted me as a doctoral student to “work on the quantum theory of the Big Bang.” This PhD project turned into a close collaboration that lasted almost 20 years, ending with his passing on March 14, 2018, five years ago. .

Our research focused on the mystery of how the Big Bang created conditions conducive to life. The intention behind this mysterious occurrence puzzled us.

These questions pushed the boundaries of physics, a realm Hawking enjoyed exploring. He was motivated by the possibility of unraveling the mysteries surrounding the universe’s design.

Our joint scientific endeavors brought us closer as collaborators. His determination and optimism towards solving cosmic mysteries were inspiring and influential.

He made us feel like we were crafting our own creation narrative, a shared journey we embarked on.

The concept of time initiating with the Big Bang was initially proposed by Georges Lemaître, which Einstein initially dismissed. Eventually, Hawking and Roger Penrose validated Lemaître’s theory.

The inception of time has remained a fundamental aspect of Big Bang cosmology, posing questions about its existence.

Hawking’s final theory on the Big Bang proposes a unique and bold perspective: the universe as a holographic projection.

His visualization of this idea involved a disc-shaped image, resembling the one depicted above. The holographic past cannot extend beyond the Big Bang.

Our theory points to the Big Bang as the origin of time, shedding light on the universe’s design mystery from a different angle.

Dr. Thomas Hertog, a Belgian cosmologist at the University of Leuven, is the author of the upcoming book “About ‘The Origin of Time’: Stephen Hawking’s final episode theory,” releasing on April 4, 2023. You can pre-order it at Penguin and Amazon UK.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com