Optimism
I wouldn't call myself relentlessly cheerful, but I do believe that optimism especially in the face of uncertainty is a kind of strategic advantage. Headlines often amplify what’s wrong with the world. Clicks follow conflict. And yet, quietly, all around us, good things are being built, invented, solved, and reimagined.
I try to collect some of them here, loosely organized, occasionally updated. They’re not exhaustive, and I’m not suggesting we ignore real problems. But I do think the world needs more visible momentum toward hope.
If the news reads like collapse is inevitable, here are a few reasons to believe otherwise:
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The world is safer than it's ever been
Global homicide rates are falling. Major wars are rarer than in almost any other era. And even with the recent spikes in certain areas, the long-term arc bends toward peace. More people today die of old age than from infectious diseases or violence, a milestone that would have been unimaginable just a century ago.
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Extreme poverty is collapsing
In 1980, more than 40% of the world lived in extreme poverty. Today, that number is under 10%. That change wasn’t accidental. It was the result of global cooperation, market access, education, vaccines, and infrastructure all of which continue to improve year over year.
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​Renewables: Cheaper, Smarter, and Growing Faster Than Ever
Clean energy is no longer a luxury or a compromise. In many parts of the world, solar and wind are now the cheapestforms of energy to produce. The fact that they’re also sustainable is a bonus. Battery storage, grid innovation, and green hydrogen are pushing the boundaries further. The shift is accelerating, not stalling.
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Breakthroughs in longevity research are unlocking how we age
We’re beginning to treat aging not as fate, but as a process that can be measured, slowed, and in some cases reversed. Cellular reprogramming, senolytics, NAD boosters, and epigenetic clocks are part of a new era in human biology, one focused not just on lifespan, but on healthspan. The goal isn’t to live forever, it’s to stay functional longer.
Education is more accessible than ever before
A child in a rural town with a smartphone can access more knowledge than a graduate student could a generation ago. Platforms like Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and YouTube have changed the game. In many cases, what separates the learner from the expert is no longer geography or wealth, but time and motivation.
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Space is becoming accessible
Space exploration is no longer the domain of a few governments. Private companies are launching rockets, deploying satellites, and preparing for lunar and Martian missions. We’re not just looking at the stars anymore, we’re actively reaching them. And each launch pushes the frontier of what’s possible.
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The next generation is more awake, connected, and entrepreneurial
Young people today are more informed, more connected, and more capable than ever. They’re launching startups in their teens, self-educating online, organizing at scale, and pushing for reform across industries. They question more, care more, and move faster. It’s not just talk, they’re building.
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Human rights are expanding
Despite the setbacks, the long view shows an unmistakable expansion of rights across gender, race, sexual orientation, and disability. More people in more places are living freer, safer, and more dignified lives. The work isn’t finished, but the arc of inclusion keeps bending forward.
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We’re learning how to learn faster
Technology isn't just giving us answers, it’s changing how we think. Tools like AI, real-time translation, simulation modeling, and global collaboration platforms have compressed what used to take years into weeks. Innovation cycles are speeding up across every field from materials science to finance to biology.
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People are solving problems that used to feel permanent
There’s a new generation of builders tackling problems long dismissed as “too hard”: carbon capture, prison reform, universal basic income, AI safety, drought-resistant agriculture, mental health access. And they’re not asking for permission. They’re shipping.
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