How do you see the world? Is it a place that is full of opportunity or is it a place that is full of misfortune?
Your outlook on life all depends on where you are getting your information from. People who are tuned in to cable news and social media routinely walk around with a despairing perception about the country and the world while amazing things are happening right under their nose.
I am not saying that because you get your information from cable news or social media that you may be cynical. I am insinuating that social media and cable news push the narrative of disaster, poverty, and a negative sense of wellbeing.
The truth of the matter is there are many things to be grateful for. Human civilization continues to make amazing progress that betters our lives.
Take the time to read each bullet point below. It will give you statistical insight that the world is getting better, not worse.
It took the average American worker 147 hours of labor to afford a TV in 1971. Today, it takes less than four hours.
A stationary car emitted more pollution in 1971 than a car today moving at full speed.
Educational attainment and IQ's are increasing.
World-spread violence is decreasing (over the past 50 years, wars between countries have become rarer, and the wars that do occur kill fewer people).
More people are living under democracies than ever before.
Global life expectancy has increased 2.7 years in the last decade - and nearly doubled what it was in 1900.
In 1971 less than half of girls worldwide received anything beyond a primary education. Today, more than 90% do.
Water and air quality continue to improve.
Self-reported global happiness is on the rise.
The chance of a person dying in a natural catastrophe (earthquakes, storms, floods, wildfires, or landslides) has declined by nearly 99% since the 1920s and 1930's.
As you can see, the progress humanity is making is incredible. Although, these statistical advancements are not appreciated by a large percentage of the population.
58% of people in 17 countries who were surveyed in 2016 (well before the global pandemic) thought the world was getting worse, while only 11% felt it was getting better.
Even more astonishing, Americans were far more pessimistic. 65% thought the world was getting worse, and only 6% thought it was getting better.
It's a sad thing to be ungrateful for the time period you live in. Human advancements make life easier and more comfortable for the next generation that follows.
Billions of people live longer, healthier, safer, and more prosperous lives. If you miss this and focus on what's wrong with the world, you miss the big picture.
All the best,
Dan
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