Human well-being has seen significant improvements over recent years, with increases in life expectancy, universal literacy, and overall safety. More nations are governed by democratic principles, contributing to enhanced prosperity, peace, and freedom.
Progress does not mean that everything becomes better for everyone everywhere all the time.
ted talk: Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers. Stephen Pincker
Progress is made
Why don't people appreciate progress?
nature of journalism, they decide what the reader will think/panic about for the rest of the day. (Negative news)
Subonderwerp
cognitive psychology, we estimate risk by using a mental shortcut called the availability heuristic
All these gains have made us happier
universal literacy has increased and doubled in the past 100 years
we have become safer in almost every way
more than ever, is the world ruled in democrazies.
life expectancy has increased massively in the past years
If things that influence the human well-being, like life, health, sustenance, prosperity, peace ,freedom, safety, knowledge, leisure and happiness have increased in the passed time progress is made.
the world is getting better
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on deaths finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on nuclear weapons finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on autocracies finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on poverty finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on war finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on pollution finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
psychologist Steven Pinker his analysis of recent data on homicide finds that we're doing better now compared with 30 years ago.
the news is focused on negativity
the bad/ negative things come in the news
bad things happen quickly
negative things are seen as interesting
there are bad/ negative things happening every day
the good/ positive things are barely mentioned in the news
It takes time, before good things happen.
things that don't happen, won't be in the news. There is peace for 40 years, won't be reported.
positive things are seen as normal, so not interesting
there are good/ positive things happening every day
Steven Pincker believes
Human nature is the problem of our well being, but the
solution too.
we will never live in a perfect world
it would be dangerous to seek one
the world still suffers but there are a lot of ideas on how to make the world suffer less.
we don't have to be afraid
the world as a whole is getting better.
Pessimism
Fatalism
Enjoy life right now for tomorrow
we die. Why throw good money
after the bad?
Radicalism
If things are failing, destroy everything
so whatever rises from the ashes is bound
to be better than we have now
The world is getting worse
The world will end soon due to climate change or
runaway artificial intelligence