Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future

by Johan Norberg

Overview

A Book of the Year for The Economist and the Observer

Our world seems to be collapsing. The daily news cycle reports the deterioration: divisive politics across the Western world, racism, poverty, war, inequality, hunger. While politicians, journalists and activists from all sides talk about the damage done, Johan Norberg offers an illuminating and heartening analysis of just how far we have come in tackling the greatest problems facing humanity. In the face of fear-mongering, darkness and division, the facts are unequivocal: the golden age is now.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786070654
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	07/11/2017
Edition description:	MMP
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Johan Norberg is a lecturer, documentary filmmaker and internationally acclaimed author. He is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington DC and the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels. A frequent commentator in Swedish and international media, he has a weekly column in Sweden’s biggest daily, Metro. He lives in Malmö.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The good old days are now 1

1 Food 7

2 Sanitation 31

3 Life expectancy 41

4 Poverty 63

5 Violence 83

6 The environment 107

7 Literacy 129

8 Freedom 139

9 Equality 161

10 The next generation 189

Epilogue: So why are you still not convinced? 205

Notes 219

Acknowledgements 239

Index 241

Editorial Reviews

‘Norberg entertainingly presents the case for something every expert knows but most newsreaders will find hard to believe: the world is getting richer, healthier, freer, and more peaceful’.

Observer

'His unfailing optimism and well-argued points generate powerful good-news vibes’.

Esquire

‘Excellent...Norberg’s book comprehensively documents the myriad ways the state of humanity has vastly improved over the past couple of centuries.’

Reason

‘Johan Norberg chronicles the still largely unknown fact that humanity is now healthier, happier, cleaner, cleverer, freer and more peaceful than ever before. He also explains why in this superb book.’

Matt Ridley

‘A blast of good sense.’

Economist

‘At a time of profound pessimism, Johan Norberg is refreshingly, but not glibly, optimistic. His excellent book documents the dramatic improvements in people’s lives and reminds us of the huge potential for further progress – provided we are open to it.’

Philippe Legrain

‘Norberg has a strong case and he makes it with energy and charm. A pertinent book for grumpy times.’

The Times Robbie Millen

‘Reminds us that headlines are misleading and that history and data show that life has been getting radically better in every way’.

Observer, Books of the Year - Steven Pinker

‘A blast of good sense.’

Economist

‘Excellent...Norberg’s book comprehensively documents the myriad ways the state of humanity has vastly improved over the past couple of centuries.’

Reason

A senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, Johan Norberg argues that life has evolved to be radically better in every way. With a deliberate pace, Derek Perkins uses modulation in a flawless narration that is serious and informative as well as entertaining. The audiobook details how civilization has made phenomenal progress in freedom, sanitation, income, life expectancy, and the environment. Perkins’s minimal yet recognizable British accent gives his narration increased gravity. Norberg credits technology and medical science advancements as major positive factors to consider. Relaxed and yet highly polished, Perkins’s performance will likely convince even the most casually pessimistic listener that globalization and the rise of free economic markets have dramatically improved daily life and its future potential. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2017 - AudioFile