Summary: It’s Getting Better All the Time by Stephen Moore and Julian L. Simon
Are we living in the best time in human history? According to Stephen Moore and Julian L. Simon in their book It’s Getting Better All the Time: 100 Greatest Trends of the Last 100 Years, the answer is a resounding yes. Despite prevalent pessimism, the evidence tells a different story. The 20th century was a time of unprecedented improvement in global living standards, health, technology, and social justice. This blog explores the key trends highlighted by the authors and reflects on humanity's progress.
1. The Economic Revolution: Poverty Reduction
One of the most remarkable transformations of the last century is the decline in global poverty. In 1900, most of the world lived in subsistence-level poverty, surviving on less than $1 per day (adjusted for inflation). By 2023, extreme poverty has dropped to below 9% worldwide. The drivers of this shift include:
• Globalization: Trade and international cooperation have allowed countries to specialize in their strengths, fueling economic growth.
• Technological Advancements: Mechanized farming, industrial processes, and modern logistics have increased productivity and reduced the cost of goods.
• Economic Policies: Free-market reforms have encouraged entrepreneurship, innovation, and the expansion of industries.
“The world has witnessed poverty’s steepest decline in history over the past century, a trend driven by human creativity and market freedom.”
Although challenges remain in certain regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, the trajectory is clear: progress is being made, and more people are escaping poverty every day.
2. The Health Revolution: A Longer, Better Life
The 20th century revolutionized healthcare, leading to longer life spans and healthier populations. Key developments include:
• Vaccination and Antibiotics: Diseases that killed millions—like smallpox and polio—have been eradicated or controlled. Antibiotics revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, saving countless lives.
• Public Health Campaigns: Improved sanitation, clean water initiatives, and widespread education about hygiene have reduced the burden of infectious diseases.
• Increased Life Expectancy: In 1900, the global average life expectancy was around 30-40 years. Today, it exceeds 70 years.
“Life expectancy is the ultimate measure of human progress—and it has more than doubled in just 100 years.”
This health revolution has saved lives and improved productivity and quality of life worldwide.
3. The Technological Transformation: Innovations That Changed the World
Few aspects of the 20th century have had as profound an impact as technological advancements. The authors highlight the following milestones:
• Transportation: The invention of the automobile, airplanes, and high-speed rail transformed mobility, opening up new economic and cultural opportunities.
• Communication: From the telephone to the internet, innovations have brought people closer and made information more accessible.
• Automation and Computing: The development of computers and robotics has revolutionized industries, boosting productivity while reducing costs.
A striking example of technological progress is the smartphone, which combines computing power, internet connectivity, and portability in a device accessible to billions worldwide. As the authors note, “Technology democratizes opportunity and accelerates human potential.”
4. Environmental Improvements: Progress in Sustainability
Contrary to the narrative that industrial progress has been solely detrimental to the environment, the authors point to significant gains in environmental health:
• Cleaner Air and Water: Regulations like the U.S. Clean Air Act (1970) and advances in filtration technology have drastically reduced pollution levels in many parts of the world.
• Conservation Efforts: Global movements have protected millions of acres of forest, saving species from extinction and preserving biodiversity.
• Renewable Energy: Innovations in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have made sustainable energy sources more viable, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
While the fight against climate change continues, Moore and Simon argue that the ingenuity driving industrial progress also solves environmental challenges.
5. Human Rights and Social Equity: A Fairer World
The 20th century witnessed profound changes in social justice and equality:
• Civil Rights Movements: From the abolition of apartheid to the fight for racial equality in the United States, activism has transformed societal structures.
• Gender Equality: Women gained the right to vote, access to education, and leadership roles in many countries.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion has led to legal recognition of same-sex marriages and anti-discrimination laws worldwide.
“The 20th century proved that justice is not only an ideal but an achievable reality through perseverance and reform.”
While progress is uneven and challenges remain, humanity’s moral arc is bending towards more significant equity.
6. Education and Knowledge Expansion: The Global Enlightenment
Education has been another cornerstone of progress:
• Increased Literacy: At the start of the 20th century, global literacy rates were under 30%. Over 85% of the world’s population can read and write today.
• Access to Higher Education: Universities have expanded globally, offering education to millions of previously excluded students.
• Online Learning: Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and Duolingo have democratized education, allowing people in remote areas to access world-class resources.
The explosion of knowledge has created a more informed and empowered populace, driving innovation across disciplines.
Overarching Themes: Why Optimism Matters
The author’s central thesis is that humanity’s progress, while imperfect, is undeniable. They caution against falling into the trap of pessimism, which overlooks the tremendous strides made over the past century. The book encourages readers to adopt an evidence-based, optimistic view of the world:
• Data Over Headlines: Sensational news stories often focus on problems without contextualizing them within broader improvement trends.
• Human Ingenuity: Challenges such as climate change and inequality are accurate but can and will be addressed through innovation and collective action.
• Celebrating Progress: Recognizing past achievements helps inspire confidence in tackling future challenges.
“Optimism isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about having faith in humanity’s ability to solve them.”
Practical Tool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Progress
Use this guide to reflect on progress in your life and community:
1. Compare Eras: Research how your area's access to healthcare, education, or technology has improved over time.
Example: Compare literacy rates or life expectancy figures from 1900 and today.
2. Examine Local Trends: Look for signs of progress in your community, such as cleaner parks, new businesses, or improved infrastructure.
3. Evaluate Personal Benefits: Consider how innovations like smartphones or modern medicine have improved your quality of life.
4. Challenge Negativity: Use data to counter pessimistic narratives about the state of the world.
Example: Share statistics about global poverty reduction to inspire optimism.
5. Contribute to Progress: Identify areas where change is still needed and take action, whether by volunteering, advocating, or innovating.
Conclusion: Progress is Real
It’s Getting Better All the Time is a powerful reminder that progress, though sometimes slow and uneven, is real. By highlighting the 100 greatest trends of the 20th century, Moore and Simon encourage readers to appreciate humanity's incredible achievements while continuing to work toward a better future.
“The story of the last century is not just one of challenges—it is a story of overcoming them through courage, creativity, and collaboration.”
Author Biographies
Stephen Moore is a renowned economist, author, and policy advisor who advocates free-market principles. As a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Moore has contributed extensively to public policy discussions on taxation, trade, and economic growth.
Julian L. Simon was a pioneering economist and professor who challenged prevailing views on population growth and resource scarcity. His seminal work, The Ultimate Resource, argued that human ingenuity is the most valuable asset in solving global challenges.