Has human society gotten worse or better? Has it stayed the same? What about human nature, and our quality of living? Upsetting headlines and sad stories seem to spread faster than wildfire, and most people seem to think that we’re headed straight downhill.
Matt Ridley, in his The Rational Optimist, disagrees. He points out the significant advancements in our quality of life, while discussing the small technologies we’ve taken for granted. His compelling explanations of economics and philosophy argue that our society is exponentially improving. Ridley advocates for an economics of hope, and the growth of commerce and innovation.
The Rational Optimist, despite its hopeful and positive tone, has been criticized by Bill Gates and notable journals for failing to address certain global catastrophes. It doesn’t adequately refute arguments of a cultural loss, or of the imbalance between the wealthy and the poor. Ridley’s advocacy for globalization is weakened by his ignorance of major problems regarding international trade and commerce and his casual attitude towards key logical arguments.
However, despite the discrepancies in his argument and the slight bias noted by economists, The Rational Optimist does provide good reason to have hope in our future and stops readers from letting desolation consume our minds. At best, it’s a call for a more optimistic look on life, and at worst, a slightly biased look at markets.