Of course, these gains haven't been evenly distributed around the world, but chances are, if you're watching this, you a. survive childbirth, and b. feel reasonably confident that your children will as well. That's a new feeling for humans, and as a parent, I can assure you, it's a miracle and one to be celebrated. We study history so that we can understand these changes, and so that we can remember both what we've gained and lost in getting to where we are. Next week, our last week, we'll look at the many facets of globalization that aren't causes for celebration. But for today, let's just pause to consider how we got from here to here, how the relentless and unquenchable ambition of humans led to a world where the entire contents of the Library of Alexandria would fit on my iPhone, along with recordings of everything Mozart ever composed. In such a world, it's easy to feel that we are big and powerful, maybe even invincible. It's easy to feel that, and also dangerous.