Here's one theory: we are freer, more prosperous and more aware of the world than at any other point in history. Paradoxically bc of this we are more aware than ever of injustice, and the ways in which we are not entirely in control of our fates.
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Not a single mention of climate change. Extraordinary.
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Ah yes, climate change! Let's go back to our doom and gloom views of the world because the climate is changing. Better health, increased literacy, egalitarianism and lower crime rates just don't matter when weather patterns aren't what they used to be. How awful!

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Don't be blue, half of all Puerto Ricans still lack power three months after some 'weather patterns'. Now that's what I call egalitarian!
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Oh yes, this world is indeed horrible, the likes of which have never been seen! And those cursed hurricanes! We all know hurricanes & natural disasters never existed in history until humans started combusting natural gases! Such cursed times these are.
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So ~1.5 million Americans unnecessarily without power for three months should cry more if they can't see the bright side?
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If it is our goal to focus entirely on every injustice, every inequality and every missed opportunity as evidence that the world is not getting better, then you are indeed correct. We will never see the bright side.
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On the other hand, once we realize that electric power is a precious commodity that our ancestors could never have dreamed of, we realize that the problems we face today are minuscule in comparison to the problems they faced.
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I understand your argument that we have made tremendous quantifiable progress throughout history. But drawing sunny comparisons between our ancestors seems like a cynical and unproductive response to unnecessary suffering faced by our fellow citizens.
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As always apt and intelligent
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Because cold-hearted cynicism is beaten into us with every breath. (Which contains oxygen - a potent poison and carcinogen.)
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Seeing the bright side causes blindness.
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Why? Cause there's NOT bright side, Mr. Pinker!
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Great read! Where can I read more on numeracy = morally enlightened view?
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Isn't it possible that some of these great improvements in living conditions have come at the cost of something like social cohesion? As an engineer, I find that "improvements" are more often than not just trade-offs from one value to another.
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Children and teachers are literally freezing in their classrooms in the largest city in the richest state in the richest country. Wonder why they don't see the bright side?
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