Why the World is Better Than You Think: The Surprising Truth About Human Progress

Have you ever paused to consider how much the world has changed for the better? While news cycles often focus on conflict, disaster, and setbacks, a broader view reveals a story of remarkable human achievement. Rooted in the ideals of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—our species has made extraordinary strides in improving life itself.

Life Expectancy and Health: Just two centuries ago, the average person lived barely past 30 years, with child mortality rates devastating families and maternal deaths tragically common. Today, global life expectancy exceeds 70 years, child mortality has plummeted, and maternal health has vastly improved. These gains are not miracles but the fruits of scientific discovery, public health initiatives, vaccination campaigns, and improved sanitation. Imagine a world where diseases like smallpox, once a death sentence, are eradicated, and children grow up healthy and strong. This transformation has reshaped societies, economies, and families in profound ways.

From Hunger to Abundance: For millennia, famine was a recurring nightmare that shaped cultures and economies. The agricultural revolution, fueled by innovation and knowledge, turned scarcity into abundance. Modern farming techniques, irrigation, and food storage have made starvation rare in many parts of the world. Yet, this abundance brings new challenges like obesity and nutritional imbalances, highlighting the complex nature of progress.

Wealth and Cooperation: Economic growth is not a zero-sum game but a dynamic process powered by specialization and markets. The division of labor multiplies productivity, and trade fosters cooperation among strangers, turning self-interest into mutual benefit. Prosperous societies tend to be more peaceful, as wealth raises the cost of conflict and supports strong institutions. This economic engine underlies many other advances in health, education, and freedom.

Peace and Safety: Contrary to popular belief, violence has declined dramatically over centuries. The rise of centralized states, the rule of law, and social norms of self-control have reduced homicide rates and war deaths. Rights revolutions expanding civil liberties and equality have further fostered social harmony. This long peace is a testament to the power of reason and institutions to channel human behavior toward cooperation rather than conflict.

Knowledge and Education: Literacy and schooling have soared, empowering billions to access information and participate in society. The Flynn effect reveals rising cognitive abilities worldwide, driven by better nutrition and education. Knowledge accumulation fuels innovation and problem-solving, making progress sustainable and accelerating.

Happiness and Quality of Life: Progress is more than material gains; it touches our well-being and happiness. While income boosts happiness by meeting basic needs, social connections, freedoms, and purpose play crucial roles. Modern challenges like loneliness highlight the importance of community and mental health in a flourishing life.

Facing the Future: The journey is ongoing. Existential risks like climate change and nuclear threats loom, but reason, science, and humanism provide tools to navigate these challenges. True optimism is grounded in evidence and motivates action to protect and advance our shared progress.

This story of progress invites us to see beyond despair and to embrace the ideals that have brought us this far. By understanding and nurturing these forces, we participate in shaping a better future for all.

Sources: Enlightenment Now (Wikipedia), Human Progress, Amazon summary, Roots of Progress blog 1 2 3 4