Description
Book Synopsis This book is a thought-provoking view of the progress of humankind in the last century. In spite of the pessimism that prevails in the media, people are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and better educated than at any previous time.
The facts within the book provide documentation for a positive outlook toward our nutrition and health, living standards and working conditions, political and economic freedoms, educational facilities, ability to communicate, ease of movement, increasing leisure, and, most important, our ability to get along with one another and with our Creator. The statistics, charts, and photographs that illustrate this book enhance the reassuring and uplifting view of the state of the world and where it is going.
“His analysis gives us a refreshing balance to the negative, sometimes cynical, views in the media that tend to portray the worst rather than the best in human civilization.” —Jimmy Carter
“After reading Sir John Templeton's latest book, I believe more than ever that we are living in the most exciting time in history. Despite the challenges we face, his demonstration of mankind's progress gives all of us great hopes and high expectations for our next century and the new millennium.” —Jack Kemp, former HUD secretary, director of Empower America
Table of Contents Introduction / 1
1. A Short History of Saving and Investment / 10
2. American Political Realignment and the Origins of Welfare / 35
3. Wall Street and the Second Economic Revolution / 54
4. Depression and the New Deal / 86
5. The Great Social Security Debate / 110
6. The New Health-Care Imperative / 142
7. Houses, Highways, and Physical Capital
8. Education, Training, and Human Capital / 217
9. The Savings Strategy for Shrinking the Welfare State / 258
Conclusion / 277
Notes / 285
Index / 303
