If anyone is inclined to disagree off the cuff, I'd suggest checking out Gregg Easterbrook's It's Better Than It Looks[1]. There are some valid criticisms, but he makes a great case for how much better society is now than it was in the recent past. It's a super quick read and is a jumping off point for investigating some more interesting questions.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Its-Better-Than-Looks-Optimism/dp/161...