“It was striking to realize that a) a century ago I might well have died; and b) the cost of maybe saving my life was three hours in the ER and $4.16 worth of antibiotics.” A reminder that things don’t just improve. People make them better — and can make them worse again.
By Charles C. Mann
Our ancestors built grand public systems to conquer hunger, thirst, darkness, and squalor. That progress can be lost if we forget it.
thenewatlantis.com