ABSTRACT
The aim of the chapter is to examine the actual state of the world by comparing available security, health and economic statistics. The first part explains the negativity instinct. The second part analyses the fear instinct. The third part discusses the instinct of exaggeration. The fourth part asks whether violence in the world is increasing or decreasing. The fifth part compares the pessimistic and optimistic views of the world. The sixth part asks what the cause of wealth and poverty is. The seventh part draws attention to the role of innovation. The eighth part summarises the arguments in favour of optimism.
We are richer, healthier, freer and safer than our ancestors could have ever hoped to be, and yet we do not enjoy our blessings. We prefer to heed the voices telling us the world is going to hell, and we vote for them. In spite of that, there is a hope for change if we utilise the knowledge of positive psychology. Although happy findings do not attract as much attention as bad news, there is a way of changing our view of the world.
