Francis Fukuyama: Why We Are Better Than Our Ancestors 🌍✨

Article summary:
In this article, we review the views of American philosopher Francis Fukuyama on the moral and social progress that human beings have made compared with their ancestors in earlier ages. Fukuyama discusses how societies have shifted from cruelty and systematic torture to greater respect for human rights and values of compassion, despite the continued existence of violence and imperfection. He also presents a balanced view of the limits of global moral responsibility, affirming the importance of the role of the nation-state in organizing relations between individuals.

⚖️ Cruelty in the past: evidence of a less compassionate world

When we look through the pages of history via letters and documented events, a grim picture emerges of a world in which dealing with others was far less humane. In the seventeenth century, horrific forms of torture such as “breaking on the wheel” were ordinary events mentioned in daily letters as if they were passing news. Likewise, historians note that public executions and the crowds that gathered to watch them, as happened in London during the nineteenth century, stirred in spectators feelings of joy and entertainment similar to sporting events, reflecting a very low level of empathy for the victims.

At that time, there was no appreciation for human rights; rather, the poor, the guilty, and strangers were considered outside the bounds of moral compassion. Records such as those written by “Thomas Thistlewood,” the overseer of slaves in Jamaica, show that torture and exploitation were not merely exceptions, but a routine part of daily interaction.

🎭 Toward a better world: compassion becomes the norm

Francis Fukuyama believes that today’s picture of the world is fundamentally different from those periods. Despite the continued presence of violence and injustice, we live in an era in which recognition of human rights and compassion has become a minimum standard that must be observed. According to many global surveys, there is broad agreement in rejecting torture and abolishing the death penalty in most countries of the world, a shift that reflects greater awareness of human worth.

The main differences Fukuyama points to include:

• Recognition of human dignity: There is no longer anyone who views entire groups of people as “inferior” to others.
• Expansion of the sense of moral responsibility: The belief is widespread that every human being deserves humane and respectful treatment.
• The marked decline of official violence: Abolishing death sentences and restricting the use of torture show progress in legal and justice institutions.

But this progress is not a straight line; it is a winding path containing setbacks and political and moral crises that lead to conflicts and wars, yet on average it shows improvement compared with earlier eras.

✨ Why are we better? The difference is in values, not genes

Fukuyama believes that the development we are witnessing does not stem from an improvement in human biological nature, but rather from a change in values and social principles that emerge through institutions, laws, and culture.

In ancient societies, mass killing, slavery, and torture were repeated practices, and there was no embarrassment in displaying this cruelty openly. Today, however, there are moral rules that criminalize these behaviors, and even discussing them as if they were normal has become unacceptable.

This shift in the view of others is what makes us surpass our ancestors, because we have come to believe in the idea that:

• Every person “counts” and has moral value.
• The right to life and dignity is not subject to the whim of the individual or authority.
• Tolerance of difference and the general moral conscience form the basis of human relations.

🧭 The limits of global compassion: do we love those close to us more than those far away?

Some asked Fukuyama about our moral obligations toward people who are geographically or culturally distant from us. Do we treat a person in a faraway city the same way we treat our neighbors?

Fukuyama believes that human relationships and the bonds built through daily life are a key engine for forming compassion and concern, and therefore it is natural for concern to be greater for those whom we see and interact with directly.

In addition, Fukuyama emphasizes the central role of the nation-state as a necessary political structure that helps protect society, enforce laws, and organize rights. His view indicates that the existence of a recognized governing institution serves the interests of both the individual and society and prevents chaos.

• State independence prevents a state of global chaos without controls.
• Political borders make it possible to enforce the law and achieve justice.
• Competition among states cannot be ignored despite the pursuit of humanity.

🌍 Our journey continues: hope amid the challenges of the twenty-first century

While we are advancing morally beyond previous generations, the road ahead remains long in dealing with the challenges raised by Fukuyama and other thinkers. The escalation of conflicts, political divisions, and the spread of hatred in some regions indicate that human values are not guaranteed automatically.

What is striking, however, is that:

• Public awareness of the importance of human rights is greater than ever before.
• There are international community alliances for peace and justice.
• International laws and rights institutions play an effective role in limiting violations.

The emergence of anti-discrimination movements and demands for new rights also proves that the path toward a more just world passes through sustained collective effort.

🌟 Conclusion: What makes us “better” than our ancestors?

• The change in social values that reject cruelty and promote compassion.
• The growth of awareness of human rights as a global standard accepted by most societies.
• Support for nation-state institutions that enable law enforcement and the protection of individuals.
• Tangible moral progress despite setbacks and conflicts.

Fukuyama does not claim human perfection or that everyone has become an angel; rather, he affirms that humanity has improved morally in a significant way compared with past ages, and that we live in a world that values human beings more and strives for their rights.

Follow more stories of human phenomena and diverse cultures that shape our world in all its colors and challenges! 📸🎭

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