The Blank Slate is Steven Pinker's ambitious attempt to close the gap between the conventionally accepted dogma that human beings come into this world free of innate characteristics, ready to be molded and shaped by society, and what science has begun to reveal about genetic predisposition.

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea that the origin of human nature was such a contentious topic amongst modern intellectuals. Seems that a lot of people think acknowledging that something like violence might have been evolutionarily adaptive is the same thing as condoning violence and excusing those who engage in it, or that admitting that men and women are genetically different justifies discrimination against women. Pinker spends a lot of time in this book carefully addressing these concerns while at the same time making a compelling argument that the current tendency to deny any genetic influence on society's more vexing ills only handicaps our ability to successfully deal with our most serious problems.

Pinker is not shy about tackling controversial topics as he makes his points. The chapter in which he pointed to evidence showing that a child's intelligence and personality are shaped far more by genes, peers and random influences than they are by parents got him an enormous amount of mail, as did the section in which he discussed genetic influences on our appreciation of the arts.

Despite the radical nature of many of the theories Pinker presents, I found myself having continuous "ah-ha!" moments as I read this book. At its core, the idea that we are shaped by our genes as well as our experiences fits far better with reality than the idea that we are all moldable blank slates. Though these theories may not intellectually fashionable, Pinker makes it clear that there are a wealth of benefits to be gained by accepting what science has to tell us about the true origins of human nature.
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A wonderful book. Just a smidgen shy of the almost impossible five stars for me.

Here we are given a detailed and yet enjoyable tour of the various theories of the human mind. Are we born a blank slate, do noble savages exist and is there a ghost in your machine.

We are given a history of the various explanations and how they have been used and abused over the centuries. Just how much this question has been the subject of religious and political intrigue, flag waving and prejudice is pretty mind boggling.

Pinker takes us through the traditional objections to the apparent facts, why people don't like them and why. Not understanding the theories of the mind seems to lead to many unfounded fears which in turn leads many genuine people to nail their colours to irrational masts.

Ultimately we are given and uplifting view of the scientific thinking and of how it can be life affirming and supportive of moves to widen equality and a caring society.

Clearly written for the lay person. If you have a brain then read this book, it will help you to you yourself a little bit better - and you can't really get a better recommendation for a book than that. ( )

Pros: classical pinker; important take on an important topic; dazzling show of knowledge and good writing
Cons: a bit bold and unsubstantial when the author steps in other areas; trying to be too authoritative and definitive in some borderline cases; the tone is not very calm at places. ( )

Nature and nurture

Very interesting and thought-provoking read. Only caveat is that it may try to slay a dragon that does not exist (or at least is really small): Most people would admit that human nature is not a blank slate. The question is how much is nature and how much is nurture. But that both must be there is widely accepted. ( )