By almost any measure, the world is better than it has ever been. People are living longer, healthier lives. Many nations that were aid recipients are now self-sufficient. You might think that such striking progress would be widely celebrated, but in fact, Melinda and I are struck by how many people think the world is getting worse. The belief that the world can’t solve extreme poverty and disease isn’t just mistaken. It is harmful. That’s why in this year’s letter we take apart some of the myths that slow down the work. The next time you hear these myths, we hope you will do the same.
In American math classes, we teach a lot of concepts poorly over many years. In the Asian systems they teach you very few concepts very well over a few years.
The present and future of knowledge attainment and essential business skills.
Humanity’s greatest advances are not in its discoveries – but in how those discoveries are applied to reduce inequity. Whether through democracy, strong public education, quality health care, or broad economic opportunity – reducing inequity is the highest human achievement.
Unfortunately, the highly curious student is a small percentage of the kids.
Lectures should go from being like the family singing around the piano to high-quality concerts.
When making choices, or setting policies about the economy, education or medicine, society is best served by electing people who are particularly hardworking, intelligent and interested in long-term thinking.
Students deserve great teachers. And teachers deserve the support they need to become great.
Americans want students to get the best education possible. We want schools to prepare children to become good citizens and members of a prosperous American economy.
With a public library card in your hand, you have access to the Internet and a world of opportunities.
