Human Progress
Despite the headlines, human life has improved dramatically. Learn what drives progress and why it matters.
Discover the remarkable story of human progress.
Through insights from the Cato Institute’s leading scholars, see the dramatic improvements in well-being across the globe.
Dive into compelling videos, explore groundbreaking research, and see how innovation and resilience continue to shape a brighter future for humanity.
This online course is available at no cost thanks to Human Progress, dedicated to championing innovation, freedom, and prosperity.
Chapter One
Discover the key drivers behind humanity’s greatest advancements, from
innovation and individual liberty to economic freedom.
Chapter Two
Uncover the realities of resource scarcity and how societies adapt to meet
growing needs. Explore the role of innovation, markets, and human ingenuity in turning limitations into opportunities.
Chapter Three
Examine inspiring examples of human progress throughout history, from
groundbreaking inventions to transformative social movements.
Chapter Four
Global living standards have risen while inequality has declined. Contrary to the
belief that only the rich benefit from progress, data shows that income,
education, life expectancy, and political freedom have improved for most people.
What you'll earn
Finish the course. Walk away with proof.
Complete all four chapters and you'll receive a personalized Cato Courses certificate of completion, ready to download and share the moment you finish.
- Chapter OneWhat are the causes of human progress?
- Chapter TwoProgress is not limited by resource scarcity
- Chapter ThreeThe West didn't steal its way to wealth
- Chapter FourProgress and inequality
- Certificate issuedDownload as a PDF. Share it on LinkedIn or add it to a résumé.
Free forever · Under an hour · No credit card required
Cato Courses
Certificate of Completion
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Human Progress
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What you will learn
This Cato Course introduces the key forces behind dramatic improvements in global well-being.
You’ll explore how free markets, innovation, and open societies have enabled longer lives, higher living standards, and unprecedented opportunities.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Understand the main drivers of human progress throughout history;
Challenge common myths about wealth, poverty, and inequality;
Explore how different economic systems affect global development; and
Recognize the connection between human freedom and social progress.
In less than an hour, you’ll gain a clear understanding of human progress, and real-world mechanisms that have transformed civilization.
Who this course is for:
Students and Young Professionals interested in human progress and libertarian thought.
Liberty-Minded Activists looking for intellectual ammunition for advocacy.
Lifelong Learners and Cato Partners engaging more deeply with Cato’s resources.
Requirements
No background is needed. This Cato course is for anyone eager to dive into Human Progress.
Course FAQs
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This online course is available at no cost thanks to Cato Institute’s Partners who champion innovation, freedom, and prosperity.
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How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own.
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The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course—you decide when you start and when you finish.
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Yes! This course is designed for young minds, but it’s open to anyone eager to learn. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to sharpen your skills, you will find valuable insights here.
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Everything you need is provided within the course, but having a notebook and an open mind is always a plus!