Steven Pinker (1954–) is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist and linguist. A professor at Harvard University, his research focuses on language, cognition, human nature, violence, and reason. Drawing on insights from cognitive science and evolutionary psychology, he has become one of the world's leading public intellectuals, making complex scientific ideas accessible to a broad audience. His best-known book, "The Better Angels of Our Nature", argues that violence has declined over the course of human history, supporting its case with extensive historical and statistical evidence.