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In 1856, a British male worked 149,700 hours over the course of his lifetime. By 1981 that number dropped to 88,000 hours. That's a decline of 41%.

For centuries, writers and academics have warned of the imminent devastation of Earth by humans. Why have they been wrong? Simple: They've consistently underestimated the ability of humans to counteract their own harm through innovation.

Does aid solve poverty? In 1960, South Korea's average income was $1,102. In Ghana? $1,053. By 2015 Korea's reached $25,022, while Ghana's only rose to $1,696. Yet Ghana received far more in aid per capita than South Korea between 1960 and 2015.

Two countries, one lesson. Between 1970 and 2017: Chile: Economic freedom: +123% Income per capita: +204% Venezuela: Economic freedom: -64% Income per capita: -42% Full article: https://humanprogress.org/article.php?p=1923

Gracias a la vacuna de Salk, la polio, una enfermedad que ha afectado a la humanidad desde los tiempos del Egipto faraónico, está erradicada casi por completo. #HeroesOfProgress

Two countries, one lesson. Between 1970 and 2017: Chile : Economic freedom: +123% Income per capita: +204% Venezuela : Economic freedom: -64% Income per capita: -42% Full article: https://humanprogress.org/article.php?p=1923

As late as the 18th century, smallpox killed some 400k Europeans annually. The overall mortality rate was 20%-60%. Among infants, it was more than 80% - one of the reasons for the overall life expectancy of 20-30 years. The disease was eradicated in 1980.

This is the most important piece of news you'll hear in a while: More than half of the world's people are middle class. For the first time in history, the majority of mankind is no longer poor, or vulnerable to fall into poverty.

As late as the 18th century, smallpox killed some 400k Europeans annually. The overall mortality rate was 20%-60%. Among infants, it was more than 80% - one of the reasons for the overall life expectancy of 20-30 years. The disease was eradicated in 1980.

"Capitalism" has become a scapegoat for all kinds of flawed institutions and the problems they cause. However, many anti-market activists don't understand how hypocritical their criticisms can be.