14 JAN 2012 by ideonexus
A Early Definition of Human Social Progress
Disease is largely a removable evil. It continues to afflict humanity, not only because of incomplete knowledge of its causes and lack of individual and public hygiene, but also because it is extensively fostered by harsh economic and industrial conditions and by wretched housing in congested communities. ... The reduction of the death rate is the principal statistical expression and index of human social progress. It means the saving and lengthening of lives of thousands of citizens, the ext...
1 
That emphasizes a reduction in the death rate and argues that this is something we can do through education and improving the quality of life.
