Rational optimism and ideas having sex

And now, a moment of "Rational Optimism"

Matt Ridley introduces this concept that differs from the dreamy optimism, or blind optimism that makes us all smile with innocence. Matt tells us about the hard facts: income per capita has tripled, lifespan is up by 30% and child mortality down by 2/3. Food production is up by 1/3 per capita, while the population has doubled.

The world is getting better, and we ought to be positive about our future. 

Why is it important for ideas to have sex?

Matt reminds us that evolution has been speeded up by sex: the ability to combine 2 individuals to make a new one. This combination is also possible for ideas: it is not my idea or your idea, but the combination of both that makes us smarter. 

Nowadays, nobody knows how to make a computer from start to end. Nobody would even be able to make a pencil from collecting the graphite needed to assembling the parts together. 

Ideas mate, and new ones are created. Thanks to the internet, we can share ideas and thoughts faster than ever thought possible before. We are experiencing an "ideas orgy", which is producing the largest generation of ideas offspring ever imagined. Let's enjoy the ride and fertilise ideas that are positive, and help us all.

TED Talk by Matt Ridley