In 'The Rational Optimist', Matt Ridley challenges the pervasive pessimism of modern society by illustrating how human innovation and collaboration have historically led to progress and prosperity. He argues that through trade, science, and technology, humanity has an incredible ability to solve problems and improve quality of life. Ridley takes readers on a journey through history, revealing how obstacles have often fueled creativity and driven advancement. This thought-provoking book invites you to rethink the future and embrace the power of optimism in a world filled with challenges. Discover why Ridley believes our best days are still ahead!
By Matt Ridley
Published: 2011
""Human progress is not an accident; it stems from the relentless pursuit of improvement rather than the indulgence of despair.""
For two hundred years the pessimists have dominated public discourse, insisting that things will soon be getting much worse. But in fact, life is getting better—and at an accelerating rate. Food availability, income, and life span are up; disease, child mortality, and violence are down all across the globe. Africa is following Asia out of poverty; the Internet, the mobile phone, and container shipping are enriching people's lives as never before. In his bold and bracing exploration into how human culture evolves positively through exchange and specialization, bestselling author Matt Ridley does more than describe how things are getting better. He explains why. An astute, refreshing, and revelatory work that covers the entire sweep of human history—from the Stone Age to the Internet—The Rational Optimist will change your way of thinking about the world for the better.
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“"Human progress is not an accident; it stems from the relentless pursuit of improvement rather than the indulgence of despair."”
The Rational Optimist
By Matt Ridley
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Matt Ridley is a British author, journalist, and businessman known for his work on science, economics, and the environment. He has written several notable books, including 'Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters', 'The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves', and 'How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom'. Ridley's writing style is characterized by clarity, wit, and a knack for communicating complex scientific ideas to a general audience, often emphasizing the role of human ingenuity in shaping the world. He has contributed to various prestigious publications and is a prominent speaker on issues related to science and policy.
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