For several centuries, many intellectuals have tried to establish principles of justice based on the belief that a person is born a “blank slate” on which parents and society record his biography. Many authors are desperate to discredit the assumption that human characteristics are innate, because if people are born different, then discrimination and racism are justified, if a person is a product of biology, then free will is just a myth, and life has no higher meaning and purpose. Pinker convincingly shows that refusing to examine questions of human nature not only contradicts modern discoveries in genetics, neuroscience, and evolutionary theory, but also distorts our understanding of ourselves. Are intelligence and talents inherited? Is it possible to eradicate violence in relations between people and states? Does free will exist, and with it, responsibility for one’s actions? Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker discusses these issues in one of his most significant books.