The Redistribution of Hope

The ability to compare and engage in long-term planning can inspire hope or fear. For the past four centuries, optimism gave Western nations advantages, as citizens embraced technology, progress and global connections. “Now hope is on the move,” suggests the Economist, as the can-do spirit emerges in China and Brazil. The US and UK are moody, hampered by polarized electorates that squabble over petty matters, let alone grand initiatives. Adding to woes in the West are high unemployment rates, debt crisis, income divides, eroding health and pension protections. As the West takes on debt to invest in global security, China strives to catch up, investing in education, research, technology and infrastructure. “For most of human history, only a privileged few have reasonably been able to hope that the future would be better than the present,” the Economist concludes. “Today the masses everywhere can.” Ability to compare is a motivating force. – YaleGlobal