Zigiwy (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

"I almost forgot what his original thesis was by the end"Well that's your problem... Most of us will submit that he is, in fact, not rambling. Tough.

forgotmypassword3 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I want this man to write a book about dreams to thoughts and thoughts to dreams. And why do children dream more than adults?

MarianParrott (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I don't think Pinker is arguing that EVERYTHING is innate. Even identical twins can have environmental differences beginning in the womb. One could get a better blood supply and have more brain growth. Or, for some reason the parents may go out of their way to treat the differently. Or, one could have an experience that made him or her more conscious of other people's needs; and yes, people can decide to change!

swyft187 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Marx may be the father of your concept of communism but I didn't bring it up. Only pointing out the flaws of Corporate Capitalism. What is the difference between democracy and communism anyway? Fundamentally, any "PERSONS" is simply chattel and are both similar ways for people to relinquish responsibility of their body to be slaves in a system that will only see it as collateral to the bonds they put out of your corporate person to satisfy the amount of money lent to the country.Yep.

mtheoryrules (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Here was the reason I even brought it up, rational capitalism has historical demonstrated more potential to increase standards of living as an economic system then other system in the context of government of large nations.My initial inclination was to assume that you were suggesting that communism would be valid.I started to point out the historical demonstrated flaws of this form economic regulation but instead I gave you the benefit of the doubt and posted my critique in that context.

noneschton (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This guy rambles, I almost forgot what his original thesis was by the end

swyft187 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The context should be clear since it is readily apparent to any free thinking individual, so for those who failed to understand, the prior tirade only applies to the CURRENT WESTERN CAPITALISM and not the fundamental capitalism. Are you happy? And least I forget, keep your idiosyncrasy to those bound by it. As you said:"it is prudent to establish this prior to you tirade which is relevant only within the proper context."Keep watching that DOW like it is equal to your worth, chattel. OH IT IS!

mtheoryrules (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

There is a difference between rational capitalism and the system of economic governing that the modern western world seeks to implement upon the lower working classes.It would have been prudent to establish this prior to your tirade which is relevant only within the proper context."Blank slate" was a philosophical movement related to epistemology and has been thoroughly challenged long before Pinker decided to write his book.

swyft187 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

wow I guess that went completely over your head...WHOOSHMy use of the words "blank slate" refer to the book.

MarxBakuninMe (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Eh . . . there is no "blank slate". People just act according to what the situation demands. Naturally!