Synopsis
Award-winning journalist Gregg Easterbrook believes that practically everything is getting better for almost everyone. Living standards, longevity, and material security are improving; crime, welfare, pollution, and most diseases are in decline. Personal freedom has never been greater, while democracy is expanding worldwide, and incidence of global warfare is at its lowest level in decades. Although the evidence is compelling, many people refuse to believe it; studies show that the percentage of the population that is happy has not changed in fifty years. Are we living in a fantasy world in which things appear worse than they really are? Do we have our heads in the sand? Alternatively, does Mr. Easterbrook? Read this contrarian's account of a Candide-like existence for all, and find out for yourself.
The Washington Post
Ultimately there's no solution to Easterbrook's titular paradox, because it's less paradox than fact. As grandmother said, money can't buy happiness. There is no reason we should expect it to. So there's no special reason to be perplexed when prosperity fails to satisfy all human longings, or to expect that public policy can bring the twain -- both important in their separate spheres -- together. — Brian Doherty