Was 2017 really the "worst year ever," as some would have us believe? In his analysis of recent data on homicide, war, poverty, pollution and more, psychologist Steven Pinker finds that we're doing better now in every one of them when compared with 30 years ago. But progress isn't inevitable, and it doesn't mean everything gets better for everyone all the time, Pinker says. Instead, progress is problem-solving, and we should look at things like climate change and nuclear war as problems to be solved, not apocalypses in waiting. "We will never have a perfect world, and it would be dangerous to seek one," he says. "But there's no limit to the betterments we can attain if we continue to apply knowledge to enhance human flourishing."

Steven Pinker: Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers

Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers

From wars to poverty, historical data reveals a significant decline in global adversities, challenging the pessimism bias.

Enlightenment ideals of reason and science fuel progress, proving that through problem-solving, a better world is achievable.

From 1988's steep poverty, pollution, and war statistics, recent data shows a significant global improvement over 30 years.