Introduction
Summary of the book Progress by Johan Norberg. Before we start, let’s delve into a short overview of the book. Imagine a world where each passing day brings new reasons to be hopeful about our future. A world where children face fewer diseases, people have enough to eat, and individuals from different countries exchange ideas easily, helping everyone become healthier, richer, and more educated. This might sound like a dream, but it’s actually closer to reality than most people think. Throughout human history, we have often believed that life was better in the past, that poverty, sickness, and violence were fixed parts of our existence. However, when we look closely, we see that the opposite is true. Humanity has made remarkable progress in fighting hunger, illness, inequality, and ignorance. In fact, we now live in a time when more people enjoy peace, prosperity, and freedom than ever before. This book will open your eyes to the incredible story of how far we’ve come, and why there’s so much to look forward to.
Chapter 1: Exploring How Overcoming Old Struggles Shaped Today’s Surprising World of Progress.
Think back to centuries ago, when most people had no idea that a future free of constant hunger, brutal disease, or cruel oppression could even exist. The world seemed stuck in unending hardships. If you visited cities in Europe in the 1600s, you would find desperate families scavenging for scraps of food, children crying from constant hunger, and entire communities bracing themselves for the next round of deadly illnesses. Most people assumed that life was naturally harsh and short, and that better days were simply impossible. Yet, hidden deep within human curiosity and determination, small sparks of change began to glow. People started experimenting with new ways of producing food, discovering how diseases spread, and imagining societies built on fairness rather than cruelty. With time, these small changes grew into massive improvements, showing us that nothing is set in stone.
As we move forward through history, we see that the human story is one of continuous learning and adaptation. Each lesson learned—whether it was about finding more efficient farming methods or establishing fairer laws—opened doors to new possibilities. For example, smarter farmers realized they could grow healthier crops by rotating fields or using better seeds. Over generations, these improvements helped countless people eat well and stay alive. Similarly, some doctors noticed patterns in diseases, leading to life-saving medicine and cleaner environments. As humanity tackled problems step by step, we discovered that what once seemed impossible—like getting rid of common famines or cutting down on the worst forms of violence—could actually become reality. This slow but steady unfolding of positive change is what shaped the modern world we know today.
It’s easy to forget how recent these changes are, partly because news reports and social media often focus on what’s still wrong. In doing so, they rarely highlight that our grandparents and great-grandparents lived in a world filled with far greater dangers. Today, we have grown so used to cleaner cities, hospitals full of effective medicines, and stable food supplies that it’s hard to imagine a past without them. Yet that past is not so distant. About a century ago, most people had shorter lives, harsher working conditions, and fewer rights. Understanding this context matters because it reminds us that progress doesn’t appear magically. It is the result of countless individuals—innovators, explorers, thinkers, and regular people—who dared to question old norms and believe in a better tomorrow.
Before we dive deeper, remember this: acknowledging our progress does not mean ignoring present challenges. Far from it. There are still many pressing issues to address, such as poverty that persists in some regions, health crises that strike unexpectedly, environmental threats that demand urgent solutions, and social inequalities that need correction. Recognizing how far we’ve come can actually empower us to tackle these new obstacles head-on. When we understand that improvement is possible, we gain confidence in our collective ability to solve problems. The chapters ahead will show that by looking at the past and seeing the long road we’ve traveled, we can find strength and hope. They will prove that we are neither destined to fail nor stuck in misery, but rather capable of rising above any challenge that comes our way.
Chapter 2: How Feeding a Hungry World Became Possible Through Innovation, Trade, and Determination.
Long ago, hunger was so common that people accepted it as part of everyday life. Entire villages would struggle to find enough to eat, and families watched helplessly as their loved ones grew weak and sick. In some countries, huge famines struck repeatedly, killing a large portion of the population. The mere thought of having dependable access to enough nourishing food seemed like an unreachable dream. Yet, over time, humans discovered new ways to increase food production. Instead of relying on old methods that barely kept them alive, they introduced better farming tools, stronger seeds, and improved storage methods. Around the world, people exchanged ideas and techniques, learning from each other’s breakthroughs. This global sharing allowed once-hungry regions to produce more crops and feed more mouths.
A major turning point occurred when farmers were allowed to own their land and profit from what they grew. Suddenly, they had a reason to improve their fields, invest in stronger plows, and experiment with new crops. Trade across borders also made a difference. Instead of each country struggling to produce every type of food, different places specialized in certain crops. This way, they could focus on what grew best in their soil and then trade their surplus with neighbors. Meanwhile, scientists began inventing artificial fertilizers, machinery like combine harvesters, and better irrigation systems. These innovations multiplied productivity, allowing a single machine to accomplish what once required an entire group of workers. The amount of food increased so much that the idea of widespread famine started to fade.
Over the last decades, we’ve seen dramatic improvements. In the early 1960s, more than 50 countries couldn’t manage to provide enough calories for their people to stay healthy. By the 2010s, only one country fell short of that goal. What changed? The answer lies in a combination of economic freedom, global cooperation, and the clever use of technology. Today, farmers can choose better seeds that resist diseases, use drip irrigation to save water, and rely on machines that harvest crops faster than ever before. With more food available, fewer children go to bed hungry at night. And while it’s true that hunger still exists and must be solved, we now know it’s not an unchangeable reality but a problem that can be tackled through careful planning and innovation.
These achievements should inspire hope. If human beings, once trapped by famines and starvation, could learn to feed billions more people, what else is possible? It’s worth remembering that these changes didn’t happen overnight. They took centuries of small improvements, bold experiments, and an eagerness to learn from each other. Seeing hunger retreat reminds us that problems which once seemed enormous can be shrunk—and perhaps even eliminated. Moving forward, we must continue refining our methods, tackling the challenges of climate change, and ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to affordable, nutritious meals. The story of ending mass hunger teaches us a valuable lesson: with perseverance, cooperation, and imaginative thinking, we can turn former nightmares into manageable tasks and reshape our world into a more abundant and stable place.
Chapter 3: Conquering Disease and Boosting Lifespans Through Clean Water, Medicine, and Smarter Health Measures.
For most of human history, life was short and uncertain. Deadly diseases lurked in dirty streets and polluted rivers, and few knew why epidemics spread so quickly. In crowded cities, waste piled up, and people drank water filled with dangerous germs. Without proper sanitation or scientific understanding, diseases like cholera, typhoid, and plague ran wild. Many children never reached adulthood, and adults often died too young. But as people learned more about hygiene and medicine, this grim picture began to change. Researchers discovered that clean water, proper sewage systems, and organized garbage collection could prevent illnesses from spreading. City planners started building underground pipelines and filtration systems to deliver safe, drinkable water. With each improvement, people stood a better chance of living longer, healthier lives.
The medical world also evolved dramatically. In the past, doctors lacked solid scientific methods and often guessed at treatments. As understanding of biology, chemistry, and germs improved, medicine shifted from superstition to science. The discovery of antibiotics like penicillin allowed doctors to treat infections that once killed countless patients. Vaccines offered protection against diseases such as polio and measles. Knowledge traveled more swiftly than ever before, especially as the world became more connected through global trade, radio, and later the internet. By sharing data, doctors could quickly learn which treatments worked and which didn’t. Governments organized mass vaccination campaigns that wiped out dreaded illnesses in entire regions, saving millions of lives and giving newborns the gift of a real childhood instead of a short existence.
The effects of these health improvements are astonishing. In the early 1900s, the average person could expect to live barely past 30. By the 2000s, global life expectancy soared to over 70. That kind of change would have seemed like pure fantasy to earlier generations. Even in parts of the world that lagged behind, better access to clean water, basic medicine, and emergency care has been raising lifespans. As technology advances, researchers find faster ways to detect, track, and control new diseases. Breakthroughs like genetic therapies, improved vaccines, and advanced antibiotics keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. A world once filled with deadly plagues now fights back with knowledge, collaboration, and powerful tools to save lives and reduce human suffering.
With health constantly improving, we must understand that progress brings responsibility. We know we can conquer diseases if we invest in research, training health workers, and ensuring medicines reach the poorest communities. Outbreaks still happen, and new viruses appear, but we have stronger defenses than ever. Communication networks let us spread warnings and solutions rapidly. Medical professionals can quickly adapt treatments based on the latest evidence. Instead of accepting epidemics as fate, we respond with determination and skill. There’s no room for complacency, but knowing we have turned the tide against so many illnesses should give us confidence. The story of health progress shows that, with ongoing effort, cooperation, and fresh ideas, we can continue extending lifespans and bringing better health to every corner of the globe.
Chapter 4: The Astonishing Rise of Prosperity and How We Reduced Extreme Poverty Worldwide.
For centuries, grinding poverty was a constant shadow over humanity. Most people toiled from sunrise to sunset just to survive. Worn-down homes, tattered clothes, and empty plates were common sights. There was no escaping it, and many believed that poverty was the natural order of things. However, a great transformation began with the Industrial Revolution. When new machines, factories, and inventions multiplied productivity, wealth slowly spread beyond a small group of elites. Once-impoverished workers started earning more than ever before. Over decades and centuries, these changes built the foundation of modern prosperity. As time passed, more countries embraced open markets, innovation, and global trade. They discovered that sharing goods and ideas allowed them to grow richer, lifting countless people out of crushing deprivation.
The impact of economic freedom and better governance is hard to overestimate. When people gained the right to own businesses and property, they worked harder and invested in improvements. Technology spread, businesses expanded, and new jobs appeared. By the late 20th century, countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, and India, experienced breathtaking economic growth. Their factories and offices hummed with activity, producing affordable products for consumers worldwide. Meanwhile, international cooperation opened up fresh opportunities for trade and communication. Formerly isolated regions broke free from old, inefficient systems, focusing instead on growth, innovation, and fairer rules. These shifts helped reduce the global percentage of people living in extreme poverty to record lows, unimaginable just a few generations ago.
Today’s landscape of global prosperity is far from perfect, but it is significantly brighter. Just a few decades ago, nearly half the world lived in extreme poverty. Now that figure is around one-tenth. With each passing year, millions move into better living conditions. They have more money to feed their families, educate their children, and build stable futures. This progress did not come easily. It required dismantling oppressive political structures, investing in infrastructure like roads and communication networks, and welcoming the exchange of goods, ideas, and skilled labor. By doing so, nations tapped into the creativity and hard work of their people. The result: a dramatic increase in incomes, better quality of life, and a renewed sense of hope that poverty can continue to decline.
Of course, challenges remain. Some regions still struggle with poor governance, corruption, or lack of resources. Others face barriers to growth or must confront climate change and political instability. But the overall trend is clear: we have learned how to create wealth and spread it more fairly. This doesn’t mean every nation is prosperous or that poverty is completely gone. It means that we know ways to fight it, and we have seen these ways succeed. Understanding the roots of economic progress helps guide our next steps. We must support policies that encourage innovation, good governance, and fair trade. We must invest in education, infrastructure, and healthcare. With the right approach, we can continue lifting more people out of poverty, proving that economic struggle need not last forever.
Chapter 5: Why Our Era Is More Peaceful Than the Bloody Ages of the Past.
Turn on the television or scroll through social media, and you’ll see violent acts and reports of war. It’s easy to think that the world is growing more dangerous by the day. Yet, when we look at the actual data, a surprising truth emerges: we live in a more peaceful era compared to centuries gone by. In the past, vicious conflicts, deadly raids, and widespread torture were common. Disputes were often settled by brutal force, and violence seemed woven into everyday life. Murder rates ran high, and warring kingdoms plundered each other’s lands. Over time, however, humanity developed more stable governments, fairer laws, and stronger institutions. These new structures discouraged violent outbursts and replaced force with dialogue, compromise, and justice systems that hold people accountable.
A major turning point came as commerce replaced plunder. When societies learned that producing and trading goods brought more prosperity than stealing, they had reasons to avoid war. Similarly, the rise of education and literacy spread new ideas about human rights, dignity, and the importance of peace. Enlightenment thinkers urged people to value reason and empathy over cruelty and revenge. Over the centuries, these ideas took root. While no place on Earth is entirely free from violence, conditions have generally improved. Murder rates have declined dramatically in many regions. Torture, once a standard punishment, is now widely condemned. Even the rules of war, once almost non-existent, have tightened. International bodies like the United Nations pressure aggressors to think twice before starting conflicts that harm innocent civilians.
In modern times, the global spotlight shines brightly on violent events when they do occur. This can give the impression that violence is increasing. In truth, because we report and share information instantly, it’s easier to know about every bad act happening anywhere. Paradoxically, this better communication also helps nations work together to prevent crises. When trouble flares, peacemakers can intervene more quickly, sometimes stopping conflicts before they spread. Moreover, the idea of human rights has gained strength. Public opinion can pressure governments to treat their citizens more fairly and seek peaceful solutions. Advances in technology and transparency have given ordinary people a voice, encouraging leaders to think beyond brute force and negotiate their differences without resorting to bloodshed.
While wars and violence haven’t vanished, their overall frequency and deadliness have dropped significantly. Attacks that once would have killed tens of thousands now claim far fewer lives. This doesn’t mean we can relax—we must always work to maintain peace. However, our progress in reducing violence stands as powerful proof that change is possible. If humanity, once accustomed to relentless brutality, can become more peaceful, why shouldn’t we believe that other challenges can also be solved? By recognizing how we tamed some of our most destructive instincts, we gain confidence that diplomacy, understanding, and cooperation can guide us through future storms. The lesson is clear: old patterns can be broken, and more harmonious relations between people and nations are well within our reach.
Chapter 6: How Growing Wealth and Science Helped Clean Our Cities and Protect the Environment.
As factories and cities grew, the environment paid a heavy price. For a long time, progress seemed to mean smoky skies, poisoned rivers, and polluted farmland. In 19th-century London, for example, thick smog choked the streets every winter, causing breathing problems and even death. Back then, people did not fully understand the dangers they were creating. It seemed like economic growth and environmental damage went hand in hand. But then, something interesting happened. As societies became richer and more knowledgeable, they realized that a filthy environment is not a good trade-off for prosperity. Clean air, safe water, and green spaces improve people’s lives. With more money and better technology at their disposal, communities could fix the damage by investing in cleaner energy, pollution controls, and conservation efforts.
Over time, many cities moved from darkness to light. London’s air, once thick with soot, gradually cleared. Cleaner fuels and new regulations drastically cut the amount of sulfur and smoke released. Innovations such as catalytic converters in cars and scrubbers in power plants removed harmful substances before they could drift into the atmosphere. Forests began to recover, rivers grew healthier, and wildlife habitats started healing. Importantly, this shift did not happen because people suddenly became perfect environmentalists. Instead, once their basic needs were met, they had the time and resources to care more about protecting nature. Environmental laws were passed, scientific research guided policy, and industries adapted to new standards. Soon enough, it was evident that economic growth and environmental responsibility could work together.
Another big reason why environmental improvements became possible was global knowledge sharing. Scientists, activists, and policymakers learned from each other’s successes and failures. As richer nations cleaned up, they set examples for others. Poorer countries, when they started improving their economies, had role models to follow. By copying successful environmental policies and using new green technologies, they could jump straight to cleaner solutions, skipping the worst parts of pollution. Today, worldwide measures seek to protect endangered species, reduce greenhouse gases, and prepare for climate change. This journey is far from over, but we know that the downward spiral is not inevitable. By focusing on innovation, good policies, and informed citizens, we can continue to care for our planet as we grow wealthier and wiser.
The lesson is that wealth, science, and cooperation can turn dirty, unhealthy environments into safer, cleaner spaces. Rising prosperity allows societies to invest in long-term improvements rather than just scraping by. If we manage our resources well, we don’t have to accept a polluted world. Instead, we can plan smartly, develop sustainable practices, and use new technologies to reduce waste and preserve ecosystems. By understanding that early stages of economic growth often cause pollution, we can then make efforts to clean up. As more nations push past that initial stage and become wealthier, they, too, will have the means to protect nature. This shows that the path to a greener future isn’t blocked. It’s open, and we just need the dedication, rules, and imagination to walk it.
Chapter 7: Opening the World’s Minds: How Education and Literacy Became Common Treasures.
Imagine living in a world where only a handful of people could read or write, and most relied on word-of-mouth stories and rumors. Without literacy, knowledge spreads slowly and unevenly. Useful information gets lost, and people find it harder to improve their lives. That’s how it once was. But over the last two centuries, we’ve witnessed a remarkable change. Driven by a desire to share ideas, countries introduced public schools, charities funded new classrooms, and communities encouraged teaching everyone—not just the wealthy. As reading and writing became more common, it became easier for people to learn trades, understand laws, and participate in society. Literacy transformed from a luxury into a basic necessity, helping lift countless individuals out of ignorance and frustration.
Education gives people the tools they need to solve problems. When children learn how to read, they can explore science books, discover new farming methods, and understand how to protect their health. They can study history, mathematics, literature, and technology, building the confidence to shape their own futures. By the 20th century, global campaigns spread literacy to regions that had been neglected for centuries. Schools popped up in rural areas; governments invested in teacher training and textbooks. Even remote villages gained access to at least some form of education. Over time, literacy rates soared. Two hundred years ago, only about one in ten people could read and write. Now, only about one in seven adults worldwide remain illiterate, a stunning reversal of the old norm.
This shift helped bridge social gaps. It opened doors for individuals born into poverty, allowing them to gain marketable skills and improve their living conditions. It particularly benefited groups once excluded from education—girls, minorities, and the poor. Over time, more girls attended school, narrowing the gap between genders. Today, in many countries, women’s literacy rates match or even surpass men’s. With education spreading, entire nations found it easier to adapt to modern economies. Skilled workers could handle complex machinery, understand contracts, or launch their own businesses. Even the internet became more accessible as people learned how to navigate digital resources. Armed with knowledge, they could tackle medical issues, political participation, or local environmental problems more effectively, helping their communities thrive.
Still, education must keep evolving. New technologies and changing job markets mean that what people learn in school should adapt over time. Schools need to teach critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, not just memorization. Governments and charities must work together to reach the remaining pockets of illiteracy, ensuring that no child is left behind. Many regions still lack quality teachers, proper school buildings, or enough books. By investing in those areas, we can spread knowledge further and empower more people. The story of how education turned from a privilege into a right shows that improvement is possible. When a society invests in learning, it invests in its future. Stronger minds create stronger communities, fueling a continuous cycle of progress that benefits everyone.
Chapter 8: Embracing Fairness and Freedom: How Democracy and Tolerance Expanded Human Rights.
For much of history, power lay in the hands of the few. Kings, emperors, and tyrants decided the fate of millions without the slightest consideration for their well-being. Many societies accepted cruelty as normal, with slavery, oppression, and discrimination shaping everyday life. But then, as trade, communication, and education spread, new ideas began taking root. Philosophers questioned old injustices, and ordinary people demanded fair treatment. The concepts of equality, individual freedom, and human rights emerged, slowly dismantling the pillars of intolerance. Over time, countries introduced laws to protect citizens, extended voting rights, and condemned slavery. Nations that once oppressed certain groups gradually embraced greater tolerance, believing that everyone deserved respect and the chance to shape their own destiny.
Democracy, in particular, grew into a powerful force. It meant that citizens had a say in who governed them. Initially limited, voting rights expanded to include all adults—men and women of various backgrounds. With everyone’s voice mattering, leaders became more accountable, and unjust policies faced resistance. Slavery, once common across the globe, became illegal in every country, marking a dramatic departure from old norms. Even forced labor and discrimination, while still existing in dark corners, are widely condemned. As societies grew wealthier, people felt less threatened by sharing opportunities with those who were different. Prosperity reduced envy and fear, allowing empathy and cooperation to thrive. Little by little, the world moved toward legal protections for minorities, the disabled, women, and those who love differently.
The result is a more inclusive world, though far from perfect. Racial discrimination, once openly practiced, is now fought through laws and activism. Women enjoy rights and freedoms unimaginable to their grandmothers, such as owning property, attending university, and holding political office. The right to love and marry whom you choose, regardless of gender, has also found acceptance in many nations. Though hate and prejudice still appear, global awareness, human rights organizations, and international treaties work to counter them. Better communication means that injustice is harder to hide. News travels fast, and public outrage can pressure governments to change their behavior. This doesn’t mean equality is guaranteed, but it does mean that intolerance cannot flourish as easily as before.
This trajectory toward greater fairness and freedom should encourage us. It shows that even long-standing injustices can be challenged and overcome. The spread of democracy, the fall of slavery, and the growth of tolerance prove that societies can learn and improve. As we move forward, we must remain vigilant and protect these hard-won gains. We must listen to voices that are often ignored and ensure that everyone’s rights are respected. New groups may struggle for recognition, and we must stand ready to support their claims for fairness. By understanding how we made progress toward equality, we strengthen our resolve to keep moving in the right direction. Our world is not fixed; it can become ever more just, peaceful, and respectful if we remain committed to these ideals.
Chapter 9: Building on Today’s Achievements: How the Next Generations Will Carry Progress Forward.
It’s easy to forget how much better life is for many children today compared to their ancestors. Think back to a time when child labor was common. Kids spent long hours working in fields, factories, or mines, robbed of both health and education. Slowly, as societies created wealth and understood the importance of nurturing young minds, child labor laws appeared. Schools replaced sweatshops, and over time, fewer and fewer children had to work under terrible conditions. Improved health, more abundant food, cleaner environments, and greater educational opportunities gave rise to generations that can dream bigger and aim higher. This foundation of improvement means that the children of tomorrow inherit a world that, while imperfect, is far richer in possibilities than before.
Now, imagine what future generations can do with this legacy. They live in a connected world, linked by the internet and global collaboration. They have access to vast libraries of knowledge at their fingertips. Diseases that once terrified entire populations have become manageable. Educational resources are no longer restricted to a lucky few—they are widely available. Freed from many old constraints, younger generations can focus on tackling new challenges: climate change, inequalities that persist, emerging diseases, and the need for sustainable growth. As they stand on the shoulders of past pioneers, they can push even further, using cutting-edge science, technology, and ideas to solve problems that once seemed impossible. The baton of progress is firmly in their hands, waiting for them to run with it.
But passing this baton isn’t automatic. We must help young people develop the skills and values that support progress. Education must teach critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy. Parents, communities, and governments must encourage curiosity, innovation, and moral responsibility. By creating an environment where every child can learn, question, and contribute, we ensure that improvements won’t stall. We must also remember that progress is not linear—there can be setbacks and obstacles. Economic downturns, conflicts, or natural disasters may test our resilience. But if each new generation understands the lessons of history and believes in the possibility of growth, they are better equipped to handle these trials and emerge stronger. The legacy we leave them matters, and the education and values we pass on will shape tomorrow’s successes.
In the end, what matters is the direction we choose. The chapters of history show that once we believed misery and suffering were permanent. Over time, we proved otherwise. The next generations will have their own battles, but they will fight them armed with better knowledge, stronger institutions, and a clearer picture of what works. They can learn from our mistakes and successes, finding fresh ways to elevate human life. That’s the power of progress: not just celebrating what we’ve achieved, but recognizing that our journey isn’t over. By supporting the next generations, we give them the tools to continue moving forward, ensuring that our story of improvement will keep unfolding in surprising and hopeful ways.
Chapter 10: Facing Remaining Challenges: How Cooperation, Creativity, and Persistence Can Solve Our Biggest Problems.
Even with all this progress, the world is not perfect. People still struggle with malnutrition, preventable diseases occasionally resurface, and some communities remain trapped in poverty. Environmental problems like climate change threaten our future. Social inequalities mean that not everyone enjoys the same advantages. We have come a long way, but old troubles remain, and new ones arise. The difference today is that we know what success looks like. We have seen how knowledge, trade, medicine, and tolerance can produce positive change. Instead of feeling helpless, we can feel determined. We know that if we work together, invest in research, and stay flexible, we can chip away at the obstacles that persist. The very fact that we’ve overcome so many challenges proves that more victories are possible.
Cooperation is key. Just as no single person can build a skyscraper alone, no single nation or group can solve global issues on their own. When countries share information about new diseases, they find cures faster. When scientists from different backgrounds unite, they produce technologies that help everyone. Governments, charities, businesses, and everyday citizens must join forces to create solutions. The more minds at work, the greater the chances of breakthroughs. By blending creativity with perseverance, we can adapt to changing conditions. Challenges like pandemics or natural disasters are unpredictable, but strong global networks and learning from past experiences help us respond more effectively. That’s why we must stay committed to open communication, partnerships, and fairness, ensuring that everyone’s voices and talents are recognized.
We must also remember that progress takes time. Just as earlier generations labored for decades to increase crop yields or eradicate harmful diseases, we, too, must be patient and persistent. Solutions rarely appear overnight. They often arise from trial and error, experiments that fail before they succeed. But failure can teach us what to avoid next time. By celebrating each small victory—a new vaccine, a more tolerant law, a successful environmental restoration—we build confidence and momentum. Public support matters here. If communities understand that progress is possible, they are more likely to support policies that promote long-term thinking rather than quick fixes. Patience, determination, and a willingness to learn from mistakes can guide us through the rough patches, bringing us closer to a better world.
In the face of these challenges, it’s important to keep perspective. Our ancestors faced equally daunting problems and found ways forward. They lacked the tools and knowledge we have today, yet they managed to shift societies toward greater prosperity, health, and peace. This should remind us that solutions may be hard, but they are not unattainable. If we maintain a spirit of optimism, informed by evidence rather than blind hope, we can make steady advances. By trusting in our ability to improve and remembering that the past shows real progress, we free ourselves from fear and despair. Instead, we commit ourselves to working hard, staying open-minded, and encouraging one another. That’s how we’ll continue turning today’s problems into tomorrow’s achievements, one step at a time.
Chapter 11: Finding Strength in Progress: Why Understanding Our Achievements Inspires a Hopeful Future.
If there’s one lesson to take from this story of progress, it’s that we are not trapped in a gloomy destiny. History shows that human beings can solve problems that once seemed permanent. We’ve conquered terrible diseases, nearly ended mass starvation, built fairer societies, and made the world cleaner, safer, and more informed. By recognizing these victories, we can face remaining difficulties with courage. It’s not about denying that problems exist. Rather, it’s about understanding that we’ve tackled big challenges before and can do it again. This knowledge arms us with confidence. When we see hungry children, sick communities, or polluted rivers, we know these are not final truths. They are problems waiting for solutions that we can create if we put our minds together.
Our progress so far did not come from a single hero. It was built by countless individuals making small improvements—farmers planting better seeds, doctors testing new treatments, teachers inspiring curious minds, and activists fighting for fairness. When their efforts combined, massive changes emerged. Learning this encourages us to trust in teamwork. We know that humans are capable of empathy, collaboration, and reasoning. Our ancestors had fewer resources and less knowledge, yet they pushed forward. We have more tools and information than ever, so what’s stopping us from achieving even more? Understanding the past helps us believe in our capacity to build a brighter tomorrow.
At times, negative headlines dominate our screens, leaving the impression that everything is getting worse. But when we examine the full story, we see a different picture. Yes, tragedies happen, and setbacks occur. Still, the long-term trend is upward. People live longer, healthier lives, enjoy greater freedoms, and learn more than their ancestors could have imagined. By focusing on what we’ve accomplished, we spark hope. This hope fuels innovation, drives cooperation, and encourages us to attempt tough tasks. If previous generations thought, Let’s give up; it’s too hard, we’d still be stuck in misery. Instead, they persevered—and so can we.
As we conclude, remember that understanding progress is not about ignoring the work that lies ahead. It’s about seeing that change is possible and that solutions come from human effort, imagination, and kindness. We have reasons to be excited about the future. With each passing decade, we’ve expanded our toolbox of knowledge, technology, and shared values. If we continue using these tools wisely, future generations will look back and be grateful for our efforts. They will inherit a world that keeps improving and solving old problems while discovering new possibilities. Understanding our achievements is not only satisfying—it’s the starting point for greater accomplishments that wait just beyond the horizon. Let’s keep moving forward, guided by the knowledge that progress is not a myth, but a promise we can fulfill.
All about the Book
Discover Johan Norberg’s ‘Progress’, a compelling examination of human advancement that challenges pessimism and highlights the achievements of society. This insightful book offers hope by showcasing the transformative power of progress through history and innovation.
Johan Norberg, a renowned author and historian, specializes in progress, globalization, and economic freedom, blending academic rigor with accessible writing, making complex ideas engaging for all readers.
Economists, Educators, Policy Analysts, Journalists, Social Scientists
Reading about history, Exploring economics, Engaging in public debates, Watching documentaries, Participating in book clubs
Misconceptions about poverty, Decline of optimism in society, Innovation and technology’s impact, Globalization and economic development
We must realize how far we have come and choose to believe in human potential for progress.
Bill Gates, Malcolm Gladwell, Yuval Noah Harari
Richard R. Nelson Prize, Cato Institute’s Milton Friedman Prize, Swedish Academy’s Award for Best Non-Fiction
1. How has global poverty decreased over recent decades? #2. What factors contribute to increased global life expectancy? #3. How have innovations improved worldwide food production? #4. What role does technology play in economic development? #5. How has access to education expanded globally? #6. What advances have been made in healthcare availability? #7. How have human rights improved across the world? #8. What impacts have clean energy technologies had globally? #9. How has sanitation improved in developing nations recently? #10. What changes have occurred in global literacy rates? #11. How has global child mortality been reduced significantly? #12. What factors contribute to improvements in global safety? #13. How have transportation advancements impacted global connectivity? #14. What role do international trade agreements play today? #15. How has information access transformed global societies? #16. What is the impact of microfinance on small businesses? #17. How has the environment improved in certain regions? #18. What influence has urbanization had on economic opportunities? #19. How do charitable organizations impact global development initiatives? #20. What modern communication methods have revolutionized information sharing?
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