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Upside: Surprising Good News About the State of Our World
Many Christians have an impending sense of doom about our country and the world. But are their fears based on reality or myth? In this book Wright examines issues of concern to Christians, including poverty, sickness, sexual morality, the environment, and the global church. Did you know that global poverty has been cut in half over the last several decades? That infant deaths have decreased dramatically in recent years? That Christianity is a growing and influential force in Asia and Africa? Maybe the world isn't in a downward spiral after all. In an age of pessimism, this book offers good news to Christian readers looking for glimpses of hope.
- GenresNonfictionSociology
255 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
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February 19, 2017
Gloomy. That’s the general outlook that the vast majority of Americans seem to have when it comes to our future. Whether it’s political wrangling, economic turmoil, pandemics or education — the present is bleak and the future is downright scary. It’s not just Al Gore predicting global devastation caused by global warming, nor is it simply the war-mongers who see a jihadist behind every bush, it’s Christians too, who seem to enjoy pointing out how bad things are (and are getting).
Bradley Wright, in his new book published by Bethany House asks, “What if the Doomsayers have it all wrong?” A Christian sociologist, in "Upside: Surprising Good News About the State of Our World Wright" explores why it is that so many of us can’t get enough bad news, and why we all think that things are continually getting worse. The reality, however, is a far cry from the perception! And Wright proves his point by the end of the book.
Reading "Upside", was like inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. On so many fronts, there has been remarkable progress in the world. Life expectancy, health and disease, poverty and access to clean water, air pollution, crime, financial well-being, literacy — all these areas and more have seen astounding improvement in the last 200 years.
For some examples: Life expectancy has doubled around the world in the last 100 years, as vaccines, hygiene improvements, medicine and general safety measures have become widely available. Did you know that in the 1820s, the world average of life expectancy was only 26, now it’s 66 and rising. Literacy rates have soared from 25% to over 80% worldwide in the last 100 years, and extreme poverty has been cut in half just since the 1980s, in developing countries. Financially, the world income rates have increased 1300% since 1820 — 300% per capita income increase just since 1955. We are able to feed more people for less money than ever, and more people are healthy than ever. And they’re living longer, fuller lives. Things have dramatically changed since the early 1800s.
Some would counter and say, well what about pollution and global warming. Wright shows that both air and water pollution have dramatically improved since the 1970s when the issue was first trumpeted and environmental controls started being written into law. Even deforestation is beginning to level out with some gains being made in some regions of the world. There are still improvements to be made, don’t get me wrong, but the direction has turned.
Others would say crime is on the rise. But statistically it is not. Even as the population has soared, the homicide and burglary rates have dropped significantly since the 1980s. This drop correlates with a dramatic rise in the incarceration rate. In the US, we have 1 in 100 adults behind bars, and including probation and parolees, that number rises to an astounding 1 in 33 adults!
Certainly, most Christians would think the family is weaker and morality is far worse than it has been in America’s past. But for three generations, levels of premarital sex, for instance, have been fairly consistent, with a slight rise in today’s numbers versus the previous generation. Divorce rates have actually fallen since the 1980s, as have abortion rates. For marriages and families, the reality is certainly a mixed bag, but the immoral culture of America has been on a trajectory away from the JudeoChristian ethic for the last 75 years or more.
Now, with all the good news, why is there still so much pessimism? Much of the pessimism, Wright claims, can be traced to advocates not wanting good news to cause people to relax when it comes to supporting their cause. Environmentalists, for example, don’t want you to know that the environment is getting better, otherwise they may lose financial support. It can also stem from the fact that bad news sells, and a steady diet of bad news breeds an expectation of more bad news. The problem with all this is that unwarranted pessimism can obscure our focus on areas where we really should be pessimistic. Wright explains: “Pessimism, if accurate, can serve us well, and ignoring real problems has its own costs. Accurate perceptions of the world both in the ways that it’s getting better and worse, is the ideal.” (pg. 31)
Wright’s findings aren’t all positive. He started his book “with the simple question of whether life is getting better”, and his answer is “mostly yes.” He goes on: “Think of it this way: Is there any other period in history when people were better off than now? I don’t see one.” (pg. 205) In his conclusion he challenges his readers to to be aware of all the good news, and thank God for the state of our world: “While we hear people thank God for their food, their healthy children, or their job, when was the last time you heard someone thank God for the declining national crime rate? Or the rise in literacy around the world? Or the amazing decrease in poverty over the past generation? Aren’t these things worth being thankful for?” (pg. 217)
Wright has an important point, which is why I think it is so important to read this book. It’s not just a book full of dry statistics, nor is it written with a preachy tone. Interspersed throughout his analysis of the state of our world are personal anecdotes, witty observations and off-the-wall interesting stats. The following quote, illustrates Wright’s knack at keeping his discussion of numbers fun: “On average, a passenger would have to take a commercial airline flight every day for 20,000 years before they died in a crash. By then, death might be a welcome escape from peanuts and pretzels.” (pg. 111)
There are not many books out there like "Upside". I recommend you purchase a copy for some needed relief from the deafening drone of constant bad news. Read it and rejoice in what God has done for this world in the last 200 years. Then tell someone else that things aren’t all as bad as they might seem!
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Bethany House publishers. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Bradley Wright, in his new book published by Bethany House asks, “What if the Doomsayers have it all wrong?” A Christian sociologist, in "Upside: Surprising Good News About the State of Our World Wright" explores why it is that so many of us can’t get enough bad news, and why we all think that things are continually getting worse. The reality, however, is a far cry from the perception! And Wright proves his point by the end of the book.
Reading "Upside", was like inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. On so many fronts, there has been remarkable progress in the world. Life expectancy, health and disease, poverty and access to clean water, air pollution, crime, financial well-being, literacy — all these areas and more have seen astounding improvement in the last 200 years.
For some examples: Life expectancy has doubled around the world in the last 100 years, as vaccines, hygiene improvements, medicine and general safety measures have become widely available. Did you know that in the 1820s, the world average of life expectancy was only 26, now it’s 66 and rising. Literacy rates have soared from 25% to over 80% worldwide in the last 100 years, and extreme poverty has been cut in half just since the 1980s, in developing countries. Financially, the world income rates have increased 1300% since 1820 — 300% per capita income increase just since 1955. We are able to feed more people for less money than ever, and more people are healthy than ever. And they’re living longer, fuller lives. Things have dramatically changed since the early 1800s.
Some would counter and say, well what about pollution and global warming. Wright shows that both air and water pollution have dramatically improved since the 1970s when the issue was first trumpeted and environmental controls started being written into law. Even deforestation is beginning to level out with some gains being made in some regions of the world. There are still improvements to be made, don’t get me wrong, but the direction has turned.
Others would say crime is on the rise. But statistically it is not. Even as the population has soared, the homicide and burglary rates have dropped significantly since the 1980s. This drop correlates with a dramatic rise in the incarceration rate. In the US, we have 1 in 100 adults behind bars, and including probation and parolees, that number rises to an astounding 1 in 33 adults!
Certainly, most Christians would think the family is weaker and morality is far worse than it has been in America’s past. But for three generations, levels of premarital sex, for instance, have been fairly consistent, with a slight rise in today’s numbers versus the previous generation. Divorce rates have actually fallen since the 1980s, as have abortion rates. For marriages and families, the reality is certainly a mixed bag, but the immoral culture of America has been on a trajectory away from the JudeoChristian ethic for the last 75 years or more.
Now, with all the good news, why is there still so much pessimism? Much of the pessimism, Wright claims, can be traced to advocates not wanting good news to cause people to relax when it comes to supporting their cause. Environmentalists, for example, don’t want you to know that the environment is getting better, otherwise they may lose financial support. It can also stem from the fact that bad news sells, and a steady diet of bad news breeds an expectation of more bad news. The problem with all this is that unwarranted pessimism can obscure our focus on areas where we really should be pessimistic. Wright explains: “Pessimism, if accurate, can serve us well, and ignoring real problems has its own costs. Accurate perceptions of the world both in the ways that it’s getting better and worse, is the ideal.” (pg. 31)
Wright’s findings aren’t all positive. He started his book “with the simple question of whether life is getting better”, and his answer is “mostly yes.” He goes on: “Think of it this way: Is there any other period in history when people were better off than now? I don’t see one.” (pg. 205) In his conclusion he challenges his readers to to be aware of all the good news, and thank God for the state of our world: “While we hear people thank God for their food, their healthy children, or their job, when was the last time you heard someone thank God for the declining national crime rate? Or the rise in literacy around the world? Or the amazing decrease in poverty over the past generation? Aren’t these things worth being thankful for?” (pg. 217)
Wright has an important point, which is why I think it is so important to read this book. It’s not just a book full of dry statistics, nor is it written with a preachy tone. Interspersed throughout his analysis of the state of our world are personal anecdotes, witty observations and off-the-wall interesting stats. The following quote, illustrates Wright’s knack at keeping his discussion of numbers fun: “On average, a passenger would have to take a commercial airline flight every day for 20,000 years before they died in a crash. By then, death might be a welcome escape from peanuts and pretzels.” (pg. 111)
There are not many books out there like "Upside". I recommend you purchase a copy for some needed relief from the deafening drone of constant bad news. Read it and rejoice in what God has done for this world in the last 200 years. Then tell someone else that things aren’t all as bad as they might seem!
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Bethany House publishers. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
June 19, 2020
A really encouraging read with practical conclusions to address areas in culture and our world that DO need improving. Strong words about the dangers of advocacy and activism which traditionally distort truth to achieve their goals and don’t recognize progress (because what would they advocate for if things were improving?!).
August 25, 2011
It's easy to get discouraged or feel paralyzed by what you hear about the terrible state of the world. But what if the media and other prophets of doom have misled us? Could the world actually be getting better?
Sociologist Brad Wright uses the best available data to uncover the truth about the world's most important issues, including poverty, sickness, education, morality, and the environment. While admitting there is still work to be done, he shines a light on why so many things are improving and why no one is talking about it.
If you enjoy reading pages of statistics and looking at charts, then this is definitely a book you'll enjoy. Wright has compiled statistics from various sources in all the areas listed above, and tells us that life in the USA has improved considerably over the past 100 years. In many ways, we know this to be true. We know the benefits of indoor plumbing and instant communication. Children are more likely to live past their first birthdays, and fewer women die in childbirth. We work fewer hours for higher pay, and we're a lot less likely to suffer severe injury or die on the job.
The problem with Upside, however, is the statistics. Wright does very little primary research of his own, choosing to use previously published data. Since most of the data was compiled prior to the financial meltdown on 2008, we are left skeptical. If the same surveys were done today, would they tell us we are still improving, or would there have developed a downward trend starting from that time? Furthermore, we don't know the benchmark for some of these results. For example, yes, we realize we receive a better education than in many countries. But how many children have graduated high school having slipped through the cracks? Are the SATs on the same level of difficulty now as they were twenty to thirty years ago? The section on war makes no mention of recent conflicts such as the first Gulf War or the Bosnian War of the early 1990s.
I was also disappointed by the small amount of qualitative data in the book. The front cover states, "Surprising GOOD NEWS About the State of Our World." Since we hear so many bad news stories in the media I had hoped for some examples of good news, the so-called 'feel good stories.' In the chapter on education for example, it would have been interesting to read about a high school that has improved over the years. Maybe there are towns that have been brought back from the brink and revitalized. My favorite parts of the book are what Wright says are stories of "altruism," examples of individuals and organizations doing their part to make a little bit of the world a better place. I would have liked to have read more of these.
Ultimately, statistics are good for giving us an overall view but they don't take into account the personal situation. We're earning more money? Try telling that to the father who was laid off from his high end management job and is now trying to make ends meet on minimum wage. Cancer survival rates are improving? Tell that to the woman who lost her mother and aunt to breast cancer and has now found a lump? These statistics are of small comfort. We need to find the Upside of our individual lives and focus on that.
I received my complimentary copy of Upside from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
Sociologist Brad Wright uses the best available data to uncover the truth about the world's most important issues, including poverty, sickness, education, morality, and the environment. While admitting there is still work to be done, he shines a light on why so many things are improving and why no one is talking about it.
If you enjoy reading pages of statistics and looking at charts, then this is definitely a book you'll enjoy. Wright has compiled statistics from various sources in all the areas listed above, and tells us that life in the USA has improved considerably over the past 100 years. In many ways, we know this to be true. We know the benefits of indoor plumbing and instant communication. Children are more likely to live past their first birthdays, and fewer women die in childbirth. We work fewer hours for higher pay, and we're a lot less likely to suffer severe injury or die on the job.
The problem with Upside, however, is the statistics. Wright does very little primary research of his own, choosing to use previously published data. Since most of the data was compiled prior to the financial meltdown on 2008, we are left skeptical. If the same surveys were done today, would they tell us we are still improving, or would there have developed a downward trend starting from that time? Furthermore, we don't know the benchmark for some of these results. For example, yes, we realize we receive a better education than in many countries. But how many children have graduated high school having slipped through the cracks? Are the SATs on the same level of difficulty now as they were twenty to thirty years ago? The section on war makes no mention of recent conflicts such as the first Gulf War or the Bosnian War of the early 1990s.
I was also disappointed by the small amount of qualitative data in the book. The front cover states, "Surprising GOOD NEWS About the State of Our World." Since we hear so many bad news stories in the media I had hoped for some examples of good news, the so-called 'feel good stories.' In the chapter on education for example, it would have been interesting to read about a high school that has improved over the years. Maybe there are towns that have been brought back from the brink and revitalized. My favorite parts of the book are what Wright says are stories of "altruism," examples of individuals and organizations doing their part to make a little bit of the world a better place. I would have liked to have read more of these.
Ultimately, statistics are good for giving us an overall view but they don't take into account the personal situation. We're earning more money? Try telling that to the father who was laid off from his high end management job and is now trying to make ends meet on minimum wage. Cancer survival rates are improving? Tell that to the woman who lost her mother and aunt to breast cancer and has now found a lump? These statistics are of small comfort. We need to find the Upside of our individual lives and focus on that.
I received my complimentary copy of Upside from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2012
After days of hearing about the presidential primaries, when each candidate tried his best to convince the voter that the world was worse than ever, reading this book was restorative. The world isn't steadily decaying, at least in a number of ways and we aren't all going to suffer horribly in some bleak dystopia. And Mr. Wright has the facts to prove it.
I think this is one of the few books that I wanted more facts. The author tries very hard to stick to just the facts. He explains he is only describing the trends over time. And causes or explanations are left for others. After reading about all of these positive trends I was curious, I wanted to know more. I would read a whole book for each chapter, of more in depth analysis of each topic. We only hear the bad and the exaggerated because that is how our media works and how advocates think we can be motivated. To know that after years of effort many things are improving is an enormous boost.
I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you read the news or pay attention to politics.
In full disclosure, I did receive this book through the Goodreads program.
I think this is one of the few books that I wanted more facts. The author tries very hard to stick to just the facts. He explains he is only describing the trends over time. And causes or explanations are left for others. After reading about all of these positive trends I was curious, I wanted to know more. I would read a whole book for each chapter, of more in depth analysis of each topic. We only hear the bad and the exaggerated because that is how our media works and how advocates think we can be motivated. To know that after years of effort many things are improving is an enormous boost.
I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you read the news or pay attention to politics.
In full disclosure, I did receive this book through the Goodreads program.
June 4, 2012
I have often wondered why there is not much good news on TV or in the newspapers or on the internet. Dr. Wright presents studies that show that some things are actually better than in the past. For example: we live much longer than our ancestors, more people read and understand what they have read, and many countries are working to improve the living conditions for their citizens. So, why do we so often hear bad news? Dr. Wright believes that it is because people are drawn to the excitement that bad news stirs up and that good news doesn't get the same results. There are many graphs in the book to help the reader understand what has been written.
Near the end of the book (on page 215), Dr. Wright does point out the obvious problems that we still have. He states that they fall under these two themes: over consumption and disrupted social relationships. If you read the book you will find out how Dr. Wright feels we should solve these problems.
Bethany House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Near the end of the book (on page 215), Dr. Wright does point out the obvious problems that we still have. He states that they fall under these two themes: over consumption and disrupted social relationships. If you read the book you will find out how Dr. Wright feels we should solve these problems.
Bethany House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
January 26, 2012
A pretty good book that highlights some of the common misconceptions that we have about the state of our world. It is full of graphs and charts that give you an easy reference to compare all of what he is talking about in the book and more. They are all from credible sources such as the US Census Bureau, and other government agencies, with the exception of some being from economists and sociologists.
This book covers many topics including poverty, war, education, and many sections regarding economy and such as that. Honestly, all of it makes sense except one. Wanna guess? Education. Whatever anyone says about our education getting better. Sure he provides some good solid facts that back up his claim, but I'm not buying it because I have first hand experience. I might even think differently about the others if say I were in a different perspective.
Overall great book, I'm going to school now.
February 2, 2012
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advanced copy of this book through GoodReads.
Dr. Wright provides a wonderful respite from the dim views of our modern day. Through data and [many] charts, he shows that the world is not quite as bad as it seems. Historical summations on economy, health, education, and society as a whole compared to present-day assessments show that we're actually significantly better off now than in years past in spite of each generation concluding that their subsequent generations are driving the world farther and farther toward its demise.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Wright's humorous presentation. Upside is a light read which will uplift its readers with a positive take on what our future holds -- in spite of future generations.
Dr. Wright provides a wonderful respite from the dim views of our modern day. Through data and [many] charts, he shows that the world is not quite as bad as it seems. Historical summations on economy, health, education, and society as a whole compared to present-day assessments show that we're actually significantly better off now than in years past in spite of each generation concluding that their subsequent generations are driving the world farther and farther toward its demise.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Wright's humorous presentation. Upside is a light read which will uplift its readers with a positive take on what our future holds -- in spite of future generations.
March 24, 2012
This book was won through a First Reads giveaway.
A deep look at what is wrong with this world, or more like what is right with this world.
In this day and age of constant negative bombardment of the senses (courtesy of our over abundance of media outlets) it was nice to read about some of the positives.
The author points out many fields within not just America but throughout the world which have improved. He tackles such mainstream topics as crime, education, health, the environment, and finances while backing up his observations with simple graphs.
Will there be others who will play point-counterpoint with Mr. Wright? Of course. But it was nice to go to sleep after reading this book and thinking, maybe we are not quite on the highway to hell yet.
A deep look at what is wrong with this world, or more like what is right with this world.
In this day and age of constant negative bombardment of the senses (courtesy of our over abundance of media outlets) it was nice to read about some of the positives.
The author points out many fields within not just America but throughout the world which have improved. He tackles such mainstream topics as crime, education, health, the environment, and finances while backing up his observations with simple graphs.
Will there be others who will play point-counterpoint with Mr. Wright? Of course. But it was nice to go to sleep after reading this book and thinking, maybe we are not quite on the highway to hell yet.
November 21, 2011
Short review: Read this book. We are often confronted by all the bad things going on in the world. And there really are bad things going on in the world. But there are an amazing number of good things too. When you step back and look at things from a longer perspective, it is pretty hard to deny that on the whole we are much, much better off than ever before. Looks at the economy, education, work and leisure, the environment, family, health, stress, crime, political freedom and more. Wright is clear, not everything really is getting better. But most things are. Great book to read as we head toward Thanksgiving.
My full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/upside/
My full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/upside/
February 12, 2012
This book was free as a First Read through Goodreads. In a world filled with negative news, the author does some research to find that things are actually getting better in the world overall, compared to previous years. Looking at various hot topics, from crime and prisoners, to the environment, to literacy, health, and family issues, it appears as though the news we hear not the news we should hear. The author analyzes the sources of the negative news we hear, including the media and advocates for causes, and why they focuse on the negative news. This was an informative read filled with insight and wit.
April 24, 2012
While it often reads more like a scholarly journal than a book, this book does present some interesting data to suggest areas of good in our overly pessimistic world. It touches on myths and realities and explains its stance on both. There is a decidedly conservative Christian slant to most of the topics, but still has a lot to offer people of other beliefs. Some of the references seem a bit dubious but most seem to have a scholarly background. A good read for someone looking to refute the idea that the world is getting worse.
April 22, 2012
Excellent book that gives you more of a balanced view of what is going on in the world. Especially the incredible advancements in the areas of poverty, crime and so on usually with God's people ate the center of the improvement. It gives you great hope as he shows you the activity of God and how He is redeeming this world. It is not a Pollyanna type view, as he quickly highlights many of the grave challenges we face. however, his concern, especially among Christians, is that the hype that we are fed often distracts us from the real issues we should be focusing on.
August 20, 2012
This was a great follow-up to Professor Wright's first book. Professor Wright's dedication to pouring through and finding quality statistics to use in his writing contribute wonderfully. It was truly uplifting to read through this book and discover that things aren't nearly as bad as they can be made out to be, particularly because the book's discussion is backed up by statistics and not just opinions. As with his previous book, Professor Wright's writing style helps the book to flow, which can often be difficult in research based writing. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.
March 25, 2014
The author goes through several different areas of life and tries to evaluate from the available data whether things are actually getting worse, getting better or staying about the same. He reaches some surprising conclusions and things are not nearly as bad as we are led to believe (in most cases). A sprinkling of self-deprecating humor helps make the book more readable.
April 13, 2015
Probably better as a speaker/preacher's resource book than as a casual read... I do appreciate the author's wit & intelligence as he carefully lays a case for a less dismal picture of the world at large.
February 7, 2012
Good look at common misconceptions about whats going on.
Want to read
January 1, 2012I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Hope to read it soon. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews