21 May The world’s actually pretty amazing; so why aren’t we happier?
from my (free) Monday Morning eNewsletter (register HERE)
If you ever tune in to the nightly news or, for that matter, watch or read any current affairs on any platform…
…it would not be all that surprising if you felt depressed, or more depressed as a result.
For a variety of reasons, a significant proportion of the news these days is pretty damn negative. In fact, you could easily be lead to believe that most people are bad, there’s danger and risk everywhere, and in many ways the world is coming to an end!
But this is not the reality. It quite simply is not.
In his latest book, Enlightenment Now, Harvard University Professor Steven Pinker comprehensively debunks the myth that the world is on the decline. In fact, he eloquently and persuasively presents a powerful argument that in almost every way, the world is getting better!
Citing research from, among others, Our World in Data and Human Progress, Pinker provides hope and optimism by noting that around the world…
- poverty is on the decline
- violence and deaths by war are down
- food production is more efficient and famine massively reduced
- gender inequality is much improved
- and much, much more for which we could and should be excited!
Notably, Pinker and others do not claim the world is perfect; but they do make a strong case for recognising the good and the progress in the world for what it really is.
Given this, why do so many of us feel hopeless and helpless about the future? Why are despair and nihilism at record high levels?
Quite simply, because what we see and hear is misleading; so we’re being told lies and distortions. Accepting that it’s not perfect, the world really is pretty amazing; we just need to recognise it.
…So that’s today’s mailing. Take some time to reflect upon the message and how it might apply to you. Check out, also, the links below for some additional readings and resources.
I hope it helps you enjoy some more happiness. Until next time…
Keep well & keep smiling
Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy)