# Is Life on Earth Improving? A Humorous Look at Progress
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Chapter 1: Signs of Improvement
How can we determine if life on Earth is genuinely getting better? For starters, our roads and bridges are no longer adorned with the severed heads of our foes—thank goodness, because the stench of decaying flesh is quite unbearable. Moreover, human sacrifices during droughts are a thing of the past.
These days, even if someone loses their legs, the possibility of scaling mountains with advanced robotic limbs has become a reality, which is nothing short of amazing! We’ve come to understand that the proper way to dispose of chamber pots is not by flinging their contents into the streets—actually, we’ve moved beyond chamber pots entirely!
In contemporary society, the term "virgin" simply refers to someone who hasn't engaged in sexual activity, which eliminates the need for human sacrifices. And it's refreshing that local publications no longer feature advertisements for slave auctions, as the idea of enslaving fellow humans has rightly been deemed unacceptable.
While there’s still much room for improvement—especially in nations where children can tragically be victims of gun violence—it's reassuring that we no longer associate eccentric behavior with witchcraft punishable by public execution.
When a teenage girl is assaulted, we don’t dismiss it with the outdated excuse, "Boys will be boys." We no longer shoo away homeless children from our doorsteps out of embarrassment, recognizing that no child should suffer in silence, even if their presence is uncomfortable.
As a woman, my value today isn't measured by my proficiency in needlepoint—thankfully, I've never had to learn what that entails.
Section 1.1: Moving Past Dark Practices
The days of thinking that human skulls are suitable as cereal bowls are behind us. "Whipping boy" is now merely a phrase, not a reflection of an acceptable practice. Public executions and brutal punishments are not considered family-friendly entertainment anymore.
We no longer need to engage in complex calculations to determine family size based on the likelihood of child mortality. And we certainly don't have to worry about appeasing gods when our garden tomatoes fail to thrive.
Mental illness is recognized as a medical condition rather than a sign of demonic possession, which is a significant leap forward. We’ve also learned that the brain isn't just filler; it’s a complex organ with vital functions.
Now, when neighbors discover that children are being mistreated, they call the authorities rather than turning a blind eye. And infidelity doesn’t result in public shaming or violence.
Section 1.2: Acknowledging Our Progress
While we still have much to tackle—like the alarming visibility of homelessness in affluent areas—it's essential to recognize the strides we've made. Focusing solely on the negative can lead us to feel overwhelmed and question the value of our efforts, especially with distractions like binge-worthy shows available.
Chapter 2: The World is Getting Better
The world is indeed improving, not in every aspect but in many significant ways. For those interested in a deeper understanding, Hans Rosling's book, Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, is a must-read.
Don’t just take my word for it; notable figures like Bill Gates and former President Barack Obama have praised this work for its insightful perspective on human progress. Rosling, a respected public health expert, utilized data to challenge our often pessimistic views about life on Earth today, revealing the cognitive traps that lead to misjudgments.
I emerged from this book with a clearer understanding of the world.
The first video, "The Hunt for Earth 2.0: What Makes a Planet Good for Life?" delves into the criteria that make a planet hospitable for human life, drawing insightful parallels to our own situation.
The second video, "The End of Earth," presents a thought-provoking exploration of environmental challenges and the potential consequences if we fail to address them.
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