#88: Debunking the myth of progress (ft. Rodrigo Aguilera)

"Despite the doom and gloom of financial crises, global terrorism, climate collapse, and the rise of the far-right, a number of leading intellectuals (Steven Pinker, Hans Rosling, Johan Norberg, and Matt Ridley, among others) have been arguing in recent years that the world is getting better and better. Extreme poverty is nearly eradicated, violence is at historic lows, and only mass pessimism keeps us from realizing how good we have it in the twenty-first century."

Psychotherapist Harriet Fraad and Substance Abuse Councillor Ikoi Hiroe talk with Rodrigo Aguilera, economist and author of 'The Glass Half-Empty', a book which debunks arguments given by the “New Optimists” and exposes their 'progress' narrative as being little more than a very conservative defence of the status quo.

Email us with feedback, questions, suggestions at itsnotjustinyourhead@gmail.com. Become a patron at patreon.com/itsnotjustinyourhead to gain early access to episodes, our discord server, and monthly reading/discussion groups.

References:

The Glass Half-Empty: Debunking the Myth of Progress in the Twenty-First Century: https://repeaterbooks.com/authors/rodrigo-aguilera/

How China Escaped Shock Therapy: The Market Reform Debate: https://www.routledge.com/How-China-Escaped-Shock-Therapy-The-Market-Reform-Debate/Weber/p/book/9781032008493

Irrational Exuberance : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100132.Irrational_Exuberance

ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.