Bill Gates recently recommended this book by Hans Rosling called "Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think" and it is a great book to read to be a realist.

The world is NOT getting worse, it is getting better. The news is only picking up issues that sell, and fear and devastation sell, just like sex.

Solving global warming -- let's start with being mindful of our carbon footprint. I'd love to see every car on the road to be driverless, electric cars in the future. I think we are on our way.

In any case, don't read the news. Read books instead.