Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, best-selling author and Harvard professor Steven Pinker has announced his debut Australian speaking tour, where he will explore the ideas behind his latest book, “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows.”
The book, out on Sep. 23 via Penguin, explores the “hidden power of common knowledge.” In it, Pinker reveals how shared understanding can shape the rules of civilisation, from diplomacy to protest movements.
His work bridges culture, science and human behaviour across academia, politics and the arts. His body of work also includes “The Language Instinct,” “The Blank Slate” and “Enlightenment Now,” which have been celebrated for making complex ideas accessible. Through these works, he has championed evidence-based thinking and open inquiry in public life.
He has shaped global conversations on language, thought, human nature and progress. Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2004, he has had endorsements from leaders including Barack Obama and Bill Gates.
Pinker’s debut Australian tour will take place on Feb. 5–7 2026, at Brisbane’s City Hall, before moving to Melbourne’s Goldfields Theatre and Sydney’s City Recital Hall.
Audiences can expect a “stimulating evening” where science will meet society and reason will meet rhetoric. He will challenge assumptions, provide new perspectives and hopes to spark conversation about the forces shaping humanity’s future.
The tour will be presented by Thinkable, a new events platform founded by Think Inc.’s Desh Amila dedicated to connecting Australian audiences with world leaders and changemakers.
Thinkable builds on a decade of bringing the world’s leading minds to Australian audiences, from Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jane Goodall to Richard Dawkins. The Pinker Tour heralds Thinkable’s Australian launch and marks a “significant new chapter” for live intellectual events in the country.
Early access pre-sale tickets go on sale Thursday, Aug. 21, with general tickets available Aug. 26.
Steven Pinker 2026 Australian Tour
Thursday, February 5th
Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday, February 6th
Goldfields Theatre MCEC, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, February 7th
City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW