Progress - by Johan Norberg (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Book of the Year for The Economist and the Observer

Our world seems to be collapsing. The daily news cycle reports the deterioration: divisive politics across the Western world, racism, poverty, war, inequality, hunger. While politicians, journalists and activists from all sides talk about the damage done, Johan Norberg offers an illuminating and heartening analysis of just how far we have come in tackling the greatest problems facing humanity. In the face of fear-mongering, darkness and division, the facts are unequivocal: the golden age is now.

Review Quotes

'A blast of good sense.'-- "Economist"

'An exhilarating book. With the combination of arresting stories and striking data, Progress will change your understanding about where we've come from and where we may be heading.'--Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature

'At a time of profound pessimism, Johan Norberg is refreshingly, but not glibly, optimistic. His excellent book documents the dramatic improvements in people's lives and reminds us of the huge potential for further progress - provided we are open to it.'--Philippe Legrain, author of European Spring

'Excellent...Norberg's book comprehensively documents the myriad ways the state of humanity has vastly improved over the past couple of centuries.'-- "Reason"

'His unfailing optimism and well-argued points generate powerful good-news vibes'.-- "Esquire"

'In this brightly written, upbeat book, the Swedish author blends facts, anecdotes, and official statistics to describe "humanity's triumph" in achieving the present unparalleled level of global living standards...While acknowledging the mayhem, hunger, and poverty still facing much of the world, the author remains optimistic that human ingenuity will prevail in shaping the future. A refreshingly rosy assessment of how far many of us have come from the days when life was uniformly nasty, brutish, and short.'-- "Kirkus"

'Johan Norberg chronicles the still largely unknown fact that humanity is now healthier, happier, cleaner, cleverer, freer and more peaceful than ever before. He also explains why in this superb book.'--Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything

'Norberg entertainingly presents the case for something every expert knows but most newsreaders will find hard to believe: the world is getting richer, healthier, freer, and more peaceful'.-- "Observer"

'Norberg has a strong case and he makes it with energy and charm. A pertinent book for grumpy times.'-- "Robbie Millen, The Times"

'Reminds us that headlines are misleading and that history and data show that life has been getting radically better in every way'.--Steven Pinker "Observer, Books of the Year"

About the Author

Johan Norberg is a lecturer, documentary filmmaker and internationally acclaimed author. He is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington DC and the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels. A frequent commentator in Swedish and international media, he has a weekly column in Sweden's biggest daily, Metro. He lives in Malmö.