Normally, Friday posts are about the funny and quirky side of economics, but today I want to take a step back and reflect on how good we have it. In recent months, the mood has become incredibly pessimistic here in the UK as well as in Europe and the United States. The war in Ukraine, runaway inflation, and recession fears have run rampant in recent months. Add to that the constant threat of climate change and the rise of authoritarian rulers and it really looks bleak at times. But as I am fond of telling everyone around me these days, we should enjoy the day. After all, we are in a sweet spot right now. Covid hasn’t killed us and World War III hasn’t started, yet.
This is true. We are far better off now by almost any measure, lifespan, material goods, health are all up massively while illiteracy, crime rates, violence, wars and murder are all, on the whole, down a lot.
Heck, we're even starting to agree that people should be treated well whatever their colour, sex or LBGT+ status. Now that IS progress to a better world.
Physical things are, well, just better now. Everything from bicycle lights/cars/bathroom taps/nail polish is just better made, better designed and nicer to use. I don't think economic data measures this well.
If somebody tells me "it was better in the past" I tell them no, you were younger and so better looking, fitter, energetic and more active than now - the world's got better while you've got worse. (It's a real conversation stopper)
Excellent post for a Friday.....it is surprising how often we need to be reminded how fortunate we are.
It just is so much easier to attract attention by moaning about our misfortune. So that's all you see in the media...
This is true. We are far better off now by almost any measure, lifespan, material goods, health are all up massively while illiteracy, crime rates, violence, wars and murder are all, on the whole, down a lot.
Heck, we're even starting to agree that people should be treated well whatever their colour, sex or LBGT+ status. Now that IS progress to a better world.
Physical things are, well, just better now. Everything from bicycle lights/cars/bathroom taps/nail polish is just better made, better designed and nicer to use. I don't think economic data measures this well.
If somebody tells me "it was better in the past" I tell them no, you were younger and so better looking, fitter, energetic and more active than now - the world's got better while you've got worse. (It's a real conversation stopper)