The Negativity Instinct Flashcards
What are some of the big dangers we are facing? (It is important to recognize that we are improving in many ways but also deteriorating in others.)
Terrorism is on the rise.
Overfishing, pollution, and extinction.
Global warming: Sea levels will rise three feet over the next 100 years.
What year was it that was the first time that 51% of the world was above the poverty line?
1966
How many people lived in extreme poverty 20 years ago? How many today?
29%
9%
What was the average global life expectancy in 1800? What is it today?
30 years
72 years
What have been a few of the major setbacks in life expectancy throughout the last 150 years?
1880 - Famines
1918 - Spanish influenza
1940s - WWII
1960 - Great Chinese Famine (Mao’s policies)
T/F There are a few countries in the world with an average life expectancy of fewer than 50 years.
False. No countries have an average life expectancy of fewer than 50 years.
How many countries had legal slavery in 1800? How many today (Out of 194)?
193
3
What percent of children died before their 5th birthdays in 1800? What percent today?
What percent were involved in full-time child labor in 1950? What percent today?
44%
4%
28%
10%
What percentage of people were malnourished in 1970? What percentage today?
28%
11%
What percentage of adults are able to read and write?
What percentage of the world lives in a democracy today?
86%
56%
What percentage of boys and girls are enrolled in primary school, respectively?
92%
90%
