Superabundance is a very large amount of something, normally above and beyond what is needed. When we are often led to believe that resources are scarce - in what context may we use this term? Let’s consider the book ‘Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet’
by Tupy & Pooley.
This theory presents an optimistic perspective on human progress, challenging the prevalent narratives of scarcity and doom. The authors argue that, contrary to fears of overpopulation and resource depletion, human ingenuity and innovation have consistently led to increased prosperity and abundance. The more people in the world, the more brains we can put to solving the world’s problems and creating the conditions for abundance.
The central thesis of ‘Superabundance’ is the belief in human creativity as an inexhaustible resource. Tupy and Pooley assert that more people mean more ideas, innovations, and solutions to the world's problems. This argument is backed by a range of economic data and historical examples that demonstrate how, over time, technological advancements have mitigated resource constraints and improved living standards. For instance, they discuss how agricultural innovations have not only kept pace with population growth but have often exceeded it, resulting in more food production and less hunger.
However, it's important to critique this viewpoint with a critical eye. While the book provides ample evidence of human progress, it sometimes glosses over the complexities and challenges associated with this growth. For example, the authors emphasise the decrease in nominal prices of goods, using the concept of ‘time prices’ to show that it takes less time for the average worker to afford goods today than it did in the past. This is an encouraging metric, suggesting that life has become more affordable. However, they could delve deeper into the nuances of this argument, such as the distribution of wealth and access to these goods across different populations and regions. That said, in 1980, out of a world population of 4.4 billion people, 1.92 billion (43.6%) people were living in extreme poverty (see Our World in Data graphic below) as opposed to 712 million in 2024 (9% of the world’s population) according this article by World Vision. In terms of human progress and breaking through malthusian boundaries, that is not bad at all.
‘Superabundance’ occasionally ventures into overly optimistic territory, potentially downplaying current global challenges like climate change and inequality. The authors' enthusiasm for the idea that human innovation can solve any problem might be seen as an oversimplification. They argue that humanity has always found ways to adapt and thrive, yet this assertion could benefit from a more thorough discussion of the risks and uncertainties that lie ahead, particularly those that are unprecedented in human history.
In teaching geography students to critically analyse such texts, it's crucial to highlight the importance of evidence-based arguments. For instance, while ‘Superabundance’ champions the idea of innovation-driven growth, students should be encouraged to ask critical questions: How sustainable is this growth? What are the potential ecological and social costs? Are there historical examples where innovation failed to address significant crises? (A future article to come soon on this last question…) This kind of questioning is vital to ensure that students do not accept arguments at face value, even when they are presented with a plethora of supportive data.
Additionally, students should be made aware of the rhetorical strategies authors use to persuade their audience. Tupy and Pooley's optimistic tone and emphasis on human potential are persuasive, but students should be taught to discern between optimism and realistic assessments. Encouraging them to seek out counterpoints and alternative perspectives can help them develop a more balanced understanding.
While the authors of ‘Superabundance’ could be accused of being over optimistic - this book does help to redress the deluge of catastrophising that is present in the media and many other published works. Many media outlets deliberately overstate the disastrous to gain readers & viewers and this in turn creates a lot of unnecessary anxiety. It is crucial for books like this to help young people realise that there is hope and many predicted disastrous scenarios might or will not happen. That is not to say that harder times are not ahead in some parts of the world where conditions are currently benign.
‘Superabundance’ provides a compelling case for the positive impacts of population growth and innovation. However, it is essential for readers, particularly students, to engage with the content critically. By examining the evidence, questioning assumptions, and considering the broader context, they can better understand the complexities of the issues at hand. This critical engagement is not only crucial for academic rigour but also for fostering a nuanced understanding of the world, which is necessary for addressing the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Comments