Is Humanity in the Shitter or Has It Always Been There? The Good News...

By Michael Kelman Portney

In today's world, a quick glance at the headlines might lead one to believe that humanity is teetering on the brink of disaster. Wars continue unabated, political polarization has reached unprecedented levels, the climate crisis looms large, and the internet often feels like an endless stream of negativity. This raises a critical question: Is this sense of impending doom unique to our time, or has humanity always been in a state of crisis, albeit under different circumstances? This article seeks to explore this question by examining both the current state of global affairs and the historical context of human challenges.

The Case for “Yes, We’re in the Shitter Now”

To begin with, it is undeniable that the challenges we face today feel unprecedented. The world is more interconnected than ever before, which means that problems such as pandemics, supply chain disruptions, and misinformation can spread rapidly and have far-reaching impacts. Social media platforms ensure that we are constantly bombarded with news of every injustice, tragedy, and controversial opinion, leading to a collective sense of burnout and hopelessness.

Moreover, we are confronted with existential threats that seem more pressing than ever. Rising global temperatures threaten to alter the planet's ecosystems irreversibly. The threat of nuclear war, while not new, remains a persistent danger. Additionally, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence raises concerns about the potential for machines to replace human jobs or, in a worst-case scenario, surpass human control. The proximity of these apocalyptic scenarios feels closer than ever, largely due to our ability to measure and communicate these threats in real-time through scientific advancements and digital communication.

The Case for “Humanity Has Always Been in the Shitter”

However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding, it is essential to zoom out and consider the broader historical context. The "good old days" that many people romanticize were often fraught with their own significant challenges. History is replete with examples of wars, plagues, and widespread human suffering. The Black Death, for instance, decimated a third of Europe's population. Slavery, colonialism, and genocide have defined entire eras, leaving indelible marks on human history. Those who lived through the Great Depression or either of the World Wars would likely find the notion that our current problems are uniquely severe to be laughable.

The reality is that humans have always faced massive challenges, many of which were arguably worse than those we encounter today. The key difference is that we did not have platforms like Twitter to remind us of these issues every second of the day.

Why It Feels Worse Today

So, why does it feel like humanity is uniquely doomed in the present day? One significant factor is our heightened awareness of global problems. We are more informed about the world's issues than any previous generation. However, awareness does not equate to action, and constant exposure to negative news can create the illusion that things are worse than they actually are.

Statistically, many aspects of life have improved over time. Global poverty has declined significantly over the last century. Advances in medicine have led to longer and healthier lives. Despite ongoing struggles, there is increasing recognition of human rights and social progress.

The paradox of progress is that as things improve, our expectations rise even faster. This results in a persistent sense of dissatisfaction, where even incremental gains are perceived as failures because they do not solve all problems at once.

Conclusion

So, where does this leave us? Are we in the shitter? In some ways, yes. The challenges we face are enormous, and ignoring them would be perilous. However, have we always been in the shitter? Absolutely. Humanity has never existed in a utopia, and it is unlikely that we ever will. The real question is not whether we are in a bad spot, but whether we are willing to continue climbing out of it, one step at a time.

The good news is that history demonstrates our remarkable resilience. From the ashes of war, disease, and disaster, humanity has consistently found ways to rebuild, adapt, and push forward. Perhaps the shitter is simply an inherent part of the human experience—a reminder that there is always work to be done. By acknowledging our past and present challenges, we can foster a hopeful perspective on the potential for progress and adaptation, ensuring that we continue to strive for a better future.