Society Archives

Woke, Inc. Book Overview & Takeaways (Ramaswamy)

Looking for an overview of the Woke, Inc. book? What are the author’s key ideas and takeaways? In the book Woke, Inc., entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy discusses what he calls Wokenomics, in which American corporations hide their corruption behind virtue signaling. He argues that Wokenomics goes beyond selling a product, rather selling Americans a new standard for the right way to think and live. Read on for a brief overview of the key ideas and takeaways from the Woke, Inc. book.

Why World Happiness Data Should Make Us Smile

Can happiness be measured? If so, what do the measurements tell us about the state and trajectory of happiness in the world? Steven Pinker believes that the world is getting better, and happiness is part of that. By sharing world happiness data, he shows that happiness levels are up and that the statistics on mental illness and loneliness look better than we might imagine. Read more to learn why Pinker is optimistic when it comes to world happiness.

Human Rights Statistics: Why There’s a Good Reason for Hope

Is there progress in the arena of human rights? Are bigoted attitudes on the decline in the world? In Steven Pinker’s argument that humanity is advancing rather than worsening, he includes some hope-inspiring human rights statistics. He specifically considers racism, sexism, and homophobia to be the biggest contributors to human rights abuses. Keep reading to discover why Pinker believes that we should acknowledge the great advances the world has made in these areas.

The U.S. and Taiwan: Is Defending Against China Smart?

Should the U.S. deploy troops to defend Taiwan if China launches an invasion? Why or why not? The U.S. and Taiwan are deeply connected in the conflict between China, with the U.S. backing Taiwan in policy for decades. However, generations of tension between China and Taiwan have escalated recently, leaving Americans wondering how to respond if China launches an invasion. Read on to learn about the U.S. and Taiwan relations and the pros and cons of defending against a Chinese invasion.

Is the World Safe? Possibly More Than You Think

Is the world safe? Is violent crime getting worse? Are disasters more common and more deadly? In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker presents statistics in several areas to support his argument that the world is getting better for humans everywhere. One of those areas is safety, so he looked at data on injuries and deaths. With one exception, he concludes that the world is safer than in the past. Continue reading to get a good picture of the data, according to Pinker.

Why Inclusive Political Institutions Create Power & Wealth

What are inclusive political institutions? Why do they create prosperous nations? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson explain that inclusive nations—those with free and fair economies and governments—succeed. According to them, inclusive political and economic institutions are the backbone of a thriving nation. Read on to learn why inclusive political institutions create a powerful and wealthy nation, according to Why Nations Fail.

Declinism Bias: Why People Think the Sky Is Falling

Is the world getting better or worse? Why do so many people believe it’s getting worse? Steven Pinker aims to counter the widespread belief that the world is getting worse by showing data that indicates it’s actually improving. But, why do people think things are so bad if they’re not? Pinker explains that this happens for a few intersecting reasons: media slant, cognitive biases, and ingratitude. Keep reading for Pinker’s take on declinism bias.

The Gun Control Debate: The 5 Problems With NICS

What are the main points in the gun control debate in the U.S.? Why are background checks central to the conflict? Since 1993, all firearms dealers have been required to consult the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to verify that a prospective customer is legally eligible to own firearms before the sale. However, there are differing points of view on the flaws within the NICS system. Read on to learn the five main problems with the NICS and how gun control and rights advocates respond.

Enlightenment Now: Steven Pinker’s Appeal for Optimism

Is the world getting better or worse? What does the data actually say? Is there cause for hope? In Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker argues that Enlightenment values and modernization have contributed to gradually improving the world on “every single measure of human well-being.” He says people tend to think the world is getting worse because of psychological biases and errors in perception, but the data supports the conclusion that life for humans everywhere is getting better. Keep reading for an overview of Pinker’s New York Times best seller.

Background Checks for Gun Control: Effective or Useless?

Why are background checks important for gun purchases? Does this system really help to prevent gun violence? The background check required before a gun sale is meant to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. However, critics of the background check system point out flaws like private sale loopholes and incomplete or incorrect data on potential gun buyers. Keep reading for an overview of background checks for gun control and whether the system is working or broken.