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I never quite understand what I'm supposed to take away from articles like this. I mean, sure, life is objectively better than it was 30 years ago. And better s

I never quite understand what I'm supposed to take away from articles like this. I mean, sure, life is objectively better than it was 30 years ago. And better still compared to 70 years ago. And heck, if you compare it to 500 years ago we're not dying of collera or living in a hut, so Go Team! Right? Comparisons to the a bygone time that you can't go back to are pointless. No one is suggesting that things are 'good' now, or even 'acceptable'. There are significant, systemic problems that cause millions of people to live worse lives than they need to, so we still have a loooong way to go. I guess looking around and saying "It's not pointless. Things do get better. It's worth trying." has some value, but this sort of article really comes over as more "Stop complaining. You've never had it so good.", and fuck that.

foogazi 4y ago
> I never quite understand what I'm supposed to take away from articles like this. Progress > I mean, sure, life is objectively better than it was 30 years ago That’s good - there are places on earth that can’t say that
Dig1t 4y ago
>Comparisons to the a bygone time that you can't go back to are pointless. I just think this is so wrong. If you were halfway through a weight loss journey, is it not heartening and helpful to look at the scale every day and see your progress? Comparing your current self to your past self and seeing what you have done RIGHT is just as important as understanding what you are currently doing WRONG. Not only that but it also gives people hope for the future, which is very important in giving people motivation to actually put in effort and work for a better future.