Childhood and Education Journey of Steven Pinker in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Steven Pinker. From birth to education, explore key events.

Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, and popular science author. He is known for his advocacy of evolutionary psychology and the computational theory of mind. Pinker's work often explores the intersection of language, cognition, and human nature, and he is considered a prominent public intellectual known for engaging in debates on a wide range of topics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1926: Grandparents' Immigration to Canada

In 1926, Steven Pinker's grandparents immigrated to Canada from Poland and Romania.

September 18, 1954: Steven Pinker's Birth

On September 18, 1954, Steven Arthur Pinker was born. He is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, popular science author, and public intellectual.

1954: Birth in Montreal

In 1954, Steven Pinker was born in Montreal, Quebec, to a middle-class secular Jewish family in an English-speaking community.

1973: Graduation from Dawson College

In 1973, Steven Pinker graduated from Dawson College.

1976: Graduation from McGill University

In 1976, Steven Pinker graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

1979: PhD from Harvard University

In 1979, Steven Pinker received a PhD in experimental psychology from Harvard University.

1980: Marriage to Nancy Etcoff

In 1980, Steven Pinker married Nancy Etcoff.

1992: Divorce from Nancy Etcoff

In 1992, Steven Pinker and Nancy Etcoff divorced.

1995: Second Marriage

In 1995, Steven Pinker married for the second time and later divorced.

February 2001: Nomination to the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists

In February 2001, Steven Pinker was nominated as the first member of the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists (LFHCfS).

2007: Marriage to Rebecca Goldstein

In 2007, Steven Pinker married the novelist and philosopher Rebecca Goldstein.

2007: Critique of whole language reading instruction techniques

In 2007, in the reprinted edition of "The Language Instinct", Steven Pinker critiqued "whole language" reading instruction techniques, arguing against the idea that reading is a naturally developing instinct.

December 2024: Resignation from Freedom from Religion Foundation

In December 2024, Steven Pinker resigned from the board of honorary members of the Freedom from Religion Foundation due to disagreements over the Foundation's approach to defining gender.