In a world filled with troubling headlines, it is easy to feel that humanity is in a downward spiral. Each day, stories of poverty, inequality and global crises paint a picture of a world in turmoil. While these challenges are real, they are only part of the story.
We are living in an era of extraordinary progress, especially in developed nations, where advances in healthcare, technology and education have created a world our ancestors could scarcely imagine. Today, those facing hardship often have access to resources and opportunities that were out of reach for even the average person a century ago. Understanding how far we’ve come doesn’t erase our challenges — it reminds us of our capacity to overcome them and inspires us to keep moving forward.
In 1800, the global life expectancy was around 30 years, and many children didn’t live to see their fifth birthday. Disease was rampant, and even minor injuries could be fatal. Today, individuals in developed countries can expect to live well into their 80s, a testament to advances in medicine, sanitation and nutrition. Vaccines have eradicated diseases like smallpox, and antibiotics have transformed deadly infections into manageable conditions. These breakthroughs have granted us decades, giving us more time to build connections, pursue passions and leave lasting contributions.
In the early 19th century, about 80 percent of the global population lived in extreme poverty. Today, that figure has fallen to less than 10 percent, even as the world population has grown. In wealthier nations, economic growth has fostered a thriving middle class, enjoying comforts once seen as luxuries. Social safety nets now support those who face hardship, and economic mobility is more achievable than ever. Just two centuries ago, most people labored just to survive. Today, many have access to education, career opportunities and the freedom to choose their own paths.
In 1820, only 12 percent of the global population was literate. Today, literacy rates in developed nations are approaching 100 percent, and the internet has democratized access to information. Knowledge is no longer confined to the privileged few; it’s available to anyone with an internet connection. This access has spurred individual growth, collective innovation and empathy, as people worldwide gain the skills and awareness to improve their lives and the world around them.
Consider the profound changes in daily life over the past century. My grandmother grew up in Las Vegas in the early 1900s, long before air conditioning. On hot summer nights, the desert air felt inescapable. She and her family would drench their blankets in water, hoping the damp fabric might bring a bit of relief as they slept. For her, air conditioning was one of the most remarkable advancements of her lifetime, forever changing the way people could live and sleep in desert heat. Today, technology has taken us even further — putting smartphones, high-speed internet and advanced medical devices into the hands of millions. This isn’t just convenience; it is a revolution in human potential.
Imagine a world where people drink from clean taps, enjoy consistent indoor heating and cooling, and access healthcare that treats ailments from broken bones to cancer. These are everyday realities in developed countries, thanks to public health initiatives, engineering feats and a focus on quality of life. Food production advancements mean famine is rare in developed nations, as we now produce enough to feed billions. Mental health, too, is no longer ignored but embraced as part of wellness, making society healthier and more resilient.
As we reflect on humanity’s progress, I would respectfully submit that we stand at a crossroads. We may very well be the first generation in modern history to do better than our parents and better than our children. The world we have inherited — a world of health, knowledge and opportunity — is not a given; it is a profound gift crafted by those who envisioned and worked tirelessly to achieve a brighter future. Now, it is our turn to ensure future generations inherit a world as full of promise as we have. By acting with intention today, we can make progress not just a legacy, but a promise kept, ensuring the story of human potential continues with the courage to dream of what is possible and the resolve to make it a reality.