By almost every measure, the world is better than it has ever been. Violence, poverty, starvation are all at or near record lows worldwide. Average lifespans are way up. We are just way, way more aware of what is going on in the world, and bad news drives more clicks than good news.
There are some cracks, no doubt. For example climate change is showing its ugly head, inequality is rising in the US and some other developed countries, and lifespans are taking a slight dip in parts of the US. But, compared to almost anywhere at any time during history, this is a golden age.
You know someone’s actually offering a real argument when their counterpoint to global trends almost universally improving basically amounts to “…nuh-uh! Shut up nerd!”
Sure, but there is some comfort in knowing that things have been worse, and our perception is colored by having greater information. Doesn’t mean things aren’t shitty. But it’s a bit easier to swallow.
By almost every measure, the world is better than it has ever been. Violence, poverty, starvation are all at or near record lows worldwide. Average lifespans are way up. We are just way, way more aware of what is going on in the world, and bad news drives more clicks than good news.
There are some cracks, no doubt. For example climate change is showing its ugly head, inequality is rising in the US and some other developed countries, and lifespans are taking a slight dip in parts of the US. But, compared to almost anywhere at any time during history, this is a golden age.
You know someone’s actually offering a real argument when their counterpoint to global trends almost universally improving basically amounts to “…nuh-uh! Shut up nerd!”
No I just don’t think someone telling me things are getting better makes me feel any better
Sure, but there is some comfort in knowing that things have been worse, and our perception is colored by having greater information. Doesn’t mean things aren’t shitty. But it’s a bit easier to swallow.
[ ] Lie
[ ] Damn lie
[X] Statistics