The world is a much better place than it used to be

If you really think deeply about it, even without looking at stats, life today is vastly better than it was 200 years ago. As we’ve touched on before, the default state of humanity was one of constant struggle — poverty, disease, and battling the elements. Today, thanks to advancements in medicine, sanitation, and technology, the average person lives a life far better than even the wealthiest kings of the past.

However, let’s take a look at the actual statistics. I can’t do a better job than this article, The Short History of Global Living Conditions and Why It Matters That We know It, from Our World in Data. It provides a comprehensive overview of the improvements in global living standards, covering key areas like poverty reduction, healthcare, literacy, and education. The metrics I care most about — reducing suffering and expanding freedom — are well — covered here.

The article also explains why, despite the tremendous statistical progress, many people still fail to recognise or acknowledge these positive changes. Understanding and appreciating this progress is essential for realising how much the world has improved — and why we must continue to build on it.