Why 2017 wasn't the worst year in human history
In short: Despite a pervasive sense of global decline, data suggests we are living in a period of significant improvement. Psychologist Steven Pinker examines the metrics of human progress to distinguish between current challenges and historical reality.
Pinker analyzes key indicators including homicide rates, prevalence of war, poverty levels, and pollution. His findings indicate that in every one of these categories, the world is performing better now than it was 30 years ago.
The core argument is that progress is not an inevitable tide, but a result of active problem-solving. Rather than viewing issues like nuclear war or climate change as certain apocalypses, Pinker suggests treating them as solvable problems. He argues that while a perfect world is unattainable and dangerous to seek, human flourishing can be enhanced by consistently applying knowledge to overcome obstacles.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Steven Pinker: Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers
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