Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers | Steven Pinker
TED・2 minutes read
The years 2016 and 2017 were challenging, but data from the past 30 years shows improvements in homicide rates, poverty levels, and emissions in the U.S. Globally, there has been a decrease in wars, autocracies, extreme poverty, and nuclear weapons, indicating overall progress in human well-being and safety.
Insights
- Global data from the past 30 years reveals a significant decrease in wars, autocracies, extreme poverty, and nuclear weapons, indicating an overall positive trend in global conditions despite prevalent negative perceptions.
- Progress in various aspects like life expectancy, poverty rates, and literacy has been substantial over the years, showcasing tangible improvements in human well-being that may not always align with popular pessimistic views on the state of the world.
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Recent questions
Has the world improved over the past 30 years?
Yes
What are some factors indicating global progress?
Life expectancy, poverty rates, literacy
How has happiness changed globally?
Increased in 86% of countries
What are some aspects of human nature highlighted in the Summary?
Vulnerabilities, empathy, rational faculties
How can progress be measured according to the Summary?
Life expectancy, poverty rates, literacy
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Summary
00:00
Global Progress: A Brighter Future Emerges
- 2016 and 2017 were considered the worst years due to various global issues like shootings, inequality, pollution, dictatorship, war, and nuclear weapons.
- Comparing the present to the past can create a skewed view of the world's condition.
- Data from 30 years ago shows improvements in homicide rates, poverty levels, and emissions in the U.S.
- Globally, there has been a decrease in wars, autocracies, extreme poverty, and nuclear weapons over the past 30 years.
- Despite terrorism concerns, the number of deaths in Western Europe has decreased over time.
- Progress is often viewed negatively by intellectuals, but it can be measured through various factors like life expectancy, poverty rates, and literacy.
- Life expectancy has significantly increased over the years, with fewer children dying before the age of five.
- Poverty rates have decreased globally, and literacy rates have improved.
- The world has become safer in various aspects, with reduced risks of accidents, natural disasters, and violence.
- Happiness has increased in 86% of countries, showcasing overall progress in human well-being.
15:27
Humanity's Progress Through Knowledge and Improvement
- Human nature is characterized by vulnerabilities and shortcomings, yet it also possesses the ability to think recursively, communicate through language, and empathize with others, leading to the expansion of language, empathy, and rational faculties through history, journalism, and intellectual norms.
- Through continuous improvement and the application of knowledge, humanity has made progress in various aspects, such as understanding the cosmos, increasing longevity, reducing suffering, and advancing peace and prosperity globally, emphasizing the importance of pursuing betterments rather than seeking a perfect world.
