In a refreshing counter-narrative to the prevailing doom and gloom, journalist and author Manu Joseph presents a compelling case for optimism in the modern world. In his first column of the new year, dated 4 January 2026, Joseph identifies three unlikely sources of progress: the fear of death among the ultra-rich, the fundamentally peaceful nature of humanity, and even the stringent immigration policies of former US President Donald Trump.
The Billionaire War on Death: A Boon for All
Joseph posits that the super-rich's obsession with cheating death is yielding unprecedented benefits for global healthcare. Unwilling to leave the "party of life," billionaires are channeling vast private fortunes into medical research aimed at curing ageing and terminal diseases.
Bill Gates, through his philanthropy, not only tackles diseases of poverty but also invests significantly in neurodegeneration research. The recent clearance by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a blood test to detect Alzheimer's early has notably excited him, signaling potential near-future breakthroughs in preventing brain diseases.
Similarly, Jeff Bezos is funding ventures to reverse cellular ageing, a breakthrough that could simultaneously address cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration. Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have pledged billions toward the audacious goal of curing all diseases by the century's end.
This collective endeavour, driven by a desire for personal longevity, could deliver extraordinary medical advancements for all of humanity. Joseph notes, however, a sceptical view of Elon Musk's Neuralink, viewing it as a melodramatic gamble for digital immortality rather than a pragmatic health solution.
The Overwhelming Human Instinct for Peace
Contrary to the violent portrait often painted by history and news headlines, Joseph argues that the modern era's relative calm is a direct reflection of human nature. The greatest evidence of our collective intent, he suggests, is what billions of people choose to do with their lives: seek peaceful coexistence within small, tight-knit groups.
War dominates news cycles precisely because it is an aberration. The peaceful disposition of the majority is the global default, which sometimes grants a temporary political advantage to violent storytellers. Ultimately, they are often countered by others promoted by this same peace-seeking world.
Joseph observes that we live in an age where practicality has trumped ideals, revealing the ugliness and insecurity of a world without them. This peak of practicality, he hopes, may soon swing the pendulum back toward a renewed pursuit of ideals.
Trump's Immigration Crackdown: An Unintended Nation-Builder?
Joseph presents a provocative analysis of Trump's hardline immigration policies. By instilling fear and cracking down on illegal routes, Trump has effectively curtailed a specific stream of migration that was often a middle-class endeavour, as evidenced by Indians paying tens of lakhs to smuggling agents.
This policy has also made legal emigration and work in the US far more difficult for the Indian upper class. The consequence, Joseph argues, is that the "great Indian dream" of escaping India has become prohibitively expensive.
This forced retention of talent and capital could lead to a transformative shift. A new generation of India's elite and middle class may now channel their energy and resources into improving their homeland, a fervour for nation-building reminiscent of the post-independence era. This phenomenon, Joseph suggests, could extend to other Asian nations whose elites previously practiced "long-distance nationalism" from the comfort of the US.
In conclusion, Manu Joseph's column challenges readers to see the silver linings in unlikely places. From the labs funded by billionaire vanity to the quiet daily choices of billions for peace, and even in restrictive geopolitics, he finds threads of hope weaving a better, healthier, and more liveable modern world.
