When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows by Steven Pinker
We will meet for a discussion of the book When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows...: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life by Steven Pinker
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
In When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows, Steven Pinker explores the sophisticated mechanics of common knowledge—the psychological state where two or more people not only know a piece of information, but know that the others know it, and know that they know that they know it. Pinker argues that this recursive loop is the invisible glue holding society together, differentiating a mere collection of individuals from a functioning collective. By examining everyday phenomena like eye contact, "the Emperor’s New Clothes," and the strategic ambiguity of innuendo, he demonstrates how common knowledge can trigger sudden social shifts. When a private truth becomes a public one, it creates a "coordination game" where individuals feel empowered to act, knowing they are part of a synchronized majority.
The book extends this logic to the high-stakes realms of money and power, illustrating how the value of currency and the legitimacy of authorities rely entirely on mutual belief. Pinker posits that a dollar bill or a political regime only maintains its strength as long as there is common knowledge of its worth or stability; once that shared certainty is punctured, hyperinflation or revolution can occur almost overnight. Through his signature blend of cognitive science, linguistics, and game theory, Pinker demystifies how humans navigate complex social hierarchies. He reveals that our ability to manage what "everyone knows" is not just a quirk of communication, but a fundamental biological tool for maintaining cooperation and managing conflict in a crowded world.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.