World Economic Forum
What you might get wrong about progress - lessons for leaders: Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker
Apr 8, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Harvard professor and cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, known for his work on human progress, uncovers surprising truths about our advancement as a species. He highlights how life expectancy and poverty rates have improved, yet warns of cognitive biases that distort our perceptions of progress. Pinker emphasizes the interplay between freedom and happiness, urging leaders to rely more on data than intuition. He advocates for a balanced understanding of history to navigate today’s global challenges and foster human well-being.
31:29
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Quick takeaways
- Humanity has made significant progress in health, safety, and overall well-being, despite current global challenges like climate change.
- A persistent negativity bias in journalism skews public perception of progress, overshadowing the gradual advancements achieved over time.
Deep dives
The Definition and Progress of Human Flourishing
Human progress is characterized by increases in human flourishing, which includes vital components like health, safety, education, and overall well-being. Life expectancy has reached an all-time high, significantly rising from historical averages of around 30 years to more than 70 years globally today. Additionally, poverty rates are at their lowest while global affluence and safety have improved, leading to increased happiness and reduced homicide rates. All these changes highlight that, despite current challenges, humanity has made substantial progress in various aspects of life.
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