Trump's War on the Enlightenment (w/ Steven Pinker)
Steven Pinker joins Mona Charen to discuss the progress achieved through Enlightenment values such as reason, science, and liberal democracy. They examine why many people remain pessimistic despite global improvements, attributing it to media bias and cognitive psychology. The conversation also addresses growing opposition to these values from both the political left and the MAGA movement.
- ▪Steven Pinker argues that the world is improving in ways that are widely unrecognized.
- ▪Mona Charen and Pinker discuss how media and human psychology contribute to widespread pessimism.
- ▪Enlightenment values like reason and science face backlash from both the left and the MAGA movement.
- ▪The episode is part of the weekly Mona Charen Show, which explores political and cultural topics.
- ▪Ad-free versions of the show are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Playback speed×Share postShare post at current timeShare from 0:000:00/Preview11Trump's War on the Enlightenment (w/ Steven Pinker)Mona CharenMay 04, 2026∙ Paid11ShareSteven Pinker joins Mona Charen to discuss why the world is improving in ways most people don’t recognize—and why so many still believe everything is falling apart. They explore the case for Enlightenment values like reason, science, and liberal democracy, the growing backlash from both the left and MAGA world, and how media and human psychology fuel constant pessimism.Leave a commentThe Mona Charen Show is a weekly, one-on-one discussion that goes in depth on political and cultural topics. New shows drop Mondays. Find this show wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube.
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