The future can seem daunting and uncertain, especially for those born in the 21st century. A recent survey by the University of Bath revealed that 75% of 16-25 year-olds believe that the future is frightening, with 56% thinking that humanity’s end is near and 39% hesitant to have children due to the bleak future they perceive. But is this perception accurate? The truth is, we have never been more fortunate than we are today. Consider the luxuries we take for granted, like electricity, indoor plumbing and air conditioning – all of which were recently introduced within the grand Versailles palace that lacked proper waste management facilities. Ralph Waldo Emerson observed that pollution indoors in 19th century London turned everything dark. We now have access to life-saving antibiotics, whereas the son of former US president Calvin Coolidge Jr. died from a blister-related infection in 1924, despite the top medical expertise and resources available that time. While humans have developed complacent tendencies, caused in part by an innate negativity bias, the statistics show that we enjoy a much better quality of life than our ancestors. Global inflation-adjusted income rose by more than 400% between 1950 and 2020, while the average life expectancy jumped by 43% to 73 years in 2019. The daily calorie intake also rose by 34% from 1961 to 2018, and global tree canopy cover has visibly increased between 1982 and 2016. The world is also greener and safer from natural catastrophes than ever before, with mortality rates having nearly decreased by 99% over the past century. These numbers contrast the focus of media headlines and social media, which capitalize on negativity and fear to attract clicks and attention. It is essential to differentiate between trendlines and headlines; focusing on the former allows one to remain optimistic and aligned with the truth. Despite our innate pessimism, there is much to look forward to in the future.
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