Acclaimed designer Stefan Sagmeister brings data to life to convey an uplifting message for our current times. Amid the stark reality of a world facing the aftermath of an unprecedented global pandemic, natural disasters, and political turmoil “Finally, Something Good” presents tangible evidence that, when assessed from a long-term perspective, most aspects of human development have improved.

Using relevant data from the United Nations, World Bank, and other global and national databases, Sagmeister artfully transforms the numbers into captivating visual representations that yield resonant understanding. By embedding information into eclectic mediums — antique paintings, clothing, sculptural objects, and installations — Sagmeister bridges the past and present, while telling a hopeful story of progress over time.

Why This Talk Matters Now

In a nonstop news cycle of crisis and outrage, Sagmeister’s work presses pause. This talk will give us a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. Sagmeister makes long-term progress more palpable, more perceptible, more human-scale. This talk won’t deny the present-day metacrisis, but will situate our current moment within the long upward arc of human advancement in health, education, safety, and quality of life. In doing so, he’ll challenge the helplessness that arises when we give into the panic, and falsely believe the future is in uncontestable decline.

The Long View

Sagmeister’s approach reinforces a core Long Now principle: we must see beyond the present moment to meaningfully steward future generations. His talk provides tools for thought and action to cultivate an expanded temporal awareness. Sagmeister’s work demonstrates how perspective itself is a design problem. By showing that collective human action has produced measurable gains over centuries, his work restores a sense of participation in history.

Learn More

• READ Sagmeister’s view on the long term
• WATCH the trailer for The Happy Film, an exploration of the psychology of happiness directed by Sagmeister, featuring Long Now alum and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt
• LISTEN to Sagmeister collaborator David Byrne’s Long Now Talk “Good News & Sleeping Beauties” from 02019