Human Progress

Explore the ideas that drive human progress.

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.

How to Get Started

Clicking "Start Course" will prompt you to create a quick, free account so you can save your progress and earn your certificate.


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Quick Account Setup

Create your free account in under 30 seconds. You just need to quickly verify your email.

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Start Learning

Dive straight into expert-led video lessons at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.

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Track Your Progress

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Lesson One

Discover the key drivers behind humanity’s greatest advancements, from
innovation and individual liberty to economic freedom. Explore the principles that have shaped progress and learn how they can guide solutions to today’s challenges.

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Lesson Two

Examine inspiring examples of human progress throughout history, from
groundbreaking inventions to transformative social movements. Learn how these achievements highlight the power of freedom, creativity, and perseverance.

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Lesson Three

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.

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Lesson Four

Global living standards have risen while inequality has declined. Contrary to the
belief that only the rich benefit from progress, data shoes that income,
education, life expectancy, and political freedom have improved for most people.

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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/Long-time 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 FAQ

  • 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.

  • This online course is available at no cost thanks to Cato Institute’s Partners championing innovation, freedom, and prosperity.

  • The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course—you decide when you start and when you finish.

  • 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.


  • Everything you need is provided within the course, but having a notebook and an open mind is always a plus!