QuoteProject
When thinking about the future, it is fashionable to be pessimistic. Yet the evidence unequivocally belies such pessimism. Over the past centuries, humanity's lot has improved dramatically - in the developed world, where it is rather obvious, but also in the developing world, where life expectancy has more than doubled in the past 100 years.
Bjorn Lomborg
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the contrast between common pessimism about the future and the significant improvements in human life over time.

In this quote, Bjorn Lomborg points out that it is a trend to be skeptical and pessimistic about the future, yet contrary to this belief, evidence shows that humanity has made considerable progress, especially in terms of life expectancy and quality of life over the last century. Lomborg argues that rather than focusing on negativity, we should acknowledge and celebrate the advancements achieved in both developed and developing countries, which demonstrate that progress is not only possible but has been occurring.

Themes

FuturePessimismProgressHumanityLife Expectancy

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about innovation and progress.

Similar quotes

In the gun game, we are the most hunted. The river of blood that washes the streets of our nation flows mostly from the bodies of our black children.
Harry BelafonteRead
I had long ago learned that when you are the giant, alien visitor to a remote and foreign culture it is sort of your job to become an object of ridicule. It’s the least you can do, really, as a polite guest.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Man is firmly convinced that he is awake; in reality he is caught in a net of sleep and dreams which he has unconsciously woven himself.
Gustav MeyrinkRead
Philanthropic and religious bodies do not commonly make their executive officers out of saints.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
God pursues us into whatever dark place we've landed and behind whatever locked door holds us in. He holds our unwashed and dirty hands and models how He wants us to pursue each other And He says to ordinary people like me and you that instead of closing our eyes and bowing our heads, sometimes God wants us to keep our eyes open for people in need, do something about it, and bow our whole lives to Him instead.
Bob GoffRead
Creation stories had never been regarded as historically accurate; their purpose was therapeutic. But once you start reading Genesis as scientifically valid, you have bad science and bad religion.
Karen ArmstrongRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.