In the 21st century you would think it unnecessary to write a book based on the premise that an enlightened society and human progress are both a good thing and dependent on an enlightened citizenry through education in reason, rationality, and critical thinking. But, in fact, those very principles are once again under assault by people who think these ideas lead to racism, misogyny, imperialism, and colonialism. So, Gabriel Wilensky’s new book is at once a welcome counter to this negative trend, and a delightful tutorial on how to think.

Wilensky surveys fundamental aspects of modern society that he feels are desperately in need of a rethink. … Wilensky presents his opinions in lucid, plainspoken, but high-minded prose. … He offers some engaging explanations of complex concepts…and he explores some imaginative potential reforms.