Are we as humans better placed today than what was in 1824 and 1924?

Humanity today is in many ways in a better place than it was in 1824 and 1924, but this improvement is complex and depends on various factors, including technological advancement, health, social progress, and environmental impact.

1. Technological and Scientific Progress

• 1824: The early 19th century was marked by the Industrial Revolution, which brought about significant technological advances like the steam engine and mechanized textile production. However, living conditions were often poor, especially in urban areas, and work conditions were harsh.
• 1924: By this time, the world had seen the aftermath of World War I and was on the cusp of the Great Depression. Technological advances had continued, with the widespread use of electricity, automobiles, and the beginning of aviation. However, many people lived in poverty, and global political tensions were high.
• 2024: Today, technological progress is extraordinary, with the internet, space exploration, medical advancements, and artificial intelligence reshaping the world. Most people have access to knowledge and tools that were unimaginable in previous centuries.

2. Health and Longevity

• 1824: Life expectancy was low, and infant mortality was high. Diseases like smallpox, cholera, and tuberculosis were rampant, and medical knowledge was limited.
• 1924: Public health had improved somewhat, with vaccines becoming more widespread and medical practices advancing. However, many diseases were still common, and the Spanish flu pandemic had recently claimed millions of lives.
• 2024: Today, global life expectancy has increased significantly, and many previously deadly diseases are now preventable or treatable. Advances in medicine, sanitation, and public health have greatly improved the quality of life.

3. Social and Political Progress

• 1824: Many societies were highly unequal, with slavery still legal in many parts of the world, and women and minorities having few rights. Democracies were rare, and many countries were ruled by monarchies or colonial powers.
• 1924: Significant social changes were underway, with the women’s suffrage movement gaining momentum in many countries, and the beginnings of civil rights movements. However, many regions were still under colonial rule, and inequalities persisted.
• 2024: Social progress has continued, with many countries embracing democratic governance, human rights, and gender equality. However, challenges like systemic racism, gender inequality, and political polarization remain.

4. Economic Growth and Inequality

• 1824: The economy was primarily agrarian, with the Industrial Revolution beginning to transform economies in Europe and North America. However, wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few, and many people lived in poverty.
• 1924: Industrialization had spread, creating a middle class in some countries, but economic inequality was still widespread. The world was about to enter the Great Depression, which would exacerbate economic hardships.
• 2024: Today, global wealth has increased dramatically, and poverty rates have decreased, particularly in developing countries. However, economic inequality remains a significant issue, with wealth concentrated among a small global elite.

5. Environmental Impact

• 1824: Industrialization was just beginning, and its environmental impact was not yet fully apparent. Most people lived in rural areas and relied on agriculture.
• 1924: The environmental impact of industrialization was becoming more noticeable, with urban pollution and deforestation increasing. However, environmental awareness was still minimal.
• 2024: Today, environmental concerns are critical, with climate change, deforestation, and pollution posing existential threats to humanity. While awareness and efforts to address these issues have grown, the challenges are immense.

Conclusion

In many ways, humanity is in a better place today than in 1824 or 1924, with advances in technology, health, and social progress improving the quality of life for many. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of economic inequality and environmental sustainability. The progress made also brings new complexities and responsibilities that humanity must address to ensure a better future.