Are things actually getting better?

The recently released Human Security Report concluded that there has been an overall drop in armed conflicts. The results surprised many people as there is a perception that things have become worse since Sept. 11th. This article dives into the psychology of optimism & pessimism and seeks to understand how we use these outlooks to shape our action in the world. As IE seeks to bridge the gap between business and environment, we too find ourselves trying to make sense of positive and negative views on the state of the world.

A few excerpts:

"Unless you believe that the future can be better you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. If you assume there is no hope, you guarantee there will be no hope."

"We are more concerned about risks that may lead to losses than risks that lead to gains."

"Resilient people tend to have three things in common: they have a strong value system and ability to make meaning out of life; they are excellent improvisors and adaptors given life's events; and they are good are perceiving the reality accurately, for better or worse, in any given situation."