By Nicholas Kristof / The New York TimesThis is the season when I customarily argue that the year just ending has been the best in human history. The year 2025 was a setback for humanity; and unfortunately, the United States is a reason for the retreat. A starting point is to gain perspective and acknowledge that in the arc of human history, we’re still in good shape. While 2025 wasn’t the best year in human history, measured by child mortality, it was one of the five best years ever. This wasn’t the best year in human history.

Source: New York Times December 30, 2025 13:27 UTC