Getting Better by Charles Kenny Summary

Getting Better argues that global quality of life has significantly improved through advancements in health, education, and reduced violence, even as income inequality persists. Charles Kenny uses data to show progress in life expectancy, literacy, and peace, challenging perceptions of global decline by emphasizing non-monetary well-being metrics.

This book is ideal for readers interested in global development, economics, or data-driven optimism. Policymakers, students, and advocates of international aid will benefit from its analysis of how targeted programs in health and education drive progress despite economic disparities.

Yes—it offers a compelling, evidence-based counter-narrative to pessimism about global development. The book combines historical context, actionable solutions, and accessible data to demonstrate how quality-of-life metrics have surged worldwide.

Kenny asserts that focusing on income gaps overlooks strides in health, education, and safety. He highlights falling poverty rates, rising literacy, and longer lifespans as evidence of progress, arguing that development programs should prioritize these areas alongside economic growth.

Unlike traditional GDP-centric approaches, Kenny evaluates progress through life expectancy, child mortality, literacy, and access to healthcare. These indicators reveal broad improvements even in nations with stagnant incomes.

The book advocates funding public health initiatives, expanding educational access, promoting gender equality, and increasing international aid. Kenny emphasizes cost-effective interventions like vaccination campaigns and school-building projects.

Some argue Kenny underestimates systemic economic inequality and overstates the sustainability of non-monetary progress. Critics also note challenges in data interpretation and the risk of complacency toward poverty.

Unlike works focused on poverty traps (e.g., Poor Economics), Kenny’s book highlights underreported successes in quality of life, offering a more optimistic, holistic view of development.

A key quote states: “Humanity has never been in better shape – and despite growing sustainability challenges, the future should be even brighter.” This encapsulates the book’s thesis that data-driven optimism can guide effective policymaking.

While acknowledging income gaps, Kenny shows how low-cost innovations (e.g., vaccines, mobile phones) have narrowed disparities in health and communication access, improving lives irrespective of wealth.

Kenny urges readers to support international aid organizations and reassess personal spending priorities. He also advocates reframing global issues through a historical lens to recognize progress.

By analyzing trends over decades, Kenny debunks myths of universal decline, showing how media bias toward negative news obscures measurable gains in health, education, and conflict reduction.