Is Progress Speeding Up? Our Multiplying Multitudes of Blessings [Hardcover]

John Marks Templeton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

This book is a delightful documentation, a celebration, of the progress of humankind in the last century. In spite of the pessimism that prevails in the media, people are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and better educated than at any previous time. Generously illustrated with photographs, charts, and graphics that illustrate this perspective, the book takes a look at how good we have it now compared to in the past in such areas as: How We Live, Food, Health and Life Expectancy, Working Conditions, Technology, Political Freedom, Economic Freedom, Education, Information and Communications, Transportation, Leisure, The Environment, Getting Along, The Spirit.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A Rhodes scholar, successful financial investor, and philanthropist, Templeton contends that humanity is enjoying unprecedented growth and prosperity in all facets of life, contrary to pessimistic views about modern society proclaimed by the media. Citing statistics to show the civilizing impact of free market enterprise on health, nutrition, housing, work, leisure, and education, Templeton argues that most of the world's population is better off today than at any other time in human history. In addition to increased productivity and technological advancement, Templeton considers the most hopeful sign of progress to be the tremendous resurgence of individual interest in spiritual matters, which can lead to increased good will between nations. Although Templeton's one-sided outlook largely ignores the more troublesome and complex ethical, environmental, and health-related realities that accompany technological growth, his commitment to gratitude and spiritual optimism are refreshing.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"His analysis gives us a refreshing balance to the negative, sometimes cynical, views in the media that tend to portray the worst rather than the best in human civilization. Knighted for his philanthropy, Sir John Templeton is investing his fortune in the future of the world. This book shows why he is so convinced the investment is sound." - Jimmy Carter

"After reading Sir John Templeton's latest book, I believe more than ever that we are living in the most exciting time in history. Despite the challenges we face, his demonstration of mankind's progress gives all of us great hopes and high expectations for our next century and the new millenium." - Jack Kemp, former HUD Secretary and Director of Empower America

"John Templeton has been one of the most successful investors of modern times. This book is wiser than his wisest investments, and better grounded in the facts than any of his investments could have been. Invest your time in reading it, and you will profit." - Julian L. Simon, author of The State of Humanity

"In a world fraught with pessimism, John Templeton provides us a book laden with optimism. He does not just make his claim, but backs it up with hard data and heartening optimism. Highly recommended." - Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

"Sir John Templeton enriches the world with his brilliant insights into the character of technological and economic progress and his deep understanding of the connections between religion and freedom. - Edwin J. Feulner, Jr., Ph.D.

"At last - a book with the good news of what's happening in the world - "the rest of the story'! An exciting, hopeful and much-needed book, packed with hard data. While certain societal problems - pervasive violence and widespread drug and alcohol addiction, and others - warrant our immediate concern and attention, we can be encouraged about long-term trends that reveal dramatic gains in the quality of life. Most importantly, educational advances and indications of a turning away from a materialistic mindset give hope that the best years of the world are yet to come." - George H. Gallup, Jr., Chairman, The George H. Gallup International Institute -- Reviews & Commentary

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 291 pages
• Publisher: Templeton Foundation Pr (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890151025
• ISBN-13: 978-1890151027
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,028,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Century-Long Perspective Provides Reasons to Hope for Better Days, April 16, 2011

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Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Is Progress Speeding Up? Our Multiplying Multitudes of Blessings (Hardcover)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." -- Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Anyone who is in despair about the potential for a better future should read this thought-provoking volume. It outlines the rapid rate of progress over the 20th century in improving quality of life, food supplies, health, longevity, working conditions, technology, political freedom, economic freedom, education, information, communications, transportation, leisure activities, aspects of the environment, peacefulness, and spiritual life.

Since this book was published in 1997, rapid progress has continued in many dimensions. I pray that the Templeton Press will update and put out a revised edition of this book. It will make a good antidote for the doomsters who try to manipulate fears to get elected and to gain preferences for themselves from the government.