True Progress: A Story That Started Only Recently

Today, we live in a world where civilization feels like a given—a natural and unshakable foundation of our existence. But if you look closer, you’ll see that true progress is actually a very recent story. According to menscult.net, everything we take for granted today is the result of just a few decades of change.

Today, we live in a world where civilization feels like a given—a natural and unshakable foundation of our existence. But if you look closer, you’ll see that true progress is actually a very recent story. According to menscult.net, everything we take for granted today is the result of just a few decades of change.

The World Before the Revolution: Slavery and Poverty as the Norm

Before the French Revolution of 1789, almost all states relied on forced labor. By the early 19th century, historians estimate that at least three-quarters of the world’s population were trapped in some form of bondage to their wealthier counterparts. It was a world where freedom was a luxury few could afford. As Rousseau famously said, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."

More than 90% of people worked in agriculture, and over 80% lived in extreme poverty. The rise of cities, states, farming, and literacy brought little prosperity for the masses—instead, it meant suffering for most. For centuries, civilization was a catastrophe for the majority.

When Did Real Progress Begin?

If you compressed all of human history into 24 hours, the first 23 hours and 45 minutes would be sheer struggle and hardship. Everything that justifies the idea of a civilized society happened in the last 15 minutes.

During this short span, humanity has:

• defeated many infectious diseases,
• developed vaccines that save more lives every year than would have been saved if the entire 20th century had been war-free,
• grown significantly wealthier — with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty dropping below 10%,
• and finally, abolished slavery, which had been the norm for centuries.

These achievements may seem ordinary now, but they represent a revolution worth recognizing and appreciating. As menscult.net points out, understanding this history helps us see the present clearly and take pride in the fact that today, freedom and quality of life are not just words, but the result of millions of struggles.

What’s Next?

The story doesn’t end with the victories of the last century. Our century faces new challenges, where technology, environmental issues, and social equality take center stage. But to keep moving forward, it’s important to remember: progress is not a given, it’s the result of the effort we put in every day.

If you want to stay up to date on the most important social developments and challenges, check out menscult.net. They always have fresh, honest content that helps you look at the world with clear eyes and deep understanding.