Indeed. Perhaps the most significant problem with modern civilization is not anything like hunger or poverty or even war, it's pessimism. I see it all the time

Indeed. Perhaps the most significant problem with modern civilization is not anything like hunger or poverty or even war, it's pessimism. I see it all the time among the "intelligentsia", the idea that human civilization is a blight more than a wonder, that the same applies to human population even more so, and that it would be more or less best if humans could please just stop doing things and leave stuff alone, really. This reflects a hugely negative attitude about humanity as a whole and our prospect for the future. I believe we have a future full of wonder, adventure, cultural enrichment, self-discovery, and so much more ahead of us. But it won't come for free, we have to work for it, and we're much less likely to put in the work if we waste our efforts feeling defeated and sorry for ourselves.