The Reality of Meliorism: Can We Really Make Things Better?

Nearly 150 years ago, the illustrious George Eliot gifted us with a term that resonates with hope and persistence: meliorism. In an era characterized by rapid change and skepticism, Eliot posited the idea that we can ameliorate the problems of the human condition day by day. With Eliot’s notion in hand, we forge ahead into 2024, examining how her legacy and ideals continue to shape our approach to global challenges.

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by A Fiala · 2019 · Cited by 2 — Meliorism is the idea that incremental and local progress can be made but that it is not guaranteed.

When people, or, should I say, writers, wax philosophical, they pretty much always turn to men for inspiration and expertise. Make no mistake, we women have had our toes in the rivers of thorough thought forever. Here are a few.

Maitreyi (1000 BCE), Gargi Vachaknavi, Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 370–415 CE). Look them up. And remember, the female contribution to great thinking continues all the way through today’s Martha Nussbaum at my hometown’s University of Chicago. That brings me to British newist George Eliot (AKA Mary Ann Evans) and the much-disputed theory of meliorism.

“I don’t know that I ever heard anybody use the word meliorist except myself.” — George Eliot

Deciding firmly upon Meliorism: A Philosophical

Meliorism is the belief that the world can be made better by human effort. This compelling notion often finds itself straddling the line between optimism and reality. Max Roser, a renowned researcher at “Our World in Data,” encapsulates this paradox with his famous line: “The world is much better. The world is awful. The world can be much better.”

Is Meliorism Merely an Intellectual Parlor Game?

Let’s savor the irony here—what sounds like a paradox straight out of a tech conference is a cornerstone of humanistic philosophy. It’s the intellectual equivalent of debating whether a burrito qualifies as a sandwich (hello, New York). As we navigate this conceptual labyrinth, it becomes evident that meliorism is not merely a lofty ideal but a pragmatic framework for action.

Expert Discoveries: Balancing Hope and Reality

“Meliorism invites us to acknowledge the progress we’ve made while determined us to recognize the work yet to be done.” – Dr. Emily Santos, Professor of Philosophy at NYU

According to Dr. Emily Santos, an esteemed philosopher and ardent advocate for social reform, meliorism isn’t merely about looking on the bright side. It’s about embracing the messy, often contradictory nature of progress. Dr. Santos reminds us that while it’s easy to become complacent, the true spirit of meliorism calls for continued vigilance and engagement.

The Evidence of

If meliorism were a party, it’d be the one where everyone has to bring a dish—fortunately, there are many appetizing contributions. Consider the global decline in extreme poverty, a testament to concerted human efforts. Then there’s the matter of technological advances: from smartphones to autonomous cars that navigate Los Angeles streets, human ingenuity continues to push boundaries.

on the Horizon

However, it’s not all sunny skies and Silicon Valley breakthroughs. Despite our best efforts, significant challenges loom large. Climate change, political instability, and social inequity demand urgent attention. In many ways, meliorism finds itself in a tug-of-war with these adversities. How can we reconcile these realities with our desire for a better world?

MeliorismWorld-front-running Change

In the spirit of irreverent self-deprecation, it’s tempting to envision meliorism as the plucky underdog of philosophical doctrines—forever striving, occasionally stumbling, but always rising. Picture a scene straight out of a Denver ski slope: the hapless skier who’s repeatedly knocked down yet doggedly makes it to the finish line.

Local Perspectives: Voices of Change

“It’s about finding the balance between being grateful for what we have and being in the pursuit of what we can achieve.” – Javier Montoya, Environmental Activist from Austin

Javier Montoya, a passionate environmental activist based in Austin, articulates a compelling vision for the future. He reminds us that meliorism is not an abstract concept but a living practice, embedded in our communities and aspirations. Montoya’s work highlights the power of local initiatives to foster global change.

The Lasting Results of Meliorism on Modern Thought

Meliorism, the belief that the world can be made better through human effort, occupies a fascinating space in philosophical and cultural discourse. It offers a middle ground between unrelenting optimism and stark pessimism, suggesting that while improvement is possible, it’s neither guaranteed nor effortless. But how does this philosophy influence modern thought? Is it merely wishful thinking, or does it offer a realistic framework for progress? Let’s unpack meliorism with a mix of intellectual exploration and a dose of humor—because if meliorism had a tagline, it might just be “Hope, but make it practical.”

What Is Meliorism?

At its core, meliorism suggests that the human condition can improve through conscious action. Coined during the 19th century and popularized by thinkers like William James and George Eliot, meliorism sits between determinism (everything is predestined) and fatalism (resistance is futile).

Tenets of Meliorism

1. Is Possible: The world is not fixed; it can change for the better.
2. Human Agency Matters: Improvement requires effort, creativity, and joint effort.
3. Caution Against Complacency: While progress is achievable, it’s not inevitable.

In today’s context, meliorism manifests in movements toward sustainability, equity, and technological innovation.

Is Meliorism Just an Excuse for Optimists Who Can’t Handle Reality?

Critics might argue that meliorism is sugar-coated optimism for those uncomfortable with life’s harsher realities. But meliorism doesn’t deny challenges or suffering—it acknowledges them while advocating for actionable solutions.

• Optimism: “Everything will work out!”
• Pessimism: “Nothing will ever change.”
• Meliorism: “Things can change, but only if we roll up our sleeves.”

Rather than escapism, meliorism invites realism tempered with hope. It’s less about blind faith and more about calculated effort.

If Meliorism Were a Movie Genre, Would It Be a Feel-Good Drama or a Tragicomedy?

Imagine a meliorist-inspired film:

• Feel-Good Drama: A community overcomes obstacles, proving that joint effort and hard work lead to triumph.
• Tragicomedy: Despite their best intentions, well-meaning meliorists bumble through challenges, showcasing the messiness of human progress.

Meliorism is probably a blend of both. Life is complex, and while success stories exist, so do stumbles. The philosophy embraces the imperfect journey toward improvement.

Could Meliorism Survive a Round of “Shark Tank” in Los Angeles?

Picture this: A meliorist entrepreneur pitches a societal improvement app to the Shark Tank investors.

• Pitch: “This app incentivizes acts of kindness, tracks community progress, and promotes solutions for global issues!”
• Investor Response:
  • Mark Cuban: “How expandable is this?”
  • Kevin O’Leary: “Show me the revenue model.”
  • Meliorist: “The ROI is a better world!”

Meliorism might struggle in a profit-driven context, but its appeal lies in long-term societal benefits rather than immediate returns.

What Would George Eliot Tweet About Today’s World?

George Eliot, a champion of meliorist ideals, might post something like:

• “Small acts of kindness ripple through time. Start where you are, with what you have. #Meliorism #”

Her novels often depicted the transformative power of individual effort, a sentiment perfectly suited for our tweet-sized era.

Can You Practice Meliorism While Being Stuck in New York Traffic?

Meliorism doesn’t demand sweeping gestures; it thrives on small, meaningful actions. Even in gridlocked traffic, you can:

• Let another car merge ahead.
• Share a laugh with a fellow commuter over a bespoke bumper sticker.
• Contemplate urban infrastructure improvements while waiting for the light to change.

Progress begins in the micro-moments.

How Many Meliorists Does It Take to Change a Lightbulb—And Improve the Energy Grid?

One to change the bulb, a team to advocate for LED technology, and a coalition to lobby for renewable energy policies. Meliorists don’t stop at fixing immediate problems; they aim for systemic improvements.

Is Meliorism the Ultimate Exercise in Positive Thinking, or an Elaborate San Francisco Start-Up?

Meliorism could easily fit into Silicon Valley’s ethos of innovation and disruption, with slogans like:

• “Revolutionizing hope—one solution at a time.”
• “Making the industry better? There’s an app for that.”

While it shares start-up culture’s forward-thinking spirit, meliorism’s focus on collective good sets it apart from profit-first ventures.

Will AI Ever Become a Meliorist—Or Will It Insist on Pragmatism?

AI might gravitate toward pragmatism, relying on data to guide decisions. However, if trained on meliorist principles, it could prioritize long-term improvements over short-term efficiency. Imagine an AI that:

• Proposes equitable resource distribution.
• Develops tools to combat climate change.
• Encourages joint effort over competition.

With the right programming, even AI could embody meliorist ideals.

Do Meliorists Have a Sense of Today’s Tech News , or Do They Leave That to the Existentialists?

While existentialists corner the market on dark humor, meliorists embrace a more hopeful wit:

• “ is slow, but at least it’s forward. Unlike my Wi-Fi connection.”
• “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was this coffee maker. Improvement takes time.”

Humor, after all, is a coping mechanism for life’s imperfections—a sentiment meliorists understand well.

What’s the Secret Ingredient in a Meliorist’s San Diego Taco?

Effort and collaboration. A meliorist taco reflects sustainable sourcing, fair wages for workers, and a commitment to community well-being. It’s delicious and socially conscious.

Does Meliorism Really Require Us to Believe in Humanity—or Just the Right Kind of Coffee?

Belief in humanity helps, but meliorism is grounded in effort rather than faith. The right cup of coffee might not change the world, but it fuels the people who will.

: Meliorism’s Role in Modern Thought

Meliorism thrives in today’s challenges, offering a framework for improvement through collective effort. Whether it’s advocating for systemic change, solving everyday problems, or simply embracing the messy journey of progress, meliorism reminds us that better is always possible.

As George Eliot might say today: Start small. Dream big. Make progress.

Meliorism: A Voyage of Contrasts

Ultimately, the reality of meliorism lies in its adaptability and resilience. It’s the wise sage in the crowded pub of human endeavor, whispering that while the world may not be perfect, it’s our collective responsibility to strive for improvement. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, meliorism offers a glimmer of hope, humor, and humanity—a trifecta worthy of celebration in any context, whether it be the bustling streets of New York or the serene hills of San Francisco.