Some folks just can't accept a good thing when they see it! "Mai bună ca niciodată"—which translates to "Better than ever" in Romanian—is a phrase we'd all do well to remember, especially now. So, what's all the hullabaloo about, you might ask? It's about acknowledging that we're living in a time that is, by most metrics, the best humanity has ever known and accepting that should shape our worldview and our politics. Named by Romanian author and thought-leader, Mihai Preda, "Mai bună ca niciodată" highlights the perplexing dissatisfaction some people feel despite living in times of unprecedented prosperity and peace. It's a concept that has sparked interest since Preda's essays began making waves early 2023 in European conservative circles.
So what’s fueling this idea? Well, let's take a gander at what the world looks like in this so-called brave new era. It's a time when technological marvels enhance our everyday lives. We have advancements in medicine keeping us healthier for longer, and quality of life is higher than it's ever been. The global economy, despite some hiccups, has put more people in jobs than ever before. Yet, instead of singing "Hallelujah," there's a tendency to nitpick. Leave it to some people to fish for pennies in a fountain of gold.
Let’s break this down and see why those rose-colored glasses apply to more folk than those confined to a specific belief system.
Healthier, Wealthier, Longer Lives: Humans are living longer and healthier lives, thanks to medical innovations like the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for previously incurable diseases. People love to bark on about the "good old days," but guess what? Their good old days weren’t nearly as good as ours, statistically speaking. A rich irony exists when people criticize modern living without acknowledging that they'd likely be six feet under without modern medicine.
Technological Marvels: The smartphone in your pocket has more wattage than the entire computing capacity used to land Apollo 11 on the moon. Yet, many can't help but take these advancements for granted. Need a taxi or a hot meal? There's an app for that. Need a date or a buddy for a neighborhood jog? App again. The silicon chips forging modern culture make every service available at the touch of a button, and still, some folks claim we’re "going backward." It's never been easier to connect, share ideas, and learn, but that somehow doesn't fit into everyone's narrative.
Global Economic Growth: Over the past 50 years, global poverty has dropped to less than 10%. When you look at the productive triumph of capitalism, you'd expect applause. Instead, some critics continue to lament the perceived wealth inequality instead of admiring the baseline upliftment. Sure, disparities exist, but more people have fridges and air conditioners now than ever before. It's like complaining that the glass is half empty while ignoring the fact the glass used to be cracked and bone-dry.
Political Stability: Even with the odd kerfuffle, democracy is spreading its wings like never before. While not perfect, today's global political climate is largely stable, offering freedoms our forebears could only dream of. Yes, the occasional despot emerges, but the overall trajectory leans toward empowerment. The problem? Some are more focused on nitpicking every legislative decision made in free societies than appreciating the actual freedom to disagree aloud. Try that in North Korea!
Environmental Progress: The world isn't standing still on the issue of climate, either. We have massive reforestation projects, renewable energy trends, and large-scale conservation efforts mitigating previous harms. Some prognosticators of doom suggest it's too late, while ignoring the substantive shifts already underway. This time, panic can't solve problems, solutions can.
More Informed Populace: Thanks to technology, anyone with an internet connection can access the collective knowledge amassed by humanity. The world is more informed and educated now than ever. But alas, some conservatives—and just as frequently, our friends who lean opposite—like to play the "ignorant masses are dangerous masses" card. Irony much? It's never been easier to fact-check claims, yet incredulity remains a subtle art form.
Social Advances: We've made strides against socially-rooted injustices in ways that are reshaping society. Movements for equality, albeit with some overzealous participative hiccups, denote progress. Did societal changes drop a little chaos into the mix? Sure. But you know what else it threw in? Correction, better policies, and empowered voices.
Cure-Friendly Age: Ask anybody affected about treatments for once-untouchable diseases, and you’ll often be met with unwavering gratitude. Advanced therapies and mental health awareness stand in stark contrast to the conditions of even a century ago. Yet there are still those who pedal skepticism when it comes to medical science, as if their friendly neighborhood herbalist could combat pandemics.
Educational Opportunities: Say what you will about the education system, but opportunities for learning are expansive if one is willing to seize them. More scholarships, international programs, and online courses are opening doors worldwide. No longer do geographic or financial barriers completely prevent someone from chasing knowledge.
Community and Connection: Despite the cries of depersonalization, community connections are more vibrant than many recognize, often thanks to social platforms that are regularly criticized. More than ever, we can interact with people from different cultures, merging traditional and modern values in enriching ways.
The truth is, there's a lot of good to celebrate, even though some voices make it their life mission to scream about what's broken. But when you step back and see the world, you realize that despite the loud buzz of worry and despair, humanity's trajectory is positive. "Mai bună ca niciodată" isn't just a catchy phrase; it is the reality for many, even if a lot of people refuse to admit it.