THE STUFF OF THOUGHT Language as a Window Into Human Nature

THE STUFF OF THOUGHT is a wonderful book, but you might not want to listen to it in public without headphones. It’s not the delivery. Dean Olsher does a great job narrating. Experimental psychologist (Harvard) Steven Pinker blends philosophical speculation with personal anecdotes as he analyzes the role of language in thought. Olsher matches these wide-ranging needs. He is confident and moderately paced when introducing new concepts and seems as tickled as Pinker when recounting linguistic silliness. However, at one point Pinker analyzes the nature of obscenity. This is completely on topic—Pinker examines the roots of obscenity and shares what neurobiology has to say on the matter—but it may take some explaining if anyone should overhear the requisite cursing. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]