Interview with Gregg Easterbrook, Author of The Progress Paradox

When I first read The Progress Paradox, I was struck by how relevant its message still is today. That while life has improved by nearly every material measure, our sense of well-being hasn’t followed. I wrote an in-depth review here. I was curious how the author’s views may have shifted in the 22 years that have elapsed since he wrote it, so I reached out to him, hoping to find out how his views have evolved, and to my delight, he agreed.

We spoke over Zoom about the meaning and value of optimism, the power and price of prolific communication and the role of generosity in a good life. And while none of that should really surprise, there were still a few moments I didn’t expect to be talking about.

You can watch the interview below. I would consider it worthwhile if you’ve ever felt like something about modern life doesn’t quite add up.

About the Author

GREGG EASTERBROOK is the author of twelve books, most recently It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear. He was a staff writer, national correspondent, or contributing editor of The Atlantic for nearly forty years, and has written for publications including The New Yorker, Science, Wired, Harvard Business Review, The Washington Monthly, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times. He has held fellowships in economics and government studies at the Brookings Institution and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017.