I was really surprised to see how controversial Steven Pinker is for some people. Apparently, there is a lot of anger by some scientists. I'm not sure why. I'm not a scientist, but, I read a lot of science. It may be that he has very strong opinions that he defends well on controversial subjects. Maybe it is professional jealousy. He is free in his criticism of scientists he feels let politics influence them and it might be that this upsets some people who like them. What you get here is a survey of the psychology of the mind, and it is a pyrotechnical feat. The range of subjects, quotations and examples is astonishing. Will you learn how the mind works? Not really, because no one knows yet. But, you will get many insights into it, you will get myths shattered, suspicions gratified and more explanations than you can probably absorb. At least, I can't absorb it all.
It is not in my opinion as good a book as The Language Instinct, nor as good as The Blank Slate, which it resembles in some ways (I am reading them simultaneously, though I read TBS years ago for the first time, and you can't help but notice the cross-over). So, I considered giving it four stars. But, then I decided, it is such a powerful performance, and so well written, that it shouldn't get less than five stars just because he didn't surpass himself. I have another book of his on tap and I'm going to get right to it.
I will offer this minor criticism. Have you ever sat through a fireworks display that just never ended? It might have benefitted from a little tighter editing, but it seems like he just doesn't want to leave anything out. If he knows it, he want us to know it too.
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Customers find the book extensively researched and appreciate its well-argued approach to psychology, with one noting it provides good insights into mental processing. Moreover, the writing style is well-executed, the content is clear with neat step-by-step analysis, and customers consider it well worth the purchase. However, the readability receives mixed feedback, with several customers finding it tedious to read. Additionally, the language and argumentation receive mixed reviews.
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77 customers mention content, 62 positive, 15 negative
...Those read more like basic human psychology / sociology primers; interesting, but not really brain-function specific, if I had to describe in a...Read more
I dont have an issue with the book, its an interesting book. However, it was shipped to us damaged which is super disappointingRead more
...but overall a great book.Read more
I liked it very much, very interesting. I took me too long to discover this book. I think it deserves an update. Please!Read more
21 customers mention writing style, 16 positive, 5 negative
...This book is very well researched and well written by the renowned psychologist Steven Pinker. Excellent case studies and examples!...Read more
EXCELLENT WRITER is easy to read, entertaining and formative. You will enjoy and learn as well.Read more
...Good language, good stuff, good author, good place to start!Read more
This bookk sucks. It's just all about the other. Poor format. Absolutely boring....Read more
11 customers mention clarity, 9 positive, 2 negative
...I have enjoyed the clear and understandable writing style. It is so well narrated that it grips you for long periods of listening!Read more
Great book. Pinker does an excellent job of explaining how the mind has evolved of millennia to solve the problems that humans faced before...Read more
...has this revetting style of writing which makes things not only simple to understand but also very enjoyable....Read more
...Pinker has interesting and well-developed theories and explains them in layman terms. Highly recommend.Read more
8 customers mention value for money, 7 positive, 1 negative
Pinker is an excellent writer and a powerful thinker. Good book. Worth the time.Read more
I am extremely happy with my purchase .Great price . excellent customer care.Read more
...It's not an easy read, but worth every effort....Read more
...but not a lot of preparation I had to read slow, but it's well worth your buying. Kindle edition works fine.Read more
5 customers mention functionality, 4 positive, 1 negative
10 customers mention language, 6 positive, 4 negative
...The range of subjects, quotations and examples is astonishing. Will you learn how the mind works? Not really, because no one knows yet....Read more
Interesting book - a bit wordy - would have liked it better if it were half as long.Read more
Everything you need to know about the brain is in this book. Good language, good stuff, good author, good place to start!Read more
...comes across as pedantic from the get-go, but coming across an incomplete sentence within the first 1/8 of the book just kinda lost me....Read more
7 customers mention argumentation, 3 positive, 4 negative
...Another writing issue is that, at times, his argumentation style comes across as impatient, as if he expects an assertion to be believed without...Read more
Extensively researched. Balanced arguments. Well written, making a difficult subject come alive.Read more
this is a large volume of speculation. Pinker endlessly discusses the obvious, then misses the boat on speculation about the unknown.Read more
...the facts, and his conclusion about them are good reading, and at the end it leaves enough space to make up your mind yourself....Read more
19 customers mention readability, 5 positive, 14 negative
...It's not an easy read, but worth every effort....Read more
...Giving 20 examples for each point makes it tedious to read even more tedious to listen....Read more
...Easy to read (considering the material) and right on as far as factual material goes, 5 stars for me....Read more
Couldn’t finish. Had to work too hard to understand how his examples fit his theories. And theories they were....Read more
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I dont have an issue with the book, its an interesting book. However, it was shipped to us damaged which is super disappointing
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- Hamid Reza FakhariReviewed in Germany on April 24, 2023
Perfect Perfect Perfect
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - WalterReviewed in Brazil on August 29, 2023
Unlocking the Complexities of the Mind: Why 'How the Mind Works' Matters
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - MarcusReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2015
Great writing, funny jokes, and essential reading for anyone interested in the mind
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ralunicolReviewed in France on October 26, 2020
reconnaissable de loin,
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
