I've not read Pinker's book, and I do agree we are living in a period which would be considered a paradise by those who were alive 300 years ago.

But the counterpoint to Pinker's argument would be, as good as things are today can they be better? For me, the answer is undoubtedly yes.

I think a middle ground between Pinker's optimism and the pessimism of others is healthy. It's important to know what we've done well, but just as important to know what we can improve.