Heroes of Progress: 65 People Who Changed the World

Over the past two centuries, humanity has experienced unprecedented progress. Extreme poverty has declined, life expectancy has doubled, illiteracy has declined. While we as a species are becoming more prosperous, more educated, healthier, and more peaceful, it is useful to remind ourselves of the underlying cause of this progress: innovation. Human innovation—whether it be new ideas, inventions, or systems—is the primary way people create wealth and escape poverty.

The health and wealth of ...