Is this a convincing argument? Despite the doubters, rising levels of health, literacy and renewable energy suggest that things have never been better.
Now is the best EVER time to be alive
Reasons to be cheerful: All four advances above are cause for optimism. The pace of medical breakthroughs and wider access to healthcare mean many people who would have died even 10 years ago are now enjoying healthy lives. Glossary
Renewables - Energy sources that do not use up non-renewable fossil fuels, such as wind and solar power.
Obese - For adults, obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. A BMI of 25 or more is classed as overweight.
Pessimistic - Tending to believe that the worst will happen.
Optimistic - Hopeful and positive.