This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
Today's instant flashing of lurid news scenes makes it appear that terrible killings are everywhere -- but it's misleading. All statistics show a clear decline in savagery. Humanity is kinder and fairer than before.
During a news conference, then-President Obama told a young questioner:
"If you had to choose any moment to be born in human history... you'd choose this time. The world is less violent than it has ever been. It is healthier than it has ever been. It is more tolerant than it has ever been. It is better fed than it has ever been. It is more educated than it has ever been. Terrible things happen around the world every single day, but the trend lines of progress are unmistakable."
These improvements arise from the best human urges. Intelligent democracy makes it possible for kindly instincts -- the humane empathy locked in everyone's inner mind -- to prevail.
Researchers at the University of California's Greater Good Science Center assert that compassion evolved as humanity did, and is crucial for social progress.
As long as supposed enemies drop their guns to rescue a dangling child, there's hope that decency can outweigh the world's ugliness, and civilization can keep on improving.
By James A. Haught
(Haught, the Charleston Gazette-Mail's editor emeritus, can be reached by phone at 304-348-5199 or e-mail at Email address removed.)
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).