Is Peace the Default for Humans?

This week's helpful idea

by Spencer Greenberg (founder of ClearerThinking.org)

Many people believe that peace and human flourishing are natural default states that occur so long as nothing unusual (such as uncommonly bad actors) intervenes.

I think the opposite is true - that peace and prosperity are special, somewhat mysterious, lucky states to be carefully cultivated and protected.

Other than a large dose of luck, prosperity comes about through wise institutions, capable leaders who care more about the flourishing of society than bolstering their egos, and citizens who can see through misinformation and manipulation and who hold leaders and institutions accountable.