In his book Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker explains the importance of correctly counting centuries in understanding historical events like the American revolution. By using specific examples and providing a simple solution such as using “the 1700s” instead of “the 18th century,” Pinker argues for clarity in communication. He also addresses the potential ambiguity in referring to decades or centuries and proposes a convention for specifying ranges to avoid confusion. Pinker emphasizes the importance of evolving language and adapting conventions to improve communication. Ultimately, he encourages readers to prioritize clarity and understanding in their writing.
https://dynomight.net/centuries/