Progress - Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future

1. Human progress has dramatically improved living conditions worldwide

We've made more progress over the last 100 years than in the first 100,000

Unprecedented advancement. The past century has witnessed an extraordinary leap in human development across nearly every measure of well-being. From health and education to economic prosperity and personal freedoms, the gains have been remarkable in both scale and speed.

Global transformation. This progress has not been limited to wealthy nations, but has improved lives across the developing world as well. Innovations in agriculture, medicine, sanitation, and technology have raised living standards for billions. While challenges remain, the overall trajectory of human welfare is undeniably positive.

Accelerating change. The pace of progress continues to accelerate as knowledge and capabilities compound over time. Breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology promise to unlock even greater advances in the coming decades. However, sustaining this progress will require continued investment in science, education, and human development.

2. Food production and distribution advancements have nearly eradicated hunger

In the last 50 years world poverty has fallen more than it did in the preceding 500

Agricultural revolution. Innovations in farming techniques, crop varieties, and fertilizers have dramatically boosted agricultural yields. Global food production has outpaced population growth, defying dire predictions of mass starvation.

Distribution improvements. Enhanced transportation, storage, and trade networks have made food more widely available. Even in times of local shortages, the global food system can usually respond to prevent famines.

Remaining challenges. While hunger has declined sharply, food insecurity still affects millions. Climate change and population growth pose risks to future food supplies. Continued progress will require sustainable intensification of agriculture and reduction of food waste.

3. Sanitation and clean water access have revolutionized public health

285,000 more people have gained access to safe water every day for the last 25 years

Sanitation advancements. The development of modern sewage systems and water treatment has dramatically reduced waterborne diseases. This has been one of the most significant factors in improving public health and life expectancy.

Global water access. Efforts to expand clean water infrastructure have reached billions of people in recent decades. This not only improves health, but also enhances quality of life and economic opportunities, especially for women and girls who often bear the burden of water collection.

Ongoing efforts. While great strides have been made, hundreds of millions still lack access to safe water and sanitation. Continued investment and innovation in water infrastructure and technology is crucial for further progress.

4. Life expectancy has doubled due to medical and social innovations

Today, amazingly, it is seventy-one years.

Medical breakthroughs. Vaccines, antibiotics, and other medical advances have conquered many deadly diseases. Improved nutrition and healthcare have drastically reduced infant and maternal mortality.

Social factors. Education, sanitation, and workplace safety improvements have also contributed significantly to longevity gains. These social determinants of health are often as important as medical care.

Future challenges. As infectious diseases recede, chronic and age-related conditions become more prevalent. Maintaining health spans to match expanding lifespans will be a key challenge for future medical research.

5. Extreme poverty has plummeted as global wealth has risen

For the first time in world history, even the absolute number of poor is being reduced.

Economic growth. The expansion of global trade and technology transfer has driven rapid economic development, particularly in Asia. This has lifted billions out of poverty and created a growing global middle class.

Poverty reduction. The proportion of people living in extreme poverty (less than $1.90 per day) has fallen from over 40% in 1981 to under 10% today. This represents the fastest decline in poverty in human history.

Remaining challenges. Poverty persists in some regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Inequality within countries has risen in many cases. Ensuring inclusive growth and opportunities for all remains a key global challenge.

6. Violence and warfare have declined significantly in modern times

[T]he dramatic reduction in violence 'may be the most important thing that has ever happened in human history'.

Decline in conflict. Despite prominent exceptions, the overall trend in warfare and violence has been downward. Interstate wars have become rare, and civil conflicts less frequent and less deadly.

Societal shifts. Increased economic interdependence, spread of democracy, and changing norms around violence have contributed to this "Long Peace". Violence is increasingly seen as illegitimate for resolving disputes.

Persistent threats. While large-scale conflicts have declined, terrorism and localized violence remain concerns. Nuclear proliferation and new technologies pose potential risks for future conflict.

7. Education and literacy rates have soared globally

Today illiteracy mostly exists among older people who never got an education while they were young.

Universal education. Primary school enrollment is now nearly universal globally. Secondary and tertiary education rates have also risen dramatically, especially for girls.

Literacy gains. Global literacy rates have risen from about 20% in 1900 to over 86% today. This opens up tremendous opportunities for personal development and economic advancement.

Quality challenges. While access to education has expanded, quality remains uneven. Ensuring that education systems equip students with relevant skills for the 21st century economy is an ongoing challenge.

8. Individual freedoms and human rights have expanded tremendously

Today, forty per cent of the world population now lives in free countries, according to Freedom House, and another twenty-four per cent lives in partly free countries

Democratic expansion. The number of democracies has grown from a handful in 1900 to over 100 today. This has dramatically expanded political rights and civil liberties for billions.

Human rights norms. International human rights laws and norms have developed and spread globally. While not universally respected, they provide an important framework for protecting individual rights.

Digital freedoms. The internet and digital technologies have created new avenues for free expression and access to information. However, they also pose new challenges around privacy and information manipulation.

9. Equality for women and minorities has made unprecedented strides

Attitudes to women's rights have become more progressive for every new generation.

Women's empowerment. Women have gained voting rights, expanded educational and economic opportunities, and increased representation in leadership roles across most of the world.

Minority rights. Legal protections and social acceptance for racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities have improved dramatically in many countries. Discrimination persists but is increasingly viewed as unacceptable.

Ongoing struggles. Gender inequality and discrimination against minorities remain significant issues in many parts of the world. Cultural attitudes often lag behind legal changes.

10. Child welfare and opportunities have improved dramatically

Today illiteracy mostly exists among older people who never got an education while they were young.

Child labor decline. Child labor has been drastically reduced globally as education has expanded and family incomes have risen. This allows more children to focus on learning and development.

Health improvements. Child mortality rates have plummeted due to vaccines, nutrition, and other health interventions. This has transformed family dynamics and increased investment in each child.

Future focus. While great strides have been made, millions of children still face poverty, lack of education, and exploitation. Ensuring all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential remains a key global priority.

11. Environmental challenges persist but are being addressed through innovation

Today, it seems like technology and affluence are not an obstacle to environmental sustainability, but rather its precondition.

Pollution reduction. Many forms of pollution have been dramatically reduced in developed countries through regulation and technology. Air and water quality have improved significantly in many areas.

Conservation efforts. Protected areas have expanded globally. Some endangered species have begun to recover. Deforestation rates have slowed in many regions.

Climate change. While progress has been made on many environmental fronts, climate change remains a critical challenge. Transitioning to clean energy sources while maintaining economic growth will be crucial.

12. Continued progress relies on preserving and advancing human knowledge

The only way we can get close to a world where we explore all possibilities and use all available knowledge – to invent, to create, to solve environmental problems – is to allow everyone to participate.

Knowledge accumulation. Human progress has been driven by the steady accumulation and application of knowledge. Preserving and expanding access to this knowledge is crucial for future advancement.

Global participation. As more people gain education and access to information technology, the potential for innovation and problem-solving expands dramatically. Ensuring open and inclusive knowledge systems is vital.

Future challenges. While our knowledge and capabilities have grown tremendously, so too have the scale and complexity of global challenges. Continued investment in research, education, and collaborative problem-solving will be essential to address issues like climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence risks.

Last updated: January 25, 2025