Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American psychologist, linguist, and popular science author known for his work on language, cognition, and human nature. He is a professor at Harvard University and has published several influential books, including "The Language Instinct" and "How the Mind Works," which explore the complexities of human thought and communication. Pinker is also recognized for his advocacy of the idea that human progress is measurable and observable. In his book "Enlightenment Now," he argues that advancements in science, technology, and human rights have led to significant improvements in quality of life across the globe.