[gumboza]

A lot of human history isn't. And we'll look back in 500 years and say the same thing again.

[rootusrootus]

Perhaps I am just a pessimist, but I think it's far from a guarantee that we will only progress. I have no reason to believe that people today are any more civilized than 500 or 1000 years ago. Our much improved technology sure does look pretty though.

[xvilka]

Indeed, just look at the ongoing wars today - exactly the same level of brutalism and violence like hundreds years ago, if not more due to the improvements in weapons technology.

[Nifty3929]

Try reading Enlightenment Now. Hopefully it gives you a reason to be more optimistic.

[xvilka]

Questionable book. While he might be right about overall direction it's a bit shallow and delivers skewed picture.

[snapplebobapple]

You are probably right. Most people confuse docility with civility.