Nicholas Kristof, God Bless You for your column today! Just read it and it was was like taking in a huge cleansing breath of fresh air!!
35
We journalists. I was one, don't tend to cover bad news, we cover the unusual. The fact that bridges across the country stayed up is not news. If it were we'd be in very bad shape.
8
Good things are happening everywhere and the likes of Mr Kristof shining a light is a welcome change. Stories like this may prompt readers to act in helping people in our midst or those overseas.
23
Thanks for helping me to "reset" my perspective with this article. Having grown accustomed to much of our recent news as all doom and gloom, I find that my heart yearns for better things..... like this.
33
Timely-we needed something!
19
In the Age of Trump I am not interested in good news!!!
5
Looks like most of the good news is taking place outside the United States.
28
Good news in any form or size is good for the soul. If you give water to a thirsty person it removes his thirst today. The only day he can live is live in. A gift in the present moment no matter how small, lifts the spirit. You can dismiss this cup of water as meaningless because he will be thirsty again tomorrow. It is not meaningless. Every drop of kindness is precious. Thank you Mr. Kristof. Please keep doing this.
27
A celebration of the good things and good people, successes and saviors still in this world takes my mind off presidential tweets and temper tantrums. Nicholas and Aneri bring to mind Mr. Rogers who always said his mother told him to look for the helpers and the scary news won't seem as scary. Thank you. Just thank you for reminders of the good.
21
Sounds like a good news for human beings but I wonder if animals and vegetables could say the same?
4
True. Vegetables, lacking a mouth (or thoughts, as far as we can tell), would probably have some trouble saying that.
4
Thank you Mr. Kristof. We needed this!
10
Why would I be alarmed by Nancy Pelosi? (False Equivalency Alert)
32
Thanks for an upper in a time when we only hear depressing news. Not that the depressing news isn't still depressing, but you have afforded a moment to think about some of the good that coexists with the misery.
11
This needs to be addressed also:
"The United Nations forecasts that the population of Africa will almost quadruple to 4.5 billion by 2100 from the current 1.2 billion people."
http://www.dw.com/en/africa-population-growth-key-at-au-summit/a-39505136
"The United Nations forecasts that the population of Africa will almost quadruple to 4.5 billion by 2100 from the current 1.2 billion people."
http://www.dw.com/en/africa-population-growth-key-at-au-summit/a-39505136
12
Two words-thank you!
9
Thank you for this column. Hopefully, these advancements will continue as the US retreats from the world and imposes a huge gag order on family planning. I know that there were many reasons for the good news you cited. However, Obama's policies were amount them.
8
More humans is NOT good news.
15
If the purpose of your column was to make me feel at least a little better, you succeeded.
11
Indeed there are developments on the horizon that will make things better still. I endeavor to raise my children well so that they and I may benefit from them.
The old white men yearning for the past are a passing phase (I say as a white on the very back edge of boomer generation). Let us get through it as intact as possible and work to leave a better place for our children.
The old white men yearning for the past are a passing phase (I say as a white on the very back edge of boomer generation). Let us get through it as intact as possible and work to leave a better place for our children.
13
Thank you for a reminder of all that's been happening for good in the world. What you report is truly good news; we need to support these initiatives as Americans and beyond.
9
Think of all of the talent and intelligence the world will soon see from those once forgotten and malnourished. As the global economy continues gaining ground, we will see the rise of minds and ideas unfamiliar to our own. Ending leprosy and malaria, among other maladies, is the first step in unlocking the sort of enduring happiness all deserve, but few have experienced.
Thank you Mr. Kristof, for your continued brilliance.
Thank you Mr. Kristof, for your continued brilliance.
5
The good news is reported in statistical terms I want to believe but don't quite. Who determines "extreme poverty"? What is the next graded step and how much better is it supposed to be? Have we simply found a way to promote people from extreme poverty to not-so-extreme poverty?
Eradication of disease is an objective achievement that is unarguably good. But l wouldn't think measuring poverty is nearly as exact. If people climb just over the designated extreme poverty line, does that mean they are no longer deprived and oppressed or that they have be redefined in terms that cause us less distress?
The claim of good news may indeed be great good news or it may be largely an illusion -- I honestly don't know. What I do know is that we create a "poverty level" income standard that bears little resemblance to actual needs.
Eradication of disease is an objective achievement that is unarguably good. But l wouldn't think measuring poverty is nearly as exact. If people climb just over the designated extreme poverty line, does that mean they are no longer deprived and oppressed or that they have be redefined in terms that cause us less distress?
The claim of good news may indeed be great good news or it may be largely an illusion -- I honestly don't know. What I do know is that we create a "poverty level" income standard that bears little resemblance to actual needs.
3
Thank you. An uplifting article for a change. A nice break in the storm clouds of the Trump comb-over that darkens the world's skies.
14
We should take away hope and inspiration from this piece, in that all of us, everyday readers, have the power to make change, just like the heroic unknowns mentioned in the article. We might not make headlines, and our struggle will take time, but this is what should spur all of us 99%-ers right here at home. Right now.
11
The reduction in world wide poverty has happened as a result of an appropriate but still inadequate redistribution of income from the advanced economies to the developing world. Unfortunately, even this current inadequate redistribution will be unsustainable if that redistribution is perceived to be primarily at the cost of the working class in the west. We need some sort of wealth redistribution within the developed economies to insure that global welfare continues to improve.
9
Have you ever visited a developing nation? Over the last 15 years, I have been on every continent except Antarcticac and spent weeks and months living with and serving refugees and locals in extreme poverty. I guarantee you lives are improving not because of "income redistribution" (that phrase is usually a favorite of academics who are far removed from the realities of improving people's lives and ignorant of basic economics and reality) but because thousands of people are living lives of sacrificial generosity-in the form of missionaries like the one listed above, healthcare professionals, aid volunteers, NGOs, and educators who are dedicating themselves to serving those around them. Global welfare starts with an individual. What are you doing to improve the lives of those around you? You can start with a monthly donation to Compassion International, a charity that serves those in developing nations or to Unlikely Heroes, a non-profit that rescues people right here in America from sex-trafficking. If you want to be a part of income redistribution that ensures global welfare (is that what you call generosity and being a part of the solution?), this is your chance. Don't leave the hard work of making the world a better place to some old rich guy somewhere while you throw around terms like "income redistribution." Talk is cheap. Being a part of the solution is not.
1
Thank you, Nicholas!
And, you did not report on the near eradication of Polio worldwide: Through a combined effort of Rotary, the WHO, and Gates Foundation, nearly 350,000 cases of Polio have been reduced to 37 known cases in just 3 countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria - since 1988.
Also, Room To Read, an NGO founded by John Wood 17 years ago, has brought literacy to 11.5 million 4-8 year olds in 10 countries through an equally successful local children books publishing effort of 1 million books in local languages.
This IS good news...
And, you did not report on the near eradication of Polio worldwide: Through a combined effort of Rotary, the WHO, and Gates Foundation, nearly 350,000 cases of Polio have been reduced to 37 known cases in just 3 countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria - since 1988.
Also, Room To Read, an NGO founded by John Wood 17 years ago, has brought literacy to 11.5 million 4-8 year olds in 10 countries through an equally successful local children books publishing effort of 1 million books in local languages.
This IS good news...
7
Wonderful article! I am a radio reporter for the Voice of America's English to Africa Service, based in New York. I too get mired in the bad news. But as Fred Rogers' mother famously put it when he was distressed by the mayhem on the news "Look around after a disaster and find the helpers. There are always people helping." (I am paraphrasing from memory)
Your article made me reflect. For example, I just finished a story about child labor trafficking, particularly the thousands children who work as slaves on Ghana's Lake Volta. But then I realized that the story wasn't about them only. It was also what one group (Challenging Heights) is doing to rescue and rehabilitate the kids. And on and on.
I also try to reassure my friends as we cower under the dark cloud that is today's President and Congress (in our opinion). All the good activism, and kindness and inclusion we've witnessed (and hopefully been helping along) these many years is still there. There are countervailing trends of goodness abroad in the world too, as your discussion of the leprosy clinic affirm.
Your article made me reflect. For example, I just finished a story about child labor trafficking, particularly the thousands children who work as slaves on Ghana's Lake Volta. But then I realized that the story wasn't about them only. It was also what one group (Challenging Heights) is doing to rescue and rehabilitate the kids. And on and on.
I also try to reassure my friends as we cower under the dark cloud that is today's President and Congress (in our opinion). All the good activism, and kindness and inclusion we've witnessed (and hopefully been helping along) these many years is still there. There are countervailing trends of goodness abroad in the world too, as your discussion of the leprosy clinic affirm.
17
Thank You, Nicholas, for a brilliant and touching piece of Inspiration. While my daily Cynical side is revolted by the chronic self-centered "President" of our United States, You brought me to Tears with this sensitive piece of Human Beauty. The painful historic images of Leprosy from my days of the ministry in words were brought back to me today in your crucial message of the restoration of Life to so many who suffered so much. The story of the master carver was ingenious and enriching. Thanks for your Vision.
13
"President" in quotes?
I prefer President myself--a man concerned with securing the nation from political/religious terrorism from abroad; a man intent upon improving education in our inner cities (he recognizes that in NYC alone, the waiting list for charter schools is huge--but of course the Democrats know better than the people what is good for them); a man who has reduced illegal immigration 70 percent without building a wall, who has increased the contributions by NATO members merely by suggestion, and who now has discovered that all those who yelled that there is no voter fraud are more than a little reluctant to turn over the voter rolls for a computer comparison with our records of non-citizens living here.
I prefer President myself--a man concerned with securing the nation from political/religious terrorism from abroad; a man intent upon improving education in our inner cities (he recognizes that in NYC alone, the waiting list for charter schools is huge--but of course the Democrats know better than the people what is good for them); a man who has reduced illegal immigration 70 percent without building a wall, who has increased the contributions by NATO members merely by suggestion, and who now has discovered that all those who yelled that there is no voter fraud are more than a little reluctant to turn over the voter rolls for a computer comparison with our records of non-citizens living here.
2
@ R. Hargrove
You prefer a 'President" who attack the First Amendment calling the Fourth Estate in the fashion of Joe Stalin?
“The formula ‘enemy of the people,’” Mr. Khrushchev told the Soviet Communist Party in a 1956 speech denouncing Stalin’s cult of personality, “was specifically introduced for the purpose of physically annihilating such individuals” who disagreed with the supreme leader.”
Trump and his cult of personality...
You prefer a 'President" who attack the First Amendment calling the Fourth Estate in the fashion of Joe Stalin?
“The formula ‘enemy of the people,’” Mr. Khrushchev told the Soviet Communist Party in a 1956 speech denouncing Stalin’s cult of personality, “was specifically introduced for the purpose of physically annihilating such individuals” who disagreed with the supreme leader.”
Trump and his cult of personality...
7
I love the smell of Kool-aid in the morning. in fact we have no president or "president" any longer. We have a carnival barker filling in until a real leader shows up.
11
Thank you for an excellent editorial that provides some perspective on our times and the accomplishments of our predecessors. Many have contributed to the advances you mention, but I believe key contributions came from a the greatest generation that after the most destructive war in our history determined that this would not happen again. In Europe, Japan and America people determined to work together, the Marshall Plan was adopted with bipartisan support, the European Union, the World Bank and OECD emerged over time laying the foundation to a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace that eventually spread to other parts of the world as leaders like Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping realized that the message of freedom, cooperation and peace preached in the west was real. Many people realized we were all better off tearing down walls and facing our challenges together than pursuing our own narrow self interests in isolation and hostility.
6
Thank you for your optimism and recognition that improvements around the world matter for everyone.
Call me a realist, but I cannot seem to overlook the tragic irony that the very pillars of optimism you mention are nearly a roadmap to the GOP/Koch agenda.
1. Extreme poverty – Lets remove healthcare and reform taxes to take as much as we can from 99% of the people and give it to the uber wealthy just because we can, it makes our donors happy and we like having taxpayer funded keggars in the Rose Garden.
2. Illiteracy – Lets hire Betsy DeVoss to make public education ‘great again’ and also slash their budget so we can give taxpayer hand-outs to wealthy charter school owners.
3. Disease – Lets eliminate healthcare and safety nets for anyone who does not donate to our cause or ‘serve’ the public in congress, and then slash budgets at the NIH & CDC so the next pandemic eliminates anyone who dared to survive without healthcare.
Who knew the GOP had just enough literacy left to follow this roadmap and achieve such bigly results in less than 163 days?
Call me a realist, but I cannot seem to overlook the tragic irony that the very pillars of optimism you mention are nearly a roadmap to the GOP/Koch agenda.
1. Extreme poverty – Lets remove healthcare and reform taxes to take as much as we can from 99% of the people and give it to the uber wealthy just because we can, it makes our donors happy and we like having taxpayer funded keggars in the Rose Garden.
2. Illiteracy – Lets hire Betsy DeVoss to make public education ‘great again’ and also slash their budget so we can give taxpayer hand-outs to wealthy charter school owners.
3. Disease – Lets eliminate healthcare and safety nets for anyone who does not donate to our cause or ‘serve’ the public in congress, and then slash budgets at the NIH & CDC so the next pandemic eliminates anyone who dared to survive without healthcare.
Who knew the GOP had just enough literacy left to follow this roadmap and achieve such bigly results in less than 163 days?
11
Thank you Mr. Kristof for yet another positive article in the midst of the daily avalanche of bad news. However I think you failed to mention the main reason why the numbers in regards to poverty, education, and health are so much improved in the world over the last 30 years or so which is the success of communist China, closely followed by the (more or less) socialist policies in Europe which together have improved the lives of more than a billion people. Meanwhile US policies have destroyed the Middle East with unending wars, and cause much pain and suffering in so many other parts of the world including the US itself.
9
More correctly, the reason for Mr. Kristof's good news is the embrace of capitalism and individual ownership rights in China, India and Africa! Until they allowed their citizens to benefit from their own labors they were impoverished! Now if only the young of the US could learn this!
2
Mahatma Gandhi: "The earth can provide to satisfy every one's need but not every one 's greed"
17
Kristoff's advice: Ignore the dog tearing your throat out because your neighbor just recovered from strep throat. The threat of WW3 will wipe out these programs just as it wipes out many countries and millions of lives in a nuclear holocaust. Kristoff thinks to spend time on the little rays of sunshine helps solve the menace in the room? I disagree.
1
The human race is thankfully healthier and safer now. Now we have more people living a dumb and dangerous life.
3
Yes Mr. Kristof there is a very slight improvement in poverty. But I just read an
article about Scott Pruitt destroying the EPA. His efforts and the efforts of many
in the Trump administration will put our planet and children in grave danger.
Millions of people will die in the coming decades due to us not confronting the
dangers of climate change. Wake up America! Wake up world! Renewable
energy and clean water are more important than anything else we can do.
article about Scott Pruitt destroying the EPA. His efforts and the efforts of many
in the Trump administration will put our planet and children in grave danger.
Millions of people will die in the coming decades due to us not confronting the
dangers of climate change. Wake up America! Wake up world! Renewable
energy and clean water are more important than anything else we can do.
16
I must admit there were some tears in my eyes when I read this. And the awareness of a fundamental truth...at least for myself: We get so focused on the bad people, thinking about how insensitive Trump is to things like this that we become insensitive. It's the "Waiting for Godot" phenomenon. I am helpless until someone else moves. And this is the biggest mistake I, or anyone else, can make.
Indeed there is much that can be done. In some cases it will be torn down by those whose envy and insecurities cause them to resent the good works of others and to do bad things as a means of ascertaining (in their minds) their superiority. I have learned over the years that those who are personally secure can be grateful. And those who are weak and envious will be resentful...a paradoxically and diametrically opposite response to the identical situation.
The problem about reading too much about Trump and Pence and the others is that we cause ourselves to become powerless...we are daily reminded of our inability to alter or influence certain events when, in fact we have the power to influence many, many others. Good people are drawn to those who do good things. And, I add, repulsed from those who do bad things. Which is why we have such a profound need for leadership. Or at least those willing to begin.
Indeed there is much that can be done. In some cases it will be torn down by those whose envy and insecurities cause them to resent the good works of others and to do bad things as a means of ascertaining (in their minds) their superiority. I have learned over the years that those who are personally secure can be grateful. And those who are weak and envious will be resentful...a paradoxically and diametrically opposite response to the identical situation.
The problem about reading too much about Trump and Pence and the others is that we cause ourselves to become powerless...we are daily reminded of our inability to alter or influence certain events when, in fact we have the power to influence many, many others. Good people are drawn to those who do good things. And, I add, repulsed from those who do bad things. Which is why we have such a profound need for leadership. Or at least those willing to begin.
18
The really big question is whether the declining birth rates that usually accompany rising economic status will eventually bring the global human population to a sustainable level or will we run out of resources which together with the shifting climate result in social chaos, human misery and ecological collapse.
17
We will never run out of "resourcefulness" and that's more important, because just about anything is a resource if we expand our concept of the term "resource". As long as we remain resourceful, our "supply" of resources is only measured by the degree to which we commit to both conservation AND innovation. To me, thinking of our world as a place of finite resources is a runway from which many dangerous ideologies, and very little good, takes flight.
WORLDWIDE There is good news globally. Locally in the US, however, we're threatened with huge decreases in our national heatlh, medical treatment, education, jobs and social insurance. Why? Because the 99% are expected to give tax breaks to the 1%. It's pathetic the US has such a high rate of infant and maternal mortality. People overlook the fact that, as Barney Frank said, the GOP believes that life begins at conception and ends at birth.
22
It is indeed small-minded for the previous commentator who said that equating Trump with Pelosi ruined this article (in so many words). What I took from this article was that you made a wonderful effort to focus on the positive. Oh, if more writers could do this! Thank you, thank you, for the fresh breath of air!
12
What? Nancy Pelosi is responsible for getting the ACA through the house and in doing so she sacrificed power for the good of the people. There is no comparison. It ruined the article for me, too, because for me, it called the author's judgement into question.
5
Kudos for my friend Kristof for raising voice of optimism through actual case histories backed by specfic data about literacy, health and poverty amidst otherwise depressing environment, with myopic,dogmatic and self-centered Trump in White House, fanatic Modi in India, reshuffling in Saudi Arabia and caos in Gulf area,rather M.E. However I'll like to add a positive note for his optimism by telling how Rotary International with which I'm associated for last 37 years, has succeeded in almost wiping out through recent collaboration of Melinda Gates Foundation another incapacitating disease Polio through our struggle for over three decades through Billions of Dollars.
7
More good news reporting would be inspiring and help sooth the angst from all the tension building news we are inundated with hourly. Thank you for a better perspective on the world. Nmc
3
"Cheer up: Despite the gloom, the world truly is becoming a better place." There is reason for hope but most things are getting worse: climate change is all too real, the 6th mass extinction is all too real. Deforestation, overfishing and depletion of resources including clean air and water is all too real. 7.5 billion is all too real. Escapes by excess drugs, screens and food in a sick modern culture of consumerism is all too real. And Mr. Kristof's well-intentioned but delusional view of modern life is bad news...."despite what you've heard". Real hope lies with the vision of Sanders, Corbyn and kids under 35.
2
Love your column, Mr. Kristof--the gains for the desperately poor around the world was encouraging to read about. We seem so caught up in the horrors of the Republican take-over of our country that it's easy to forget about the rest of the world.
7
Thank you for the optimism. Since the USA is currently deconstructing itself and may eventually abandon the poor, the sick, and the old, perhaps we can look at this article and fight the current selfishness and greed on our own soil.
7
Good News, it's always better to be lucky than not?
And just what does this say about American exceptionalism? If nothing, then we aren't interested. Since we aren't interested, it says nothing about us. End of discussion. That violence, disease, and a myriad other ills of humanity are steadily declining isn't apparently of interest to American "news" organs so we are ignorant of the "facts" about these trends.
1
But I read about it in the NY Times
1
That is good news, but... we still have people in Louisiana and Texas getting leprosy and the disease is likely to increase due to Climate Change plus republican cuts to health care.
Leprosy in the US is carried by armadillos and they can spread the disease as they increase their range when warming allows them to live further north than before warming.
People get the disease in Louisiana primarily by butchering armadillos and since health care in Louisiana was ruined by ex Gov. Jindal it's likely the case will increase - it can be cured easily in the early stages easily but often the victims don't find out until the later stages show symptoms.
So the third world is defeating leprosy while the US is defeating itself, with the freedom to own hundreds of guns and live back in the 3rd world. That old red herring that the United Nations is gonna take over using the democrats has been supplanted by the reality that corporations took over using the republicans (with help from the democrats). But you can keep your guns and when you get leprosy (or dengue fever or another disease spread by a warming world) then you should shoot your foot off out of spite. Or your nose for that matter! You're free! "Nobody ever died because they don't have health care"! And just before you do shoot yourself for being so gullible you should shout "Lock her up" one more time!
Leprosy in the US is carried by armadillos and they can spread the disease as they increase their range when warming allows them to live further north than before warming.
People get the disease in Louisiana primarily by butchering armadillos and since health care in Louisiana was ruined by ex Gov. Jindal it's likely the case will increase - it can be cured easily in the early stages easily but often the victims don't find out until the later stages show symptoms.
So the third world is defeating leprosy while the US is defeating itself, with the freedom to own hundreds of guns and live back in the 3rd world. That old red herring that the United Nations is gonna take over using the democrats has been supplanted by the reality that corporations took over using the republicans (with help from the democrats). But you can keep your guns and when you get leprosy (or dengue fever or another disease spread by a warming world) then you should shoot your foot off out of spite. Or your nose for that matter! You're free! "Nobody ever died because they don't have health care"! And just before you do shoot yourself for being so gullible you should shout "Lock her up" one more time!
10
The world is becoming a vastly worse place every year, with many billions more defenseless individuals suffering horribly for their entire lives. All because humans eat animal flesh, dairy, and eggs, and are eating more every year.
We are living in a period of vast atrocities against the innocent defenseless, and it is getting much worse all the time. Future generations will revile us.
There are tens of billions suffering on Earth right now, and there will be even more tomorrow.
We are living in a period of vast atrocities against the innocent defenseless, and it is getting much worse all the time. Future generations will revile us.
There are tens of billions suffering on Earth right now, and there will be even more tomorrow.
6
What a weird comment. There's not even ten billion people on the entire planet, let alone tens of billions. What are you talking about?
2
We are not all white European Judeo-Christian. Nor do we want to be. That is what I know, feel and live. And that is still not good news anywhere anytime for those whom neither God nor Mother Nature decided not to make in their image.
2
Good news notwithstanding - and what you are telling us here is what the late Hans Rosling demonstrated with his wonderful statistical tables time and again - we cannot forget that right now people are suffering from famine in South Sudan, cholera and war in Yemen, a breakdown in the rule of law in Central America, and endless war in the Middle East. All of this is unncessary and we must fight it, not forget it.
3
Thank for saying this out loud!
I wish many more of us realized this. While the developed world seems to be treading water, not growing economically, the rest of the world is growing faster, catching up with us in standards of living. The great divergence has now become the great convergence. As you say, this is terrificic news which far outweighs all the bad news.
I wish more of the media was covering this as you are doing. We might make wiser policy collectively, and amplify the good stuff that's already happening.
I wish many more of us realized this. While the developed world seems to be treading water, not growing economically, the rest of the world is growing faster, catching up with us in standards of living. The great divergence has now become the great convergence. As you say, this is terrificic news which far outweighs all the bad news.
I wish more of the media was covering this as you are doing. We might make wiser policy collectively, and amplify the good stuff that's already happening.
5
Mr Kristof,this is good news indeed, and I thank you for that! Nevertheless, there are sound reasons for giving this only a moments thought. Your deck chairs on the Titanic are well-arranged, the orchestra is getting better and better, the beds are made,and most of the passengers are well now and all this is good and none of it, absolutely none of it, will matter when N Korea is pushed in just the wrong way, when the number climate events finally overwhelms FEMA ability to respond, when the next cyber-attack brings down a nuclear power plants failsafe systems. I'm sure there are a number of other game-changing real risks that are imminent and preventable as well, but eliminating leprosy, river-blindness, or even TB, as good as these things are, won't help. ut thanks for the good news!
7
Thanks, I needed that!
2
Thank you Mr. Kristof for resetting my focus on the good in today's world. It renews my spirit with hope that my grandchildren will have a better world.
4
Bravo!!
2
It it helps to take a few minutes and see what our brothers and sisters in other places have adjusted to and come out on the positive side with helping others and using fingerless hands to create.
Trump won't last much longer,he and his puppets will one day be gone.
Trump won't last much longer,he and his puppets will one day be gone.
8
Hope is a wonderful thing but please remember that climate change which is already occurring will set these efforts back quickly. I don't mean to be gloom and doom but the the changing climate is real and it is here.
3
While you are in Liberia, check out the new school in Gbarnga, Bong County. Opened in March 2017 with two preschool classes, it plans to expand to higher grades in the coming years.Powered by solar and enhanced by two new wells, it is supported by a Lutheran church in Rhode Island. For pictures of construction and other information, see its website gbarngamission.org.
Bill Oehlkers
Barrington, RI
Bill Oehlkers
Barrington, RI
Equating Trump with Pelosi is outrageous. That one reference ruined an otherwise hopeful article.
4
Thank you!
Thanks, Mr Kristoff. I needed that.
A thought reminder that all is not lost, thank you. Its difficult to remain optimistic when opportunist abound and are fighting the gains made with their smear campaign against vaccines and modern, science based, medicine, all so they can line their own pockets. We need to be on guard against the "Dr's"Mercolas, Tennppenny's and celebrities like Jenny McCarthy and the TV "Doctors" dispensing bad advice forfun and (their) profit.
"And in the end
The love you make
Is equal to the love you take."
Beatles
The love you make
Is equal to the love you take."
Beatles
1
Thanks. I needed that.
This is a world in which people in the eightieth percentile feel put upon rather than blessed, so they elect people who belong to the one hundredth percentile. These one percenters somehow don't seem to feel they have enough and enact policies to protect and expand their wealth.
With reference to "Dirty Dancing," there are many Baby Housemans around to help people out of the worst of extreme poverty, but it is the Robbie Goulds who are in charge.
With reference to "Dirty Dancing," there are many Baby Housemans around to help people out of the worst of extreme poverty, but it is the Robbie Goulds who are in charge.
1
I could never understand the strong desire that people have to acquire more and more wealth. In the long run how does it benefit one to become wealthy, as life is so short. How much better life would be for everyone if our main goal would be interaction with others and helping them when necessary. Jesus tells us "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.....But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven"...He goes on to state that " You cannot serve both God and money."
2
There are many Navajo in the Southwestern USA without running water or electricity. Perhaps more coverage might improve that situation.
http://www.stbonaventuremission.org/index.php/2013-10-18-00-46-28/water-...
http://www.stbonaventuremission.org/index.php/2013-10-18-00-46-28/water-...
3
Happy Fourth of July!
It is comforting to know that the rest of the world is doing well while we in the United States wallow in our fascism.
It is comforting to know that the rest of the world is doing well while we in the United States wallow in our fascism.
3
Why does this make me feel you are deflecting? People will die HERE, if any portion of the GOP health plan is enacted.
1
Perhaps, the biblical account of the miracles performed by Jesus was God's way of telling Man what he was capable of.
1
And perhaps they are just fairy tales.
1
Thank you @NickKristof for sharing your trip and good news. Here are some resources I found helpful in learning about global poverty and new ways to address specific situations:
http://www.pooreconomics.com/ Twitter: @JPAL_Global
Keep up the great work!
http://www.pooreconomics.com/ Twitter: @JPAL_Global
Keep up the great work!
1
As I read today's paper about crumbling infrastructure, suggestions to go small on healthcare so that we hurt the people a little less, continued attacks to education and retirement plans, and the shameful column inconvenience of having to pay $20 a plate for appetizers, I'm happy to read this article. "We cover planes that crash, not planes that take off." We need to hear more stories like this column. It shows how an investment in people - providing healthcare and education paid off in triple digit benefits to society.
1
So much praise for Kristoff for this article. Please stop. This is what's wrong with liberals. What Kristoff does is called cultural tourism. He observes and writes words, and then the comments section blows up with praise as though he is some kind of savior. He's done nothing to contribute to the betterment of any of these people who tell him their stories. He sits on his 5-star perch and preaches at people about others' struggles, as though he is so much more enlightened.
3
At least Kristof makes an effort to see, learn first-hand.
5
How mean-spirited of you. Mr. Kristoff's visits to and articles about other cultures are meant to spur both widened understand of the world and generosity toward those living in poverty. My life is greatly enriched by both, due to his work, which is not always comfortable nor easy. I'm very grateful for that.
5
On the other hand, Jen Rob, of Washington DC, you have done so much to "contribute to the betterment of any of these people." Haven't you?
You don't mention all the good you've done, but then, perhaps, unlike every conservative I've ever met, you're modest. Please, don't be. If you're such a paragon of virtue and generosity, we'll forgive a little boasting.
Tell us how much good you've done. I realize you object to somebody who "writes words" but since you don't seem reluctant to writing words yourself, tell us how superior you are to those liberals you so easily deride. Tell us why you're better than Nick Kristof. Tell us how word-writing conservatives like you make the world a better place. Please, tell us. We're all ears.
You don't mention all the good you've done, but then, perhaps, unlike every conservative I've ever met, you're modest. Please, don't be. If you're such a paragon of virtue and generosity, we'll forgive a little boasting.
Tell us how much good you've done. I realize you object to somebody who "writes words" but since you don't seem reluctant to writing words yourself, tell us how superior you are to those liberals you so easily deride. Tell us why you're better than Nick Kristof. Tell us how word-writing conservatives like you make the world a better place. Please, tell us. We're all ears.
4
It's all well and good that we are aiding in the battle against poverty, illiteracy, and disease at home. But can't we spare at least some of that for our battles against such at home? Perhaps starting with our ostensible leader. He suffers greatly from poverty of spirit and heart. His illiteracy and general lack of knowledge is constantly on display. His spirit and mind, and for all I know his body, are diseased. Can't someone help this poor man? Oh Lord, where art Thou in our time of need?
5
Great. For bad news, head on over to the article about what the new EPA head Pruitt is doing to poison everybody and line the pockets of the oil industry.
3
Thank you for the good news column. I enjoy reading your work.
Trump is such an awful person. We need to hear that the world is truly bigger than us.
Trump is such an awful person. We need to hear that the world is truly bigger than us.
2
One wonders what Africa will be like if projections of a 6 billion person population by the end of this century bear out.
3
When I was born there were ~2B people in the world. There are now close to 8B. The growth has been consistently linear, meaning in another 70 years the population will quadruple again. We are entering the age of warehousing huge numbers of people who have no hope of employment or of life outside a refugee camp. Mankind has been totally unable to deal with population growth and its offspring - climate change. While small victories are nice, the fundamental problems remain too big for man to cope with. Get ready for more turbulence.
5
Yes- Population is at the root of it all. Environmental destruction that goes with population explosion means that there are huge die-offs of populations that cannot be supported by the land. This, and war, is the way humans reduce the population. We are no more rational than the sparrow who simply lives until he dies. I think the earth will balance us out at some point and then what is left can carry on. In the meantime get ready for more, much more of the same. However we don't have to resort to murder and mayhem, we can remain civilized and try to work together and mitigate harm when possible. This way we can live with ourselves in the end. The other way is madness.
3
"Indeed, 2017 is likely to be the best year in the history of humanity."
As many have said on the comment board:
Welcome to the age of Trump!
As many have said on the comment board:
Welcome to the age of Trump!
1
Thanks to Mr. Kristof for the fresh perspective. I'd certainly rather give my energy to such causes - as opposed to the attention glutton currently playing president.
Good news abounds. And the Roman Catholic Church was the religious group behind the vital help for the boy with leprosy who now heads the Catholic sponsored and Catholic supported leprosy Center.
Good news for global poverty, but this country seems to be headed in the opposite direction as millions lose health care, wages are stagnant or sluggish, living shorter lives due our opiod epidemic and poverty, the rich getter richer and the poor poorer abd we lose our vaunted democracy to voter suppression and gerrymandering. It is an old story as it is repeated endlessly. We are at the end of our rope while others begin their climb. Our politicians only squabble and seem not to give a darn as they live their cushy lives. Gerrymandering and voter suppression/ bring it on. On top of that the Times has spit out my post three times and perhaps not really a loss. Yes there is cause for optimism, but it does not seem for our country.
1
Great story, but, for example, most US citizens think Panamá is a jungle, a canal and poverty. Poverty rates in Panamá are only slightly higher than in the US. The IMF predicts Panamá will have the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of all countries in Latin America in 2018. Panama City has more skyscrapers than any city in Latin America, more than all cities in the US except for NY and Chicago and more than London, Moscow or Beijing. While your statistics about worldwide poverty are encouraging, they are not so encouraging about poverty in the US, which cetainly has the most narrow minded population of any developed country when it comes to world geography.
I am sure one of the only reasons Trump welcomed President Varela of Panamá to the Oval Office last week is because he has a hotel in Panamá City. Trump was so gauche that the first thing he said to Varela was, "boy, we did a great job on building that canal." Varela had the grace not to say, "the canal was built 40 years before you were born. On the other hand my administration built a newer, bigger, faster canal in half the time you took." No, Varela said, "yes, you did, Mr. President." Panamá is an example of why most US citizens don't get the misery, sickness and poverty that exists and has been so dramatically reduced, as you report, because of a small number of highly educated and committed persons.
I am sure one of the only reasons Trump welcomed President Varela of Panamá to the Oval Office last week is because he has a hotel in Panamá City. Trump was so gauche that the first thing he said to Varela was, "boy, we did a great job on building that canal." Varela had the grace not to say, "the canal was built 40 years before you were born. On the other hand my administration built a newer, bigger, faster canal in half the time you took." No, Varela said, "yes, you did, Mr. President." Panamá is an example of why most US citizens don't get the misery, sickness and poverty that exists and has been so dramatically reduced, as you report, because of a small number of highly educated and committed persons.
Yes, there are numerous improvements being made in pre-modern countries. Doctors from Harvard Medical School who has dedicated his life to healing the most rural People of Haiti. The introduction of low-cost cell phones to nations, such as Bangladesh, where every 10 cell phones added to usage has an impact on GDP. Engineers providing wells, sewage and irrigation to provide safe water, proper drainage and a greater ability for peasant farmers to survive.
The secret is to focus the aid--money or expertise--directly to the poor, in the rural areas, who need it most. Most pre-modern government s are quite corrupt, and even their local charities are, and what money that is spent never leaves the capital. Nick Krisyophe and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn's book, "A Path Appears" provides some guidance on getting help directly to where it is needed.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The secret is to focus the aid--money or expertise--directly to the poor, in the rural areas, who need it most. Most pre-modern government s are quite corrupt, and even their local charities are, and what money that is spent never leaves the capital. Nick Krisyophe and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn's book, "A Path Appears" provides some guidance on getting help directly to where it is needed.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. Another of your great columns.
Today my grandson is on his way to Maputo, Mozambique, to join his Peace Corps volunteer brother who is celebrating the finish of his enriching two years in Dombe....No electricity, no water, but still the PCV brother hates to leave! And their pediatrician Mother spent her PCV years in Malawi. Thinking of the Peace Corps' powerful effect on our family, along with your column and video helped me shake off the grime of our current politics.
. Love your columns....and the video!
Today my grandson is on his way to Maputo, Mozambique, to join his Peace Corps volunteer brother who is celebrating the finish of his enriching two years in Dombe....No electricity, no water, but still the PCV brother hates to leave! And their pediatrician Mother spent her PCV years in Malawi. Thinking of the Peace Corps' powerful effect on our family, along with your column and video helped me shake off the grime of our current politics.
. Love your columns....and the video!
1
I worked in West Africa from 2003 to 2010...and before that, Peace Corps in the70s. We are interconnected whether we want to acknowledge that or not...those who deny our connections are...losers...I'm speaking my mind whether you agree or not...
Thank you! I really, really needed a second of optimism and gratitude in the middle of what is happening to our country.
When you think about the cumulative psychological impact of the relentless onslaught of negative news, Kristoffs example here should be replicated. For those who think Armeggedon is upon us, a ray of hope.
What good is it that 100 million more people are alive today if those same people have no access to the things that make life meaningful?
Are those same 100 million people going to end up as refugees or part of an extremist group because there's minimal opportunities for them?
How many of those 100 million have died in Yemen in the past few years? In Syria? In South Sudan? In rural China?
What good is literacy if you may never see a book once you leave school?
That more people are avoiding horrible deaths is only part of the equation of the world being a better place. If there are no opportunities for them, than what?
The world is not a better place with more and more people set up to have slightly less-short, but still cruel, hard, and hungry lives.
Set the extreme poverty at "cost of living" instead of 2$ and what do the figures look like then?
Are those same 100 million people going to end up as refugees or part of an extremist group because there's minimal opportunities for them?
How many of those 100 million have died in Yemen in the past few years? In Syria? In South Sudan? In rural China?
What good is literacy if you may never see a book once you leave school?
That more people are avoiding horrible deaths is only part of the equation of the world being a better place. If there are no opportunities for them, than what?
The world is not a better place with more and more people set up to have slightly less-short, but still cruel, hard, and hungry lives.
Set the extreme poverty at "cost of living" instead of 2$ and what do the figures look like then?
1
what you're talking about is, essentially, reporting, not the ratings driven gotcha and gossip that's passing for news - a kind of rot, if you will, that began with the shift of news divisions to entertainment.
finding inspiration in misery or the potential for success in the midst of failure requires diligent effort...there are good examples here and there, for one, the inspiring stories of triumph in the effort to help wounded veterans that occur in the midst of near catastrophic flaws in the veterans health care system...balanced reporting here has already had a positive effect, helping us toward a higher regard for the importance of a responsive veterans health care system and the resolve to pursue it as a priority...not to mention the value of the model of remaking this large, but not impossibly large, system in addressing the failures of the impossibly large national health care delivery system.
while television is nearly hopeless in its addiction to desk-bound opinionism, (blatherklatches for the most part rooted rather in conjecture than the facts of who, what, where, and when that qualify our attempts to understand why), comprehensive reporting in print still offers the hope you reflect in this column,
finding inspiration in misery or the potential for success in the midst of failure requires diligent effort...there are good examples here and there, for one, the inspiring stories of triumph in the effort to help wounded veterans that occur in the midst of near catastrophic flaws in the veterans health care system...balanced reporting here has already had a positive effect, helping us toward a higher regard for the importance of a responsive veterans health care system and the resolve to pursue it as a priority...not to mention the value of the model of remaking this large, but not impossibly large, system in addressing the failures of the impossibly large national health care delivery system.
while television is nearly hopeless in its addiction to desk-bound opinionism, (blatherklatches for the most part rooted rather in conjecture than the facts of who, what, where, and when that qualify our attempts to understand why), comprehensive reporting in print still offers the hope you reflect in this column,
So you praise Ivanka and diss Pelosi. And women should be happy. As our president would say, Sad!
1
Nick, I love your reporting from Liberia. I was a Peace Corp volunteer in Liberia from 1976-1980. I spent a lot of time in Ganta at the Methodist Hospital and at the leprosy control hospital. Thank you for all the good work you do and thanks for taking Aneri with you. The USA needs to hear the stories you tell. Safe travels to you.
May care continue to improve in the Third World!
What you say is startling! I agree that it is not well known. How did it happen? Who is eradicating poverty?
How very encouraging (!!)
And yet, how much there is still to be done - in Appalachia, Houston, and the world.
And yet, how much there is still to be done - in Appalachia, Houston, and the world.
1
It is understandable that for journalists, the constructive developments are not "news" so much as are alarming happenings.
What is not excusable is for the leader of the free world to manipulate peoples' fears because he aggrandizes himself and his agenda by pretending that all is doom and gloom without him.
What is not excusable is for the leader of the free world to manipulate peoples' fears because he aggrandizes himself and his agenda by pretending that all is doom and gloom without him.
1
15 years ago, nearly 100 countries still used lead in their gasoline. Today, 3 do. As a result, 1.2 million fewer premature deaths every year, plus many millions more with higher IQs, better health, and better lives. One of the biggest public health improvements in a generation, yet it's a good news story that is rarely reported.
1
It's a fact of life that news media have to peddle anxiety to get our attention. Thanks for swimming upstream!
To the anxious: turn your back on the news for a week. You'll be amazed how much your life brightens.
To the anxious: turn your back on the news for a week. You'll be amazed how much your life brightens.
1
Accentuate the positive . . . ! Kristoff is a gem. Senator Schumer take note. Negativism is not how to proceed. Participate, be of good will and let others take the low road.
1
Thank you for this.
1
The avg American is clueless and possessed of such ingrained apathy about how great things are here and how tough (very lite word) they are elsewhere.
Imagine if most Americans had to worry about such things as depicted here. Imagine if by next year, life became as difficult here as it is elsewhere.
But wait, there are example here;
Imagine if NY'ers, like those in Flint, had to go out and collect a days supply of water. Couldn't have their doubled-up, 1500 calorie frothy coffee drink always at the ready.
Mull that over...
Imagine if most Americans had to worry about such things as depicted here. Imagine if by next year, life became as difficult here as it is elsewhere.
But wait, there are example here;
Imagine if NY'ers, like those in Flint, had to go out and collect a days supply of water. Couldn't have their doubled-up, 1500 calorie frothy coffee drink always at the ready.
Mull that over...
1
Thank you for this. And your video of Mr. Konah adds a good deal to the story.
Thanks for a such a wonderful piece....just what we all need.
1
FANTASTIC article, sir our world's problems all human made, if do not find a way to solve religion, skin color, the way we look , so forth there will be no peace in our world, we have let the people live the they want to, it is not our like or style but it is good for them, islam can not sleep in the same bed with democracy, we are trying but is not working, so lets respect all the religions, all skin colors and goverinment style, because we have so much real problem in our world, if we do not take care her she is going to leave us
Thank you! Much better than tweets, in so many ways!
3
One of the world's great bearers of such good news, like Nicholas Kristof, was Hans Rosling, who sadly passed away in February this year. Here's a video which those who appreciated this column by Kristof may like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6m81dIF75Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6m81dIF75Q
1
It's good to hear this news BUT it feels like the Trump administration is a drowning ship trying to drown the majority by cutting off healthcare funding.
1
Any yet Kristof would gleefully take electric away from them as it is powered by coal.
And now, Thanks to Trumpcare, we can join the third world and start worrying about whether our children will survive.
4
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for reminding us of the beautiful people in this world.
1
It is refreshing to see an opinion piece that looks at the world without delving too much into the U.S's petulant politics. However, although the facts are positive and the progress made towards eradicating disease encouraging, the conclusions reached seem depressingly panglossian.
It's important that we recognize progress- but the real question is how much could we accomplish if we really tried, and by this measure I fear we fall alarmingly short of anything which calls for celebration or pride.
It's important that we recognize progress- but the real question is how much could we accomplish if we really tried, and by this measure I fear we fall alarmingly short of anything which calls for celebration or pride.
5
a certain credit has to go to china for whom had actually invested enough in africa to actually make it work and bring about the growing middle class there. decades of western help never been able to do such magic.
6
Thanks Mr. Kristof. Sometimes it seems the problems are so daunting that we can't make at dent. Let's all remember to do our part in making things better.
3
You make it sound like the trends are independent of the people making policies. Who people choose as their leaders does make a difference. The successes you describe have a lot to do with what Bill Clinton did as President and even more so with the Clinton Foundation which organized philanthropists like Bill & Melinda Gates and the Buffetts, financiers, CEOs, government leaders and NGOs around principles of sustainable development, women’s rights, conflict resolution, disease eradication, microfinance – and Obama and Jimmy Carter. What these individuals accomplished through their policy-making and orientation that is now having the positive impact you describe is threatened to be reversed by Trump and the Republicans, the right wingers and the Religious Right. Look specifically at family planning, a key factor as you describe in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. And now the gains made to mitigate climate change, which now will unleash untold climate catastrophes that will decimate populations and economies and result in conflict.
10
President George W Bush should be added to your list of those having a huge, positive impact in Africa.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/15/georgebush.usa
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/15/georgebush.usa
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for bringing this good news and these inspiring stories to our attention. Americans, particularly those who haven't traveled to non-industrialized countries, tend to forget that that most people on the planet are focused on feeding their families and staying alive. We need constant reminders to keep our perspective, and I would welcome more in-depth coverage of the lives and accomplishments of the people you introduced us to in this article, and of others like them. The African continent in particular is often portrayed as one big hopeless mess, because as you state, the news highlights the challenges and tends to ignore the many bright spots of resourceful, caring people. Please bring us more of this reporting, and a little less on Trump!
10
This is good news, indeed. A word of warning (unintended consequences?), however: all of these healthy people will need the means to support themselves. If such does not exist where they are, they will migrate to a place which holds the hope of a better future. In some cases this will be a good thing. In others, not so much.
The natural reaction to over-population is never pretty: die-offs can be sudden and devastating. Add a rapidly changing climate and you get conditions for calamity. You could even argue that this process has already started, given the desperation evident in rickety Mediterranean boats.
I don't fear for the future of the planet. It will continue to exist long after our somewhat feeble species either becomes extinct or migrates elsewhere. Until then we will do well by understanding that resources are limited, even if humans have proven remarkably adept at doing more with less.
Still and despite this rather dire picture, there will always be opportunity to promote progress in this world as it is the only one we have. Thanks for bringing us a bit of light.
The natural reaction to over-population is never pretty: die-offs can be sudden and devastating. Add a rapidly changing climate and you get conditions for calamity. You could even argue that this process has already started, given the desperation evident in rickety Mediterranean boats.
I don't fear for the future of the planet. It will continue to exist long after our somewhat feeble species either becomes extinct or migrates elsewhere. Until then we will do well by understanding that resources are limited, even if humans have proven remarkably adept at doing more with less.
Still and despite this rather dire picture, there will always be opportunity to promote progress in this world as it is the only one we have. Thanks for bringing us a bit of light.
3
Did you not read the part where global poverty has dramatically declined? Clearly people are able to support themselves around the world. War is the primary cause of migration today, either because migrants fear for their lives, or because war has destroyed their capacity to do their work.
6
What would be useful, Mr. Kristof, is to understand what's bringing about the good trends you are talking about. Is it the governments in places in Liberia (I know they just elected their first woman president.)? Is it NGOs? Corporations? The Peace Corps? Other foreign aid organizations funded by Western or other governments?
If we had a better understanding of the reasons for positive outcomes, we might be better able to have reasoned debates over issues like the size of government, etc., the role of the private sector, etc.
If we had a better understanding of the reasons for positive outcomes, we might be better able to have reasoned debates over issues like the size of government, etc., the role of the private sector, etc.
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updated 1/16/2006 12:16:41 PM ET
Print Font:
MONROVIA, Liberia — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was sworn in Monday as war-battered Liberia's new president, making history as Africa's first elected female head of state and pledging a "fundamental break" with the West African nation's violent past.
She was elected President 11 YEARS AGO
Print Font:
MONROVIA, Liberia — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was sworn in Monday as war-battered Liberia's new president, making history as Africa's first elected female head of state and pledging a "fundamental break" with the West African nation's violent past.
She was elected President 11 YEARS AGO
1
People are thanking Mr. Kristof for the "good news" and reminding them there is good in the world. Of course there is.
I have to wonder if that is how the German people reacted as their "elected " leader - Hitler - tried to destroy the world. They probably said, "this too shall pass". It did. Is that the "good news"? After all the destruction to property and lives he caused?
WE have an opportunity to stop the destruction of democracy in America and around the world through massive grassroots resistance and action - not by sticking our heads in the sand and looking for the "silver lining behind every cloud".
Are WE going to let The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren destroy America? Not me. Not now. Not ever.
I have to wonder if that is how the German people reacted as their "elected " leader - Hitler - tried to destroy the world. They probably said, "this too shall pass". It did. Is that the "good news"? After all the destruction to property and lives he caused?
WE have an opportunity to stop the destruction of democracy in America and around the world through massive grassroots resistance and action - not by sticking our heads in the sand and looking for the "silver lining behind every cloud".
Are WE going to let The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren destroy America? Not me. Not now. Not ever.
54
I'll join the general choir - thanks, Nick, for picking us up during some long, dark days. Your books, your column, you...always an inspiration and source of important information, accurate reporting, a window onto what's happening in our world that really matters. Thank you.
5
This IS good news. I'll pass this good news on to the millions who are facing starvation and death, from sectarian war. 2017 should be a good year for it.
4
Thanks for the column. The belief that things can only get worse is not just a matter of pessimism: it can also be politically convenient: if any human effort to ameliorate poverty and suffering is doomed than why bother? (And if why bother, why spend any money?) At the same time, we do face a real crisis of a kind we have never faced before: the fact that we are driving our climate off a cliff. Confronting this crisis will require starting to make deep cuts in carbon emissions now and a kind of honesty and leadership utterly lacking in the highest office.
11
Mr Kristoff,
Thank you for being there. I have had not a good day in a long time and was in total despair by the events politically and otherwise. People like you is what the world needs today. Your column is the most uplifting.
Thank you for being there. I have had not a good day in a long time and was in total despair by the events politically and otherwise. People like you is what the world needs today. Your column is the most uplifting.
18
''That’s partly because we journalists have a bias toward bad news: We cover planes that crash, not planes that take off...'' ~ Aye, totally concur.
I love a feel good, populist and popular column Nicholas. Thank you Sir.
I am generally optimistic about our planet and our collective future. ( especially for me kids ). I think there is still time to combat the massive problem of us polluting, warming and killing our planet, our milieu and ultimately, ourselves.
I think we are raising the world population from absolute abject poverty to just poverty. I suppose it is all relative, although I (as do others ) want so much more. I governments around the world worked for all of the people and its citizens, then there would be no need for charity.
There are so many problems that could be easily fixed to save and add to the betterment of lives around the world. ( in particular to pull back from and end wars )
The 1st world is going through somewhat of a civil war within itself. The haves and have nots are battling over what is equitable, as the 3rd world pours into it because of that poverty and of course, because of those ongoing wars.
As soon as we figure out that when you offer a few more pieces of the pie to others, you are not necessarily going to go hungry or without.
You simply don't get to gorge yourself anymore on the majority of the pie, while so many other people have nothing.
A good thing to be sure.
I love a feel good, populist and popular column Nicholas. Thank you Sir.
I am generally optimistic about our planet and our collective future. ( especially for me kids ). I think there is still time to combat the massive problem of us polluting, warming and killing our planet, our milieu and ultimately, ourselves.
I think we are raising the world population from absolute abject poverty to just poverty. I suppose it is all relative, although I (as do others ) want so much more. I governments around the world worked for all of the people and its citizens, then there would be no need for charity.
There are so many problems that could be easily fixed to save and add to the betterment of lives around the world. ( in particular to pull back from and end wars )
The 1st world is going through somewhat of a civil war within itself. The haves and have nots are battling over what is equitable, as the 3rd world pours into it because of that poverty and of course, because of those ongoing wars.
As soon as we figure out that when you offer a few more pieces of the pie to others, you are not necessarily going to go hungry or without.
You simply don't get to gorge yourself anymore on the majority of the pie, while so many other people have nothing.
A good thing to be sure.
13
Very inspiring. Our country should not turn inward and think only of America, but continue to be a force for good in the world. Despite our president, we are still a leader in the world.
14
Are we? When our President pulls out of the Paris Accord and not one of the other 195 signatories follows him, I don't think we are leading anyone. However, that might not be such a bad thing. If we stopped acting as the world police, maybe people who resent us would leave us alone and we could put more of our resources into helping people instead of "defending" ourselves.
If only Trump, Mitchell and Ryan could be inspired by this column. Then there would be better health care, education and equal opportunity for all of the citizens of the United States. But, unfortunately, the only peoples lives that will be enriched in this country are their donors.
What you have reminded me of is there are a lot of individuals doing good work throughout the world, in spite of their governments.
Kudos to all of those selfless people.
What you have reminded me of is there are a lot of individuals doing good work throughout the world, in spite of their governments.
Kudos to all of those selfless people.
11
Does Kristof understand that this isn't somehow an exception to popular narratives but instead is yet another example of the rise of many parts of the world and its correlation to American decline? Trump supporters don't see this story as "good news." They see it as evidence of America's inability to improve quality of life for Americas as other countries do exactly that. This isn't an exception to what they've heard. It's more of the same. Trumpsters are Americans first and human beings second.
4
YES, WORLD POVERTY HAS GONE DOWN, THANKS TO CHINA
http://ablog.typepad.com/keytrendsinglobalisation/2013/11/china-world-po...
after 2005 World poverty rates outside of China have seemingly started to catch up but having worked in international development my whole career I remain a bit skeptical that the West and the countries it dominates have started to get their act together. This article by Professor Krugman is but another example.
http://ablog.typepad.com/keytrendsinglobalisation/2013/11/china-world-po...
after 2005 World poverty rates outside of China have seemingly started to catch up but having worked in international development my whole career I remain a bit skeptical that the West and the countries it dominates have started to get their act together. This article by Professor Krugman is but another example.
2
He didn't say we did it We aren't the center of the universe.
2
Thanks for this column. It would be very interesting to know who or what is behind these changes, e.g. local governments, foreign aid, UN, private philanthropy, etc.
5
Once long ago , a fruit vendor in Greece said to us one morning "The sun is singing and the birds are shinning." Yes, its true. . Thank you for your article.
7
Glad there is improvement in third world countries because the US is going to be one relatively soon. Our poverty rates will go up, healthcare coverage will go down and family planning could be a distant memory unless we do something to thwart the current administration.
22
The rate of decrease is mostly due to China, as well as the basic numbers, (since 2005) otherwise, rates may be going down up or are flat. https://ourworldindata.org/the-global-decline-of-extreme-poverty-was-it-.... In terms of disease, mostly true.
4
Interesting point Mr. Kristof, it's nice to know that the world is doing better. It makes one wonder though about our own nation. With 43% of American children (under the age of six) now living in poverty and insured through Medicaid (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2015/104.pdf), the world poverty seems to have come home to roost. As a nation, we should feel ashamed about our poverty. It should be the focus of newspaper columns but no one wants to hear about it. No one wants to feel shame and it will take a very brave person to address it.
Our nation needs to find a balance between the young and poor vs the old and wealthy. A balance that allows everyone to prosper in a dignified manner. Instead, wealthy people control the conversations and refuse to talk about a wealth tax (vs constant income taxes) and and the scope of the newspaper "narratives" become extremely limited. It is all about race and rarely about class warfare.
Our nation needs to find a balance between the young and poor vs the old and wealthy. A balance that allows everyone to prosper in a dignified manner. Instead, wealthy people control the conversations and refuse to talk about a wealth tax (vs constant income taxes) and and the scope of the newspaper "narratives" become extremely limited. It is all about race and rarely about class warfare.
22
Devolution appears to be the objective of Republican public policy in the US.
This man's foreign travels are evidently suppose to evoke exaltation or chagrin on demand, depending on the day of the week.
Vicarious tourism won't offer catharsis to most Americans, because not everyone is rich enough to be immune from public policy in his or her own country. Mr. Kristof, who's done his part to impoverish Americans (only look at the candidates he supports and policies he's promoted), might want to stay home a while and consider that life isn't a theatrical presentation to be reviewed by-weekly from the comfort of a five star hotel.
Vicarious tourism won't offer catharsis to most Americans, because not everyone is rich enough to be immune from public policy in his or her own country. Mr. Kristof, who's done his part to impoverish Americans (only look at the candidates he supports and policies he's promoted), might want to stay home a while and consider that life isn't a theatrical presentation to be reviewed by-weekly from the comfort of a five star hotel.
8
Considering that you apparently, therefore, support people who are trying to endanger people's lives by taking away their access to health care, you might open your mind to consider that Mr Kristof has been an active fighter for these people. Read his books sometime.
14
@Reva Cooper
Kristof supports candidates who *oppose* universal health care, and ridicules candidates who support it. That some active fighter for health care.
Kristof supports candidates who *oppose* universal health care, and ridicules candidates who support it. That some active fighter for health care.
4
Did you miss the June 29 column where Kristof said "We need universal health care?"
For once, a Kristof column that rescues us from despair. Two related questions: How will Trumpism's withdrawal from global involvement affect the fate of the least fortunate? How much progress happens because of the work of private foundations and volunteers vs. government?
7
Republicans have withdrawn US support for the reduction of birth rates that should go hand in hand with advances in health care and longevity.
1
Nicolas, you are simply the best voice of journalism today. In the grander scheme of things, you focus a light on the scheme of things that truly matter-- poverty, trafficking, the climate, social justice. This is critically important in a day and time that sends us needlessly watching the smallness and minutiae of our leaders tweeted out to millions as if this truly signaled significance. Absolutely inspiring coverage of the world that matters.
10
Thank you for this! What a joy it is to read about solutions rather than accusations in the NYT. How can I help?
8
You learn something new every day and this article doesn't disappoint. Thank you for bringing these stories to light with such compassion and for letting us know that despite the efforts of the crowd in Washington to rein in spending on global issues, things continue to improve.
8
Al this tells me there is a lot to do. This new human potential needs to be handled and managed in the best way so we are not guided only by the appealing attractiveness of power that only serves to self-aggrandizement. The potential is maybe in the capacity of looking at the world as silently escaping the binary opposition of developed, and under-developed, and getting a clearer sense of what it would mean to become a forger of the future. What happens today and in the following years in Africa matters to the future of Humanity. Above anything, I see a moment of handling opportunities in the building of partnerships between globally-minded companies, and locals. These will provide incredible occasions for getting a sense of an enlarged reality. We are probably not far from the moment where plans for the construction of infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and also for preparing land for agricultural needs, could become an opportunity, not only for the African population, but for the first world to build up a sense of responsible participation. We are probably speaking about a moment where we should learn how to handle new opportunities. Africa's population is not a problem but rather an opportunity. Being globally-minded is about seeing the reality of the bigger picture. Thank you for capturing and transmitting to us this new sense of realism.
3
The real issue then becomes, how will the world feed clothe and house those who are living?
4
Purely informational: 1) :Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is less contagious than widely believed. 2) People with Hansen's disease usually lose their fingers and toes because they develop peripheral neuropathy (similar to that caused by diabetes), a numbing of the fingers and toes, so they do not feel pain in those extremities, and therefore have a hard time adequately caring for new injuries and wounds, since the pain is not there to remind them. They may sustain injuries without even realizing it. The result can be infection leading to loss of the body part. The disease itself does not directly cause these losses. I just thought I'd clear up some common misconceptions!
6
Thank you NIcholas Kristoff.....for writing this article.....for inspiration it gives.
When most current news is about how we are gripped in the darkness of
the downward crush of our democracy...by a dysfunctional Congress and
a US President who is unfit to govern...who is in my view and in the view of
top psychiatrists too afflicted by a psychological disorder to be President.
But ...I think we all need to read messages like yours Nicholas ....you gave us
hope for our own future....keep up the good work....
When most current news is about how we are gripped in the darkness of
the downward crush of our democracy...by a dysfunctional Congress and
a US President who is unfit to govern...who is in my view and in the view of
top psychiatrists too afflicted by a psychological disorder to be President.
But ...I think we all need to read messages like yours Nicholas ....you gave us
hope for our own future....keep up the good work....
3
Nick Kristof - a genuine humanitarian, a true liberal, a real journalist, the very best of NYT, the very best of America, who always provides an important, informative, empathetic and textured perspective of our world and our humanity. A truly wonderful article.
10
I'll add my "thank you" for this article. So much of our news today is about cruelty, thoughtlessness, and political maneuvering that an article like this brings us back to basics. As a former Peace Corps volunteer (Colombia, 1964-1966) I recommend to all of us the kind of empathy and understanding that Kristof brings with articles like this.
12
Thank you for this. Wonderful break from despair and fear, and a reminder that there are good people out there quietly making the world better, including people of faith, like the missionary in the story. As a liberal Christian, I too often cringe at the notion that all Christians are right-wing, pro-war, anti-poor, etc. I appreciate the reminder that we shouldn't all be stereotyped along with the extremists. I know many compassionate, progressive, liberal Christians but somehow they don't make the news as they quietly serve.
29
Thank you for the happy news as we start the Independence day weekend. God bless you and the aid workers, religious or otherwise.
12
Once again, Nicholas Kristof has brought a story that few other journalists cover. And globally, it is indeed a hopeful one. As the Gates Foundation has noted, world poverty is on the decline and there is every reason to expect that peoples around the world will continue to see their lives improve year upon year.
But I am also reminded of the so-called 'elephant curve,' showing the percentage increase in per capital household income by income percentile. For those below the median historically, the past few decades have seen significant improvement, pulling people out of abject poverty. That's the story of this column, and one that we need to rightly celebrate. But at the other end of the curve -- the trunk -- the world's fortunate 1%, the same has been true: this group has seen meteoric increases in their wealth. That's a story we should rightly condemn. In the middle, those at roughly the 80th percentile have seen little improvement in their economic situation since 1980. Are those people of the US and Europe better off than those emerging from poverty elsewhere? Unquestionably. But when people see themselves as making little or no progress, they find it hard to celebrate those who are, even when their lives are immeasurably better than those who have only a little more than they had previously. And this helps to explain the rise of Trump, Le Pen, Wilders, and all the other populists in the first world. Until we resolve this economic issue, we will continue to see them.
But I am also reminded of the so-called 'elephant curve,' showing the percentage increase in per capital household income by income percentile. For those below the median historically, the past few decades have seen significant improvement, pulling people out of abject poverty. That's the story of this column, and one that we need to rightly celebrate. But at the other end of the curve -- the trunk -- the world's fortunate 1%, the same has been true: this group has seen meteoric increases in their wealth. That's a story we should rightly condemn. In the middle, those at roughly the 80th percentile have seen little improvement in their economic situation since 1980. Are those people of the US and Europe better off than those emerging from poverty elsewhere? Unquestionably. But when people see themselves as making little or no progress, they find it hard to celebrate those who are, even when their lives are immeasurably better than those who have only a little more than they had previously. And this helps to explain the rise of Trump, Le Pen, Wilders, and all the other populists in the first world. Until we resolve this economic issue, we will continue to see them.
13
Wonderful article in so many respect, but wrong in its conclusions. The world is not becoming a better place. The world is what it is and has always been: a place for human beings to exercise their freedom for good and evil. The only thing that has changed is the the level of power that comes with greater knowledge about how natural systems work. Greater power can be used to achieve good ends or bad ends, depending on whether the people who make use of it are loving and compassionate or greedy and narcissistic. There is no such thing as guaranteed progress. Believing there is has led humanity into a kind of power intoxication. Not a wise thing, given that the old adage remains true: power corrupts. So by all means praise good people for the good they do. We need those stories, especially given a celebrity culture that celebrates beauty over goodness, wealth over compassionate sharing, and power over everything else. But don't tell us that the world is guaranteed to slowly grow better and better. Do that and the excesses of power will never be curbed.
7
I did not see in the article a guarantee of progress, but I did see a clarion call for all of us to call upon our better selves to help our neighbors whether volunteering or voting for better schools and better health care in our own "neighborhood" and of course, to the extent we can to share as the poor widow in the gospel shared her small coin. The spiritual rewards of volunteering are immense and can be garnered by all of us.
12
Thank you Nicholas for bringing tears of joy to my eyes with this column. This is just the tonic I needed to start my day.
You are a beacon of empathy, which is an emotion required for a human being to fully achieve social nourishment. This is one form of starvation that does not seem to be declining in the world.
Too many of the empathy deprived are forcing their blindness on the world and we need to think of this condition as the pathology it is and start looking for a cure.
You are a beacon of empathy, which is an emotion required for a human being to fully achieve social nourishment. This is one form of starvation that does not seem to be declining in the world.
Too many of the empathy deprived are forcing their blindness on the world and we need to think of this condition as the pathology it is and start looking for a cure.
12
All over the world there are many individuals, locals or expats, as well as major humanitarian, healthcare, environmental, research and educational organizations that are non-religious or not sponsored by religious groups and who work tirelessly to find cures (leprosy, TB, polio, cholera, Dengue, malaria, AIDS, Ebola etc..) and distribute treatments, to help address food security in areas of conflicts or where food production is hampered by more frequent climate variability and disasters, to address sustainable development, restauration of degraded lands and degraded ecosystems, to address human rights, women empowerment, education etc. They are driven by the understanding that we are one community on this planet and that the earth that nourishes us must also be nurtured. They understand that every child who receives love and adequate nutrients grows a healthy brain that can learn better, every family who has access to education and healthcare become positive contributor to their community, ecosystems that are restored gradually return to provide services such as richer soils, less erosion, better agricultural production, less catastrophic flooding or drought etc. Workers for humanity are driven by the same fundamental universal principles that know no religious or national borders. Yet the resources they have is a fraction of the budget of just one American university, and less than the yearly budget to transport trump and family to mar a largo or any other trump golf club
14
i HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHY THESE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS ARE NOT THE MOST CELEBRATED AND REVERED INDIVIDUALS, EXCEPT THAT I HAVE ALSO ALWAYS KNOWN THE ANSWER, THEY ARE MOTIVATED BY THE IDEA OF A BETTER WORLD FOR ALL PEOPLE, WHILE THOSE THAT CONTROL THE MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ARE MOTIVATED BY GREED, AND THEREFORE ELEVATE THEIR OWN KIND AS THOSE THAT SHOULD BE EMULATED, GREED OVER PEOPLE, THE REAL NAME AND REASON FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
8
I read in the Times that our Oval Office Occupant is ranting about "fake news media" and how they are trying to do him in. He really does not have to worry about the "fake news media", but he should be concerned, VERY concerned, about the REAL news media. By the simple task of reporting what he does, what he thinks -if that is possible - and what he says, he will do himself in. Because he is President and they are not, as he remarked. A great deal more leadership is expected of him than is expected from the real media. and he is not equipped to render such leadership. Unfortunately for America.
16
Thanks for this Mr. Kristof! (But of course we need to to more)
6
I needed this. Thanks !
6
Also in this context, it is worth considering that when our trade policies provide some advantages to developing nations, the lives of the people of these nations are improved economically.
7
Well said, as now we are able to prevent many diseases that, in the past, caused much despair and early death. Just a factoid I thought ought to be mentioned about leprosy. Although you may find that there are missing fingers and toes if, by virtue of lack of nerves (feeling), rats may chew on them at will, the fact in most cases where 'you' can't find the tips of fingers and/or toes is due to absorption of the bone(s). Incidentally, as medical students in the 1960's, our class spent one month in a leprosy colony, so had the direct experience of recognizing the tiny remnants of stubby nails in foreshortened fingers. ..and not fingers that fell off.
4
: If I may add to your explanation, regarding the main cause for the loss of fingers. It is due to the nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, hand muscles paralysis and problems with the bloods vessels. One mechanism (there are several) for the loss of fingers (or foot, or leg) in leprosy, is due to a combination of resulting imbalance of muscle action, therefore the hand contact and pressure around the handle of an object such as a tool for example, is no longer evenly distributed. The increased pressure in some areas of the hand is not felt due to loss of sensation, therefore the skin and tissue trapped between that area of pressure and the hand bones remain for a critical period of time where it does not receive blood nutrients and oxygen and the cells begin to "die" (just like in bed sores). Because there is no pain, the person may not notice and may continue to work with the tool. If not attended, the area of pressure then become a wound, which then can become infected, and if not attended the infection can deepen and eat away skin, bone etc.., and gangrene can develop and amputation be necessary to save the limb. This is preventable if the patient has access to early treatment and is provided with information on how to prevent those secondary complications.
6
Thank you, Mr. Kristoff, for putting things in perspective. Our problems here in the U.S. are temporary and we will resolve them in time, while the world marches on.
11
How unimportant the important are, and how important the unimportant are.
59
How happy my heart was to hear the world's amazing good news. And how generous of you to share this great earth with such inspiring young people. You get my Nobel Peace Prize!
Nick Kristof, the NYT writer with, not just a job or a "beat," but a vocation. It is to show us what humanism would be if more than a few embodied it, what Christianity would be if anyone listened to Jesus, what our species would be if guided by the better angels of our nature.
175
My first reaction to this was to think back to high school and of Dr. Pangloss, the eternal foolish optimist, satirized in Voltaire's Candide
http://www.shmoop.com/candide/dr-pangloss.html
But upon a second reading of the op-ed and especially the end:
So let’s pause from our pessimism for a nanosecond of celebration about a world that is actually getting better. The most important historical force in the world today is not President Trump, and it’s not terrorists. Rather, it’s the stunning gains on our watch against extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease; it’s all those 12-year-olds out there who never catch leprosy and instead go to school."
I decided to give Mr. Kristof the benefit of doubt. Indeed what he describes is good news and it is also good that there is a journalist who will search it out. Last week Mr. Kristof wrote about public officials being paid based on their success. I commented that in that case journalists should be paid also by their success. Today Mr. Kristof certainly earned his salary.
http://www.shmoop.com/candide/dr-pangloss.html
But upon a second reading of the op-ed and especially the end:
So let’s pause from our pessimism for a nanosecond of celebration about a world that is actually getting better. The most important historical force in the world today is not President Trump, and it’s not terrorists. Rather, it’s the stunning gains on our watch against extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease; it’s all those 12-year-olds out there who never catch leprosy and instead go to school."
I decided to give Mr. Kristof the benefit of doubt. Indeed what he describes is good news and it is also good that there is a journalist who will search it out. Last week Mr. Kristof wrote about public officials being paid based on their success. I commented that in that case journalists should be paid also by their success. Today Mr. Kristof certainly earned his salary.
78
Good to hear that humanity, rather than being on the very knife-edge of extinction, actually isn't doing too badly. We should thank Nick for the good news, which certainly is welcome.
But is it just me, or is Kristof the clearest example of bipolar disorder in journalism today?
But is it just me, or is Kristof the clearest example of bipolar disorder in journalism today?
6
Not at all Richard. The potential for President Trump, terrorists, or North Korea to do great harm is still a concern, as Mr. Kristof notes early in his article.
However, there is so much good going on that it may well swamp the bad, except in the unlikely event of an existential crisis that emerges from the potential of the bad. There is momentum toward the good in much of the world today because of greater and greater access to education and health care, among other things. It is just a question if that momentum has enough inertia to overcome the potential countervailing forces that are also at work.
However, there is so much good going on that it may well swamp the bad, except in the unlikely event of an existential crisis that emerges from the potential of the bad. There is momentum toward the good in much of the world today because of greater and greater access to education and health care, among other things. It is just a question if that momentum has enough inertia to overcome the potential countervailing forces that are also at work.
42
Richard:
It is better than a dysfunctional unipolar state. Not many serious reporters can be accused of Pollyanna Syndrome. Mr. Kristoff ticks most of the boxes for "good reporter syndrome": http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/opinion/03pubed.html .
It is better than a dysfunctional unipolar state. Not many serious reporters can be accused of Pollyanna Syndrome. Mr. Kristoff ticks most of the boxes for "good reporter syndrome": http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/opinion/03pubed.html .
1
Daniel:
There is movement in the world today toward sustainable existence for billions beyond the mere bare sufficiency that Nick acknowledges has been our lot as a species for all of our existence but for the past few decades -- not merely because of greater access to healthcare and education, but because notions of markets and commerce that we and the Brits introduced to the world over 250 years ago have basically won. Since the advent of capitalism, even in its less barbaric forms, more people have been pulled from that bare sufficiency than by any other force in the history of humanity.
Yet I can reliably predict that Nick's next column likely will highlight how, despite the encouraging statistics he reports in this one, some aspect of Life, the Universe and Everything is degenerating into a chaos that can only be addressed by ever-higher taxes and attention applied to the detriment of all other priorities. To, me that's a form of bipolar disorder.
There is movement in the world today toward sustainable existence for billions beyond the mere bare sufficiency that Nick acknowledges has been our lot as a species for all of our existence but for the past few decades -- not merely because of greater access to healthcare and education, but because notions of markets and commerce that we and the Brits introduced to the world over 250 years ago have basically won. Since the advent of capitalism, even in its less barbaric forms, more people have been pulled from that bare sufficiency than by any other force in the history of humanity.
Yet I can reliably predict that Nick's next column likely will highlight how, despite the encouraging statistics he reports in this one, some aspect of Life, the Universe and Everything is degenerating into a chaos that can only be addressed by ever-higher taxes and attention applied to the detriment of all other priorities. To, me that's a form of bipolar disorder.
1
Thank you Mr. Kristof for trying to steer us in a more positive direction. We should all be more aware of how really fortunate our lives are here in the U.S. People with so little in other parts of the world have much fuller lives in many ways. They are to be truly admired.
10
Everything Nicholas Kristof says is true except:
Africa is undergoing a population boom, mainly due to the improved survival of children and better health of mothers. This boom threatens the ecology, and the political, social and economic fabric these societies. When I say boom, I mean doubling of national populations in a generation. Nigeria is approaching 200 million people. Projections are that the country will have 500 million before it begins to stabilize. That is a catastrophic scenario which will fuel malnutrition, political repression, tribal warfare, domestic violence and the ongoing refugee crisis which should get worse before it ever gets better.
Africa and the entire developing world are experiencing an unemployment crisis of monumental proportions. Youth unemployment, unemployment for college graduates and professionals in general is being fed by massive population growth on the one hand and the huge transition labor substitution in the global economy. It is hard to see a viable development path for Africa and other developing regions when employment in manufacturing, agriculture and now service occupations are being mechanized and automated out of existence.
Africa is undergoing a population boom, mainly due to the improved survival of children and better health of mothers. This boom threatens the ecology, and the political, social and economic fabric these societies. When I say boom, I mean doubling of national populations in a generation. Nigeria is approaching 200 million people. Projections are that the country will have 500 million before it begins to stabilize. That is a catastrophic scenario which will fuel malnutrition, political repression, tribal warfare, domestic violence and the ongoing refugee crisis which should get worse before it ever gets better.
Africa and the entire developing world are experiencing an unemployment crisis of monumental proportions. Youth unemployment, unemployment for college graduates and professionals in general is being fed by massive population growth on the one hand and the huge transition labor substitution in the global economy. It is hard to see a viable development path for Africa and other developing regions when employment in manufacturing, agriculture and now service occupations are being mechanized and automated out of existence.
33
And yet the Republicans, conservatives, and many so-called Christians try to restrict not just access to abortion but to birth control and family planning. This is absolutely Criminal. If people cannot plan their families this Earth will not support the huge increases in population. Just as a reminder, please let us not forget the people in Yemen and South Sudan who are facing famine. Do whatever you can, even a small donation or a letter to your congressperson to help these desperate people. And protest continuing to sell arms to the Saudis who are responsible in large part for the horror in Yemen.
There's only one approach to this problem: lowering the birthrate by making contraceptives available and removing social stigma from their use. There are NGO's working on this as well as on the myriad other problems Africa is facing while it tries to transition into the modern world while partly hampered by mindsets of a previous time, and very hampered by natural disasters, above all lack of water. Of course it made sense for a Nigerian woman to have eight children given the probability that many of them would die young - it used to be the same in Europe long ago. Contraceptives will eventually catch on and accompany childhood survival rates.
I cannot share the author’s optimism. Here some reasons. There are two recent articles by Marsh and Linden in the NYT that present very strong arguments about the problem of overpopulation in Africa and in other places. (See https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/15/opinion/sunday/remember-the-populatio... also https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/opinion/a-fierce-famine-stalks-africa... and https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/world/asia/chinas-appetite-pushes-fis...
The situation in South Sudan is as bad as it was several months ago and the UN is limiting its peace keeping forces because of a lack of funds. A very serious and horrible situation is developing now in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All of this is exacerbated by climate change, depletion of ocean resources, frequent and intense droughts, erosion of arable land, deforestation, a surge in religious fanaticism, and hyper-consumption in the the rich countries. And of course, we have Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin.
Are you still optimistic?
The situation in South Sudan is as bad as it was several months ago and the UN is limiting its peace keeping forces because of a lack of funds. A very serious and horrible situation is developing now in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All of this is exacerbated by climate change, depletion of ocean resources, frequent and intense droughts, erosion of arable land, deforestation, a surge in religious fanaticism, and hyper-consumption in the the rich countries. And of course, we have Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin.
Are you still optimistic?
16
J. Parula---the answer is NO. Nicholas' data are correct. His conclusion is not, far too pollyannaish. All those people being 'saved' have bleak futures, indeed.
Further, India is about to pass China in population. And China has rescinded its draconian 'one child' policy which led to a dearth of females for Chinese men to marry, hence they are scouring SE Asia and Eastern Russia and Mongolia for wives. And that means that more Chinese will be born in the coming years. Those two countries alone will have over 2.4 billion people. BILLION!!
Meanwhile, the West (which is not replacing itself) is under great pressure from the 65 million people who are 'on the move'. The larger Middle East, all of Africa, and South America have large populations in misery who are trying to find a relatively safe place to live their lives. The stress is palpable and undeniable. We do not have real policy solutions, hence Brexit, Trump, et. al. (Trump not supporting birth control in Africa is insane.)
Further, India is about to pass China in population. And China has rescinded its draconian 'one child' policy which led to a dearth of females for Chinese men to marry, hence they are scouring SE Asia and Eastern Russia and Mongolia for wives. And that means that more Chinese will be born in the coming years. Those two countries alone will have over 2.4 billion people. BILLION!!
Meanwhile, the West (which is not replacing itself) is under great pressure from the 65 million people who are 'on the move'. The larger Middle East, all of Africa, and South America have large populations in misery who are trying to find a relatively safe place to live their lives. The stress is palpable and undeniable. We do not have real policy solutions, hence Brexit, Trump, et. al. (Trump not supporting birth control in Africa is insane.)
1
Superb work as always by Nicholas Kristof, and cheering. What gets some of us down here at home in the good old USA is the startling contrast between what is possible -- in a progressive direction -- and the intransigence that persists in the political leadership. Example: the proposed health care bill, which if enacted goes backward, depriving many millions of something precious they already have, and transferring wealth from the poorest to the richest in this land of abundance.
8
It is so refreshing to be reminded of what is good in this world. Most days I hate to listen to news for all the negativity and rhetoric. I look for the good news wherever I can find it.The world is not perfect and we still have so much to do, sofar to go, but just look at how far we have already come.
Thank you for your insight.
Thank you for your insight.
8
It's humbling to see people do so much with so little. And it makes one realize how wasteful we are, both with our resources and our people's talents.
6
what a wonderful column. thank you Mr. Kristof. it is a nice start for the 4th of July weekend. yes resiliency in humans never ceases to amaze, even today. we have it so good here, there is just no comparison.
7
Great, great column, Nick. Thank you!
5
Thank you. What's the best way to help??? You are there, please let us know. And, keep it up, you are truly someone I admire.
10
A much better way to end my day that reading about Trump's latest tweet. There really are many more glorious people in the world than not. Thank you, Mr. Kristof.
7
Mr. Kristof, frankly I do not care about what a wonderful world it is right now when America is being destroyed from the inside.
4
No, I am happy to hear of gains such as these. I just fear we are sliding backward while these nations are improving
1
But this is kind of the problem, isn't it? I mean, you may feel that Trump is destroying America, but Trump feels the exact same thing you just expressed - except of course he thinks it's liberals and their policies who are destroying America from the inside. We shouldn't want to "Make America Selfish Again".
1
As the world gains health care and emerges out of poverty, we have a one party rule in America determined to take away health care and pushing us further into poverty by transferring even more wealth to the ultra-wealthy. Making all other countries great again, except for America.
The world laughs in astonishment at us for having CHOSEN the current downward path we are on now. That nanosecond is all too short!
The world laughs in astonishment at us for having CHOSEN the current downward path we are on now. That nanosecond is all too short!
11
Yes, and WE are the lucky ones who get to pay for it all with OUR taxpayer/401K/consumer dollars and children/grandchildren's lives.
How stupid are we?
How stupid are we?
3
@NJGLEA: When people are healthy, well-nourished and feel safe, they are less likely to invade or attack others. That should keep your children/grandchildren safe.
Life isn't all about money. Try humanity. It may make you feel better.
Life isn't all about money. Try humanity. It may make you feel better.
2
It is helpful to be reminded that our collective American problems are just a small part of what is going on in the world. I am humbled by this column. There people out there working in their own countries and in other countries to make life better and their work is making a difference.
It doesn't mean that the U.S. problems are insignificant, but it helps to see there are positive changes taking place in the world. Thank you.
It doesn't mean that the U.S. problems are insignificant, but it helps to see there are positive changes taking place in the world. Thank you.
26
Yes, we agree with your headline, also because starting 2017 Colombia's FARC is not a guerrilla group anymore. In addition the consumption of tobacco is going down in many countries, specially in the young segment of the market. And we are hopeful that the head of the Venezuelan government will accept the People's request for free presidential elections ASAP. In the land of Simón Bolívar he cannot behave like Stalin.
11
I will be very frank. When I see video of someone like Fanha Konah or meet someone who has overcome great odds, I feel ashamed. Of myself for not doing more with the opportunities and gifts available. Too much of the time, we often let ourselves be disappointed by what we don't have.
By extension, I feel a sense of shame for our society, too, where so many people seem to be spoiled, lacking in desire to do useful work or dedicate themselves to something that could be of service to those around them. Or even, for that matter, just the dedication to take charge of their lives and keep plugging in the direction of whatever modest accomplishment they might achieve, like caring for their own family.
We are losing the work ethic. Some of this can be traced to the fact that a few get wealthy beyond the wildest dreams while so many others try to get by on little more than minimum wage. Another factor is the belief, sometimes correct, that one's work and dedication will never be met with a commensurate reward in a society where the greed is celebrated.
There is, indeed, too much negativity in news, but planes that take off and land safely are, indeed, part of the story of human progress. In almost all of our lives, there is possibility waiting to be discovered and fully realized. I will go to sleep tonight thinking of Fanha Konah and hope that whatever I have mastered in life does, in fact, represent a useful contribution. I am fully satisfied that I have made the effort.
By extension, I feel a sense of shame for our society, too, where so many people seem to be spoiled, lacking in desire to do useful work or dedicate themselves to something that could be of service to those around them. Or even, for that matter, just the dedication to take charge of their lives and keep plugging in the direction of whatever modest accomplishment they might achieve, like caring for their own family.
We are losing the work ethic. Some of this can be traced to the fact that a few get wealthy beyond the wildest dreams while so many others try to get by on little more than minimum wage. Another factor is the belief, sometimes correct, that one's work and dedication will never be met with a commensurate reward in a society where the greed is celebrated.
There is, indeed, too much negativity in news, but planes that take off and land safely are, indeed, part of the story of human progress. In almost all of our lives, there is possibility waiting to be discovered and fully realized. I will go to sleep tonight thinking of Fanha Konah and hope that whatever I have mastered in life does, in fact, represent a useful contribution. I am fully satisfied that I have made the effort.
17
Thank you Señor Kristof:
Let me add another extraordinary development: Colombia's Peace Process ending one of the world's most protracted internal armed conflicts. Since the 1940s, we have witnessed over a half a million deaths. Just since 1985, there have been 8 million people displaced from their lands and homes because of the war. The peace accord provides for reparations for these and other victims of the war.
The Peace Process, negotiated over four years in Havana with the help of Norway, Cuba, Venezuela and Chile, and with the direct participation of the United States, is a model for how to seek a negotiated settlement to an internal armed conflict. There are lessons here for such protracted conflicts as Israel-Palestine and Kashmir.
Earlier this week, the country's largest guerrilla movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, handed in the last of their arms to a United Nations Verification Commission. The arms will be melted down and turned into three sculptures commemorating the accords to be placed at the UN in New York, Bogotá and Havana.
Implementing the accords is proving to be a challenge. 70 years of hatred and warfare are not erased overnight. Yet Colombia's peace process is still a beacon in a world seemingly overwhelmed with environmental degradation, terrorism, rising authoritarianism and growing inequality.
Journalists should be educators as well as reporters. You Señor Kristof are one of the few journalists who meets this standard.
Let me add another extraordinary development: Colombia's Peace Process ending one of the world's most protracted internal armed conflicts. Since the 1940s, we have witnessed over a half a million deaths. Just since 1985, there have been 8 million people displaced from their lands and homes because of the war. The peace accord provides for reparations for these and other victims of the war.
The Peace Process, negotiated over four years in Havana with the help of Norway, Cuba, Venezuela and Chile, and with the direct participation of the United States, is a model for how to seek a negotiated settlement to an internal armed conflict. There are lessons here for such protracted conflicts as Israel-Palestine and Kashmir.
Earlier this week, the country's largest guerrilla movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, handed in the last of their arms to a United Nations Verification Commission. The arms will be melted down and turned into three sculptures commemorating the accords to be placed at the UN in New York, Bogotá and Havana.
Implementing the accords is proving to be a challenge. 70 years of hatred and warfare are not erased overnight. Yet Colombia's peace process is still a beacon in a world seemingly overwhelmed with environmental degradation, terrorism, rising authoritarianism and growing inequality.
Journalists should be educators as well as reporters. You Señor Kristof are one of the few journalists who meets this standard.
159
Thank you for this positive news!
3
Thank you so much for this education. Our despondency can cripple us. Sent to all the young people in our family. Keep up the good work. Maybe a monthly column that highlights the gains in our world.
10
The people are stronger than the president.
Never forget this.
Community leaders, first responders, RNs MDs, teachers etc are more influential than the Prez.
Do not underestimate ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Never forget this.
Community leaders, first responders, RNs MDs, teachers etc are more influential than the Prez.
Do not underestimate ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
46
This is very encouraging and I am so happy that some ancient and terrible diseases are being eradicated. But the news here in the US is so depressing - we are greeted daily with the humiliating behavior and forceful and destructive decrees of the disgraceful commander in chief. He and his enablers have done so much to reduce this once-respected country I feel like sending the Statue of Liberty back to the French but first erasing the comforting, welcoming words of Emma Lazarus.
11
Thank you. I loved this story of hope and success.
3
The Statue of Liberty was presented as a gift to the United States, not to Donald Trump. Let's concentrate on keeping the former and sending the latter packing.
4
Nicholas, I so look forward to your column twice a week. This one is such an uplifting sharing of "good news" for those who face challenges many of us can never image. How fortunate for the intern to share with a seasoned journalist exciting progress being made on the other side of the world. It is nice to go to bed tonight reflecting on a positive note.
7
Seems it helps when there are good people who are inspired to help others suffering, and the success of medical workers & researchers is miraculous & inspiring.
And then there are those who would blame suffering on the sufferers, those who have immense power to deprive & deny, & despite suffering themselves from deprivation & disease & benefiting from support from others in their own past, are determined to devote themselves to the denial of help to those hurting most.
So this glad news of the lessening of suffering in grim parts of the planet long beset with deprivation & disease throws into greater contrast the dark reality that at this moment, on our side of the world, there also exists Mitch McConnell.
Thank you for your superb work Mr. Kristof.
And then there are those who would blame suffering on the sufferers, those who have immense power to deprive & deny, & despite suffering themselves from deprivation & disease & benefiting from support from others in their own past, are determined to devote themselves to the denial of help to those hurting most.
So this glad news of the lessening of suffering in grim parts of the planet long beset with deprivation & disease throws into greater contrast the dark reality that at this moment, on our side of the world, there also exists Mitch McConnell.
Thank you for your superb work Mr. Kristof.
9
Thank you for giving up a bigger picture - we all, including your newspaper - give too much attention to Trump's tweets. A lot is happening, both good and terrible, while we react to distractions.
9
Thanks for uplifting news. We need this so much. And as you stated, if we work so hard helping with poverty issues and only hear the negatives it's very easy to give up.
I enjoy your columns and your sensible attitude towards embarrassing times in our country.
I enjoy your columns and your sensible attitude towards embarrassing times in our country.
14
I very much appreciate my brief visit in this column to somewhere far away from Trumpistan. I'm happy to be reminded that all around the world people still care about each other. It actually reminded me that in addition to the liberal political causes/organizations to which I give money, I also support a child in India and contribute to environmental and wildlife groups.
I have been so caught up in Trump's Twitter wars that I had forgotten. Thanks, Mr. Kristof, for reminding me that the world is much, much bigger than Mr. Stubby Hands.
I have been so caught up in Trump's Twitter wars that I had forgotten. Thanks, Mr. Kristof, for reminding me that the world is much, much bigger than Mr. Stubby Hands.
17
I just came home from a town fair and read this article. Both are wonderful reminders of the resiliency and perseverance that humans are capable of. At the same time, what a shame that a boy with the talent to figure out how to make an electrical fan out of cardboard is not getting the education he needs to be able to do truly great things for his culture.
9
Thanks. Beautiful
6
It is comforting to read about improvements in the care of humans and the reduction of poverty.
But there is a far greater problem brewing which the increased livelihood of people only exacerbates. In the early part of the 19th century world population first reached 1 billion people. That was only 100 years ago. Today it is over 7 billion. Over a 6 billion increase in 100 years!
How many people can the world sustain? 14 billion? 20 billion? Some believe we may already have more than our earth can support. We are destroying our forests, polluting our oceans and atmosphere.
A day or reckoning is coming and it isn't very many generations away. There will be calamity beyond anything Earth has yet experienced.
Forgive me for not being more elated at the improvements discussed here.
But there is a far greater problem brewing which the increased livelihood of people only exacerbates. In the early part of the 19th century world population first reached 1 billion people. That was only 100 years ago. Today it is over 7 billion. Over a 6 billion increase in 100 years!
How many people can the world sustain? 14 billion? 20 billion? Some believe we may already have more than our earth can support. We are destroying our forests, polluting our oceans and atmosphere.
A day or reckoning is coming and it isn't very many generations away. There will be calamity beyond anything Earth has yet experienced.
Forgive me for not being more elated at the improvements discussed here.
13
These are inspirational stories and people, and it is a good reminder of how courageous and generous many are.
I once attended a banquet at the Carter Center, and Pres. and Mrs. Carter told stories of how their foundation had helped Africans in very simple ways but eradicating major diseases on a large scale. They are people who used the presidency as a power for good.
Medical research has made extraordinary progress across the past few decades, and the researchers, doctors, nurses, and other personnel are owed special thanks and appreciation for their dedication (even when Trump wants to slash the budget of the NIH and the CDC). Hopefully good people will fight back against the barbarians among us.
I once attended a banquet at the Carter Center, and Pres. and Mrs. Carter told stories of how their foundation had helped Africans in very simple ways but eradicating major diseases on a large scale. They are people who used the presidency as a power for good.
Medical research has made extraordinary progress across the past few decades, and the researchers, doctors, nurses, and other personnel are owed special thanks and appreciation for their dedication (even when Trump wants to slash the budget of the NIH and the CDC). Hopefully good people will fight back against the barbarians among us.
18
Thank you for some positive news. We sure need it. It should be noted that the steps taken to bring good health to deprived populations is a function of both government action and private philanthropy. That includes big actors such as Planned Parenthood but also widespread local clinics that supplement our too expensive healthcare system. But better health is not the only need.
After better health comes the need for education, in some ways a more difficult problem. Governments are vitally interested in what children learn. Many American schools still promote the idea that the world is 4,000 years old. Turkey has just declared evolution is a no-no subject in its high schools. Certainly, no self-respecting dictatorship will allow democracy as a high school subject.
Given these hurdles, it’s surprising how much is actually taught in public schools around the world. Brazil, where the public school system is less than 60 years old, has its ‘Bolsa’ program that rewards parents for getting their children to school, a first step to education. Poor families can use the money to feed their children in the morning.
It may be a while before ‘Nirvana’ is achieved, but we are moving in the right direction.
After better health comes the need for education, in some ways a more difficult problem. Governments are vitally interested in what children learn. Many American schools still promote the idea that the world is 4,000 years old. Turkey has just declared evolution is a no-no subject in its high schools. Certainly, no self-respecting dictatorship will allow democracy as a high school subject.
Given these hurdles, it’s surprising how much is actually taught in public schools around the world. Brazil, where the public school system is less than 60 years old, has its ‘Bolsa’ program that rewards parents for getting their children to school, a first step to education. Poor families can use the money to feed their children in the morning.
It may be a while before ‘Nirvana’ is achieved, but we are moving in the right direction.
12
Thank you. All news organizations need to give us more good news.
7
This news surprises, and perhaps deity exists.
NK, you actually give me less pessimism.
I am amazed that Bill Gates and Warren Buffet too are ultimately philanthropic idealists, if I understand their ultimate estate plan, which in major part is what NK is
indirectly suggesting.
NK, you actually give me less pessimism.
I am amazed that Bill Gates and Warren Buffet too are ultimately philanthropic idealists, if I understand their ultimate estate plan, which in major part is what NK is
indirectly suggesting.
9
Thank you. I think it was Walter Cronkite who said "the cat that doesn't get lost is not news" in explaining why news is so rarely "good news." We do, though, need information from those in the know, especially those who have some influence. There is so much negative information there as well as questionable or distorted information. It is always helpful to get some balance supported by facts which can counter the current seeming gloom.
69
Appreciate in particular problems in Liberia because when I served with an ngo in Ghana in 2004-6 we visited and helped out in camps set up for Liberians fleeing genocidal warfare in their home country, rivalry between private army led by Prince Johnson and another commanded by Charles Taylor,who I understand, is serving a life sentence in a prison in the Hague, but Johnson is still on the loose.Also had Liberian students enrolled in my classes at Methodist University. But they were the lucky ones. Liberians less fortunate were forced to remain in Liberia and try to survive the civil war,and hardships of living w/o adequate medical care,jobs, viable living conditions. Photo of Liberian man, stricken with leprosy, staring hopelessly into the camera is heart breaking. But where does accountability begin for the author of the article, Mr. Kristof? Is it enough to say that the world is rising faster than it is sinking, and move on to the next conflict area to write another, moving, well written piece on someone else's suffering? Or at what point does Mr. Kristof bear responsibility to those he writes about so well, take 1 family, 1 victim under his wing, sponsor them for visas to US? That chap staring despondently into the camera: Why not him? Why not make him "happy for awhile, " sponsor him for a visa to the US.? Leprosy is curable with antibiotics. If Mr. Kristof has the means, why not do so?"Handsome is as handsome does!"Join your words to actions.
2
I think this is unfair. I would bet anything that by reaching literally millions of readers with this article, Kristof will inspire more than a few to remember it and donate next time they notice a collection drive for leprosy. Lepers are already being cured, the majority already have been, and Kristof is undoubtedly helping the remainder in his own way, which is likely far more efficient than spending time trying to sponsor a single family to come to the US. We know now that individual charity simply does not have the same reach as a global approach, and necessarily leaves many out in the cold. That's the whole healthcare fight going on in the US right now in a nutshell by the way.
2
Nick Kristof has informed us about this. It is up to us the readers to act when and how we can.
2
And how do you know what Mr. Kristof does or does not do? Perhaps he is a secret millionaire or multi millionaire who is giving most of his fortune away to organizations that do much good after his death? And perhaps he has not been lax in that department before his death.
Yes, Nicholas Kristof is right to point out the many reasons there are to be thankful, and to be hopeful. But let's be aware that at least one of those reasons, the increase in prosperity, or movement out of poverty (extreme or otherwise), brings with it as well a threat to all the Earth, if that increasing prosperity means increasing consumerism.
We face two great crises, at this period in Earth's history, one regarding the climate, brought on by uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions, the other regarding biodiversity, worsened especially by destruction or degradation of habitat. Without a global plan for dealing with those crises while accommodating humanity's increasing prosperity (and no thanks to the Trump administration for being worse than wise leaders on any of this), what Mr. Kristof rightly bids us be thankful for will turn out to be of limited benefit.
We face two great crises, at this period in Earth's history, one regarding the climate, brought on by uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions, the other regarding biodiversity, worsened especially by destruction or degradation of habitat. Without a global plan for dealing with those crises while accommodating humanity's increasing prosperity (and no thanks to the Trump administration for being worse than wise leaders on any of this), what Mr. Kristof rightly bids us be thankful for will turn out to be of limited benefit.
15
Thanks for the reminder that it's not all gloom and doom. My granny contracted polio as a child and suffered a lifetime of pain. By the time her grandchildren were born the disease had very nearly been defeated. She lived to see that progress and celebrated it.
We humans expect immediate improvements. We're just not very good at being patient. Thankfully we have people like you who are willing to see the world as it is but also to see the world as it will become. Thanks for helping us see what we would otherwise ignore.
We humans expect immediate improvements. We're just not very good at being patient. Thankfully we have people like you who are willing to see the world as it is but also to see the world as it will become. Thanks for helping us see what we would otherwise ignore.
70
It is great news that every year, more and more people all over the World are climbing out of poverty whilst illiteracy is also dropping.Not to mention how many more people are also being spared the horrors of war and the impact and consequences of diseases that are slowly being eradicated or treated as time goes by.
However it is both ironic and very telling regarding the abilities of American Political Leadership that over the last 10 years most Americans have gotten poorer or earn less than they did. If American Politicians continue to do what they are trying to do, we can look forward to an extra 22 Million Americans losing health Cover, more premature deaths of thousands a year as a consequence and many more going bankrupt and falling into poverty due to Medical expenses.
Those are facts and is the prognosis for many of the people who live in World's Richest Country.
Food for Thought.
However it is both ironic and very telling regarding the abilities of American Political Leadership that over the last 10 years most Americans have gotten poorer or earn less than they did. If American Politicians continue to do what they are trying to do, we can look forward to an extra 22 Million Americans losing health Cover, more premature deaths of thousands a year as a consequence and many more going bankrupt and falling into poverty due to Medical expenses.
Those are facts and is the prognosis for many of the people who live in World's Richest Country.
Food for Thought.
12
The data at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States
show that Loomy's claim is correct from 2008 to 2012, but since 2012 US real household median income has been rising.
Data for thought.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States
show that Loomy's claim is correct from 2008 to 2012, but since 2012 US real household median income has been rising.
Data for thought.
2
I suppose I should be complaining that this is a rather frequent message in your column. But I never tire of it! And each time it's a breath of fresh air, with new stats backing up your assessments. Thank you for the very encouraging update, and the inspiring examples of these men and women.
17
"The most important historical force in the world today is not President Trump, and it’s not terrorists. Rather, it’s the stunning gains on our watch against extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease; it’s all those 12-year-olds out there who never catch leprosy and instead go to school."
I couldn't stop smiling after reading this paragraph. Thank you Nicholas, not only for all the fine reporting you do and the causes you espouse, but also for reminding us that yes, there are things far more important than our country's politics or the latest shenanigans from our president.
It's nice to know that the bare minimum of modernity is finally making a dent in world poverty, so much of it in Africa. I admire the contest you sponsor that allows young college graduates to accompany you and perhaps embark on careers they might never have dreamed of were it not for this trip to see that yes, progress can be made, and that they too might play a part in that.
I couldn't stop smiling after reading this paragraph. Thank you Nicholas, not only for all the fine reporting you do and the causes you espouse, but also for reminding us that yes, there are things far more important than our country's politics or the latest shenanigans from our president.
It's nice to know that the bare minimum of modernity is finally making a dent in world poverty, so much of it in Africa. I admire the contest you sponsor that allows young college graduates to accompany you and perhaps embark on careers they might never have dreamed of were it not for this trip to see that yes, progress can be made, and that they too might play a part in that.
202
This is good news but we have an increase in world population by 2.6 billion over the next 45 years according to the United Nations. Add that to climate change where hundreds of millions will be displaced with most coming from less developed countries and we have a major problem.
In the 1970's and 80's, our answer to "The Population Bomb" was the green Revolution in which food supplies were greatly expanded.
But with increasing population and climate change, the world must start planning now. With leaders like Donald Trump, I'm not very optimistic that he will ever thing about addressing this issue.
In the 1970's and 80's, our answer to "The Population Bomb" was the green Revolution in which food supplies were greatly expanded.
But with increasing population and climate change, the world must start planning now. With leaders like Donald Trump, I'm not very optimistic that he will ever thing about addressing this issue.
16
The problem is that no matter how fantastic the "green revolution" was -- and it was based heavily on fertilizers and pesticides! -- it could never, ever keep up with the wildly expanding population growth curve.
The world population has doubled since 1965 -- DOUBLED! had we adopted Zero Population Growth on a large scale, the world population today might be only 4 billion instead of 7.5 billion AND GROWING.
Imagine how much cleaner our air and water -- imagine how global warming might have been ameliorated -- imagine how much less crowded and miserable and expensive our cities might have been.
It's enough to make you weep. And BTW: none of it had anything to do with Trump -- he wasn't President until just this year.
The world population has doubled since 1965 -- DOUBLED! had we adopted Zero Population Growth on a large scale, the world population today might be only 4 billion instead of 7.5 billion AND GROWING.
Imagine how much cleaner our air and water -- imagine how global warming might have been ameliorated -- imagine how much less crowded and miserable and expensive our cities might have been.
It's enough to make you weep. And BTW: none of it had anything to do with Trump -- he wasn't President until just this year.
1
Please let me celebrate www.RESULTS.org, a citizens' activist group, dedicated to creating "the political will to end hunger & the worst aspects of poverty," w/which I volunteered 1987-2010. Headquartered in DC & in several other countries, RESULTS volunteers. w/their relentless Letters to the Editor; OpEds, and editorials generated w/comprehensive editorial packets, promoted MICROCREDIT, among other powerful;, effective, poverty-ending measures. Created by Dr. Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank, Bangladesh, microcredit seeks out the poorest of the poor=primarily women-to give tiny loans w/which these determined souls end poverty with hard work and community-empowering measures--developed by the borrowers themselves. Microenterprise spread to nearly every country on the planet, promoted by the same humanitarian Sam Daley-Harris, who created RESULTS. I witnessed the miracle on the ground in Bangladesh w/other volunteers. Yunus has since been awarded the Nobel Prize.
RESULTS also promoted the implementation of measures by which
US govt agencies [e.g. Agency for International Development]were forced to check if foreign aid was effective.
We lobbied Members of Congress, educating & empowerin them to do the right thing.
We volunteers also promoted oral rehydration therapy, malarial bednets, vaccinations, and other cheap, effective baby-saving measures.
RESULTS also promoted the implementation of measures by which
US govt agencies [e.g. Agency for International Development]were forced to check if foreign aid was effective.
We lobbied Members of Congress, educating & empowerin them to do the right thing.
We volunteers also promoted oral rehydration therapy, malarial bednets, vaccinations, and other cheap, effective baby-saving measures.
9
What a fantastic article! It's so good to hear that there is actual progress in the world - much of the time I think we mostly believe the opposite. Thank you for this very enlightening view of our current state and possibilities.
9
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. Before we had instantaneous global communication, we were isolated. We knew had only glimpses of other parts of the world and their people, triumphs and tragedies. Now, thanks to thousands of reporters, photographers and videographers, we see so much more of the world. While war and disaster get all the headlines, it's vital that we are reminded of how mankind is progressing toward a better future for more of us.
28
Thank you for your good news stories /and/ your bad news stories. The latter make the former more credible; plenty of people tell me what a great world this is by just not seeing its problems, but you call attention to the problems and also to real progress. (And you generally pick out the problems that other people miss.)
14
Like journalists, most of us find exactly what we're looking for - and sadly, we often work a lot harder at finding reasons for worry and fear than we do reasons for gratitude and hope. Thanks for this important reminder that the world just keeps on getting better and better whether we pay attention or not!
27
This is beautiful to read. Every now and then, a bit of 'niceness' is heartening.
32
Thanks I needed to hear this!
19
Thank you, Dear Nick!!!! Beautiful reminder!
19
I hope the clinic does not lose any US funding it maybe getting because of Trump's cruel and ignorant enforcement of the "gag rule," as I imagine that family planning may be mentioned to the leprosy patients as part of a holistic treatment plan. I expect the clinics here in Ghana to lose funding, as family planning is a big project here, and is often paired with HIV prevention and testing. Just to toss in a jolt of pessimism. Sorry for that. But it is true that the people in Ghana have more access to clean water, medical care, and electricity than they did when I first arrived in 1967.
39
It’s good to hear a positive perspective for a change. But I was struck by the contrast between what is happening in the wider world, and what’s happening in the U.S.
Our health care system could be the envy of the world, but it’s being undermined by the same banana Republicans who make life miserable for so many people in other countries. Early treatment can prevent devastating diseases, but we’re trying to find a way to kick people off of health care because Republicans have other plans for the money.
More than any single factor, family planning empowers women to take control of their lives, and increases the overall health and prosperity of every nation that makes these services available. Yet in this country we’re attacking Planned Parenthood, threatening to make abortion illegal again and allowing religious exemptions to impede access to contraception.
Global warming threatens every nation on earth, and yet we’re trying to find ways to ignore an existential threat for no other reason than political expediency, and to placate the coal industry at the expense of increased CO2 emissions and less progress on solar and wind technologies.
While poorer nations make use of scant funds to improve the health and well-being of their citizens, we’re squandering an opportunity at a climate crossroads, and taking the low road instead.
Our health care system could be the envy of the world, but it’s being undermined by the same banana Republicans who make life miserable for so many people in other countries. Early treatment can prevent devastating diseases, but we’re trying to find a way to kick people off of health care because Republicans have other plans for the money.
More than any single factor, family planning empowers women to take control of their lives, and increases the overall health and prosperity of every nation that makes these services available. Yet in this country we’re attacking Planned Parenthood, threatening to make abortion illegal again and allowing religious exemptions to impede access to contraception.
Global warming threatens every nation on earth, and yet we’re trying to find ways to ignore an existential threat for no other reason than political expediency, and to placate the coal industry at the expense of increased CO2 emissions and less progress on solar and wind technologies.
While poorer nations make use of scant funds to improve the health and well-being of their citizens, we’re squandering an opportunity at a climate crossroads, and taking the low road instead.
266
Yes!
2
The worst is that the us is blocking the funding of planned parenthood programs in developing countries as well...
3
An inspiring reminder that humans have the capacity to make each others' lives better. The data concerning rising levels of freedom from devastating diseases in the so-called underdeveloped world are particularly encouraging. The question remains, of course, why humans, capable of such beneficence, are also capable of creating destructive wars, weapons, ideologies and greed-based power struggles that end up negating the kinds of progress documented in this column. Let's hope that our ability to hate and murder each other does not outpace our ability to care about each other.
53
Thanks Nicholas Kristof. As I sit in my nice house in my nice neighborhood in Boston with my future and family's future relatively secure, I shall pause, as you suggest, in my pessimism, driven largely by discouraging lead news stories. I have had spats of doing good for others in my life time, but it has not been my prevailing pattern. "Damien the Leper" by John Farrow was a book that inspired me at a very young age, and this column brings me back to that place.
89
It is nice to read something pleasant for a change rather than all the negative stories that reporters seem to write constantly. I guess the negative ones like those written about Donald Trump sell internet subscriptions but do not inspire. After awhile people become numb and stop paying attention. Maybe that is why print circulation of newspapers is so low. They want some happy stories once in awhile and not all gloom and doom. This is a refreshing piece and hopefully this is the start of a new phase in journalism.
10
Than you very much reminding us of the good is happening around us. My spirit is uplifted.
100
Thank you for your work sharing and creating positive stories around the world. Excellent and important journalism! Aloha
70
Thank you for giving us some really good news for a change.
47
Thank you, Nicholas, for today's uplifting and hopeful column. It is a relief to know that, in spite of Trump's tweets, the world an and has been helped by people like you.
32
Uplifting story notwithstanding there are already too many of our species on this planet by half
19
One thing that fascinates me is that the left -- which used to be in support of Zero Population Growth -- abandoned it, and now all discussions of world problems -- from poverty & disease to global warming -- are conducted without the slightest consideration that the CAUSE IS TOO MANY PEOPLE.
2
@Concerned citizen: You have a point. Even in Senegal, a pro Western country where our involvement is deep and of long standing,going back to early days of independence under the poet politician Leopold Senghor, family planning which we have encouraged, is seldom practiced, and birth rate is between 2-3 percent yearly. Despite law against fgm, practice endures, except now it is done "en cachette" by parents bringing their young daughters to "guerrisseurs" in rural villages who perform the operation under not always sanitary conditions.Paternalism at its most crude and cruel.. Only means of escape from a life of hopeless poverty for many is to emigrate, but for that you need money. Every day in Agadez have seen trucks full of desperate refugees leave to cross the Sahara to Mediterranean, thence, with luck, to stow away on a boat to Europe and "ojala," to the "land of abundance," US.Family planning is not announced for tomorrow in most west African countries where I have served."Familles nombreuses," is still an article of faith.
It's too easy to lose perspective here in America -- I appreciate the humbling reminder that the world is bigger than us. Thanks for this, Mr. Kristof.
286
and thank you R for your comment with which I totally agree.
2
You have your work cut out for you. I am doing my best to inform Americans that the world is the best its ever been and that subSaharan Africa has seen the biggest improvement in the lives of its people.
I guess people who read, travel and talk to people around the globe like yourself are not nearly as reliable as people who watch FOX and Friends.