I think @tarazkp is just voicing his concern about the uncertainty of the future rather than his pessimism. Anyone who knows a little history should be concerned because they know how tenuous our freedoms can be. It is amazing how quickly and voluntarily we give them up when threatened. Remember what the Bush administration did after 9/11. Fear is a powerful motivator and we all need to be keenly aware of this whenever a leader uses fear to motivate us. Walls, immigrants, the taking away of guns and fake news all come to mind.

I agree that the world is getting better in spite of the news as indicated in that TED Talk you referred too. Another great source on positive developments is Steven Pinker and his books, “Enlighten Now” and “The Better Angeles of our Nature.” Or virtually any of his YouTube videos. Here’s a good start: Steven Pinker: Be Positive, The World Is Not Falling Apart.