Nassim Taleb is not really Pinker’s intellectual equal. As someone who has read “Better Angels”, I don’t think it’s even up for debate that the world is dramatically less violent today than it’s ever been (the main premise of the book). To prove his point, Pinker mercilessly bludgeons the reader with hard facts, again, again, and again, until even the most steadfast contrarian starts to nod in agreement.

Agreed Taleb is not his equal is his superior. Having read all Taleb’s books and a few Pinker books, i have learnt far more from Taleb. Taleb hails from the Middle East so is probably too pessimistic and cynical ( but hilarious). Pinker hails from affluence and comfort so is too rosy. Pinker has no deep insights he just cherry picks facts and presents them eloquently. Taleb is a much deeper thinker so his thoughts are far more interesting to me. His intellect is way above Pinker’s level, but not as powerful as Wittgenstein (who Taleb admires) my favourite philosopher

Taleb has an annoying habit of attacking the people as much as the idea he's criticizing. If you don't agree with Taleb you're suddenly a "charlatan". And if you don't take his hardline stance on GMOs you're a shill for Monsanto. I've read almost everything of Taleb's by the way, but I find his inability to accept criticism annoying. Seeing how he behaves on twitter has made me admire him less.

I agree he is arrogant over sensitive and a bit childish, so are manny other brilliant people eg Steve Jobs. I’m not saying he’s perfect just saying that his work is far more interesting to me than Pinker’s. It’s apparent to me that humans have advanced dramatically in mnay ways hence I learnt nothing from Pinker, unlike from Fooled by Randomness and Anti Fragile which influenced me significantly (not so much Skin in the Game). Pinker glosses over tremendous Global problems no where near being resolved.

Which books have you read by Pinker? Claiming that a modern academic writer who is as prolific as Pinker has "no deep insights" is rather bold.

Is it possible you have misunderstood Pinker's work?

I'm curious about this. Fooled by randomness and Black Swan are the books that have had the biggest impact in my view of the world. You think if I enjoy reading Taleb I probably won't like Pinker's style?