Getting Better by Charles Kenny: A Fresh Perspective on Global Progress
Book Info
- Book name: Getting Better
- Author: Charles Kenny
- Genre: Non-fiction: Business & Economics, Social Sciences & Humanities
- Published Year: 2011
- Publisher: Penguin Books
- Language: English
Audio Summary
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Synopsis
In “Getting Better,” Charles Kenny challenges the pessimistic view of global development, arguing that despite income disparities, the world has seen unprecedented improvements in quality of life. Kenny presents a compelling case for measuring progress beyond economic growth, focusing on advancements in health, education, and civil rights. He offers a refreshing perspective on global development, emphasizing the importance of policies that prioritize quality of life over rapid income growth.
Key Takeaways
- The income gap between rich and poor countries is significant, but not the sole indicator of progress.
- There is no universal formula for economic growth, as development is context-dependent.
- Global quality of life has improved dramatically, even in areas with slow economic growth.
- The cost of improving quality of life has decreased, making progress more accessible.
- Development policies should prioritize quality of life improvements over rapid income growth.
My Summary
Redefining Progress: A Deep Dive into “Getting Better”
As I turned the last page of Charles Kenny’s “Getting Better,” I found myself with a renewed sense of optimism about the state of our world. Kenny’s work is a refreshing departure from the doom and gloom narratives that often dominate discussions about global development. Instead, he presents a nuanced and data-driven perspective that challenges our preconceptions and invites us to reconsider what truly matters in measuring human progress.
The Income Gap: A Partial Picture
Kenny begins by acknowledging a stark reality that many of us are familiar with: the vast income disparity between rich and poor nations. The statistic that nearly a billion people live on less than a dollar a day is indeed shocking. However, Kenny argues that this economic gap, while significant, doesn’t tell the whole story of human development.
As someone who’s traveled to both developed and developing countries, I’ve witnessed firsthand the complexities that lie beyond raw economic data. Kenny’s example of Senegal’s stagnant income growth since the 1960s, contrasted with the exponential growth of the United States, resonated with my observations. Yet, I’ve also seen improvements in education and healthcare in many developing nations that aren’t reflected in GDP figures.
The Fallacy of Universal Economic Theories
One of the most enlightening aspects of Kenny’s book is his critique of economic growth theories. As a blogger who often writes about business and economics, I found his argument that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to economic development both challenging and liberating.
Kenny’s example of Zambia, which should have been rich by now according to investment-to-growth models but isn’t, illustrates the limitations of these theories. It reminds me of conversations I’ve had with economists who express frustration at the unpredictability of economic growth, especially in developing nations.
This section of the book underscores the importance of context and the danger of oversimplification in economic policy. It’s a valuable lesson for policymakers and development practitioners alike.
The Quality of Life Revolution
The heart of Kenny’s argument lies in his assertion that we are experiencing unprecedented progress in quality of life metrics across the globe. This perspective aligns with my own observations and research over the years.
The statistics Kenny presents are truly remarkable: global average life expectancy increasing from 31 years in 1900 to 66 years by 2000, literacy rates doubling in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1970 and 1999, and infant mortality rates halving since 1960. These improvements span across health, education, civil rights, and access to infrastructure.
As I reflect on these figures, I’m reminded of the stories I’ve heard from friends and readers around the world. A colleague from India once shared how his grandparents marveled at the educational opportunities available to his children – opportunities that were unimaginable just two generations ago.
The Democratization of Progress
One of the most exciting aspects of Kenny’s analysis is his observation that the tools for improving quality of life are becoming cheaper and more widely available. This democratization of progress is a game-changer in the field of global development.
Kenny’s examples of low-cost interventions, such as adding small amounts of bleach to drinking water or using oral rehydration solutions to treat diarrhea, demonstrate how simple, affordable solutions can have profound impacts. It reminds me of the work of organizations like the Gates Foundation, which focus on high-impact, low-cost interventions in global health.
This trend towards more accessible solutions gives me hope for the future. It suggests that even in the absence of rapid economic growth, significant improvements in quality of life are possible and increasingly attainable.
Rethinking Development Priorities
Perhaps the most provocative aspect of Kenny’s book is his call to prioritize quality of life improvements over income growth in development policies. This perspective challenges conventional wisdom in many economic circles.
Kenny’s argument that income is merely a means to an end – that end being a better quality of life – is compelling. It aligns with recent discussions in the field of economics about moving beyond GDP as the primary measure of a nation’s progress.
As I consider this approach, I’m reminded of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index or New Zealand’s Wellbeing Budget. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that development should be measured in terms of human flourishing, not just economic output.
Global Responsibility and Action
Kenny concludes with a call for global action, particularly from wealthy nations, to support quality of life improvements worldwide. His argument for reasonable migration policies and support for universal goods like healthcare and education on a global scale is both moral and practical.
This section of the book challenges us to think beyond national borders and consider our global responsibilities. It’s a perspective that’s particularly relevant in our interconnected world, where issues like climate change and pandemics demonstrate the need for global cooperation.
Reflections and Open Questions
As I reflect on “Getting Better,” I’m left with a sense of cautious optimism. Kenny’s data-driven approach provides a compelling counternarrative to the often pessimistic views of global development. However, it also raises important questions:
- How do we balance the focus on quality of life improvements with the need for economic sustainability?
- In a world of limited resources, how do we prioritize different aspects of quality of life (e.g., health vs. education)?
- How can we ensure that progress in quality of life is equitable, both within and between nations?
These questions don’t detract from Kenny’s arguments but rather underscore the complexity of the issues he addresses.
A Call to Engagement
As we close our discussion of “Getting Better,” I invite you, my readers, to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you observed improvements in quality of life in your communities or in your travels? How do you think we can contribute to this global progress in our daily lives?
Let’s continue this important conversation in the comments below. Your perspectives enrich our understanding and help us all play a part in the ongoing story of human progress.
