After taking a month break from Flourishing Friday, I am happy to be back and able to kick off my return by sharing some encouraging data from the Human Flourishing Lab's latest Progress Pulse survey.
There's no shortage of commentary suggesting that Americans are losing faith in their nation and their fellow citizens. Political divisions seem more entrenched than ever, public polling reveals widespread distrust in institutions and growing pessimism about the country's future, and cynical voices grow louder in public discourse. These concerning trends are real and measurable. Yet our research continues to reveal a more complex reality that offers hope for a better path forward.
In our latest survey among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 American adults, we find that most Americans share positive views about their nation's contributions to human advancement. Three-quarters or more of respondents agree that America's global leadership (75%), cultural emphasis on optimism and possibility (76%), and business achievements (78%) have been crucial for advancing positive change around the world. Moreover, 84% believe American scientific research has been essential for global progress.
This isn't just Americans looking fondly on the past. Nearly 8 in 10 Americans (79%) agree that going forward, their nation's contributions will remain vital for positive change around the world.
What I find most notable and encouraging is the consistency of these beliefs across all demographic groups. Every subgroup we measured shows majority belief in America's beneficial global impact.
While these findings show broad consensus, there are some differences that warrant attention. Older Americans demonstrate strong belief in America's global contributions, with those 65 and older reaching 84% support for leadership, culture, and business, and 92% for science. Americans ages 18-24 show notably lower support, ranging from 59% for leadership to 73% for scientific research. In addition, while 87% of those 65 and over believe America will continue to be a driver of global progress in the future, this number drops to 69% for adults under 25.
While younger Americans still demonstrate majority support, this generational decline suggests that maintaining widespread belief in America's critical role in advancing human progress will require intentional efforts to engage, educate, and inspire younger generations.
Notably, Republicans, compared to Democrats, express stronger agreement with statements about American global leadership (83% vs. 74%), culture (83% vs. 76%), business achievements (85% vs. 78%), and future contributions (88% vs. 75%). Both parties converge at 87% agreement on the importance of American scientific research for global progress.
It is worth noting that while some prominent Republican voices have embraced isolationist positions, rank-and-file Republicans are the most likely to believe that going forward, America’s contributions will remain vital for global progress.
Despite these differences, it is important to emphasize that strong majorities of Democrats still believe in America's past and future global contributions across all dimensions.
In short, Americans haven't lost faith in their nation as a force for good in the world.
This widespread belief in America's contributions, combined with other findings from our research on the progress-oriented attitudes that unite Americans, can help cultivate a healthy patriotism that energizes us to work together on national and global issues.
In a previous survey, for instance, we found that nearly 90% of Americans feel grateful for the efforts and accomplishments of past generations that contributed to the quality of life they enjoy today. We also found that over 85% believe that historical examples of major breakthroughs and advances provide good reason to believe that we can solve today's problems and build a better future. This gratitude for progress seems to inspire Americans to want to contribute to the continuation of human progress.
Indeed, in another survey, we discovered that most American adults view themselves as agents of progress. Specifically, around three quarters or more believe they have the power and responsibility to make contributions that improve the world. Americans don't just want to benefit from the progress they are grateful for, but also want to play a meaningful role in creating positive change for future generations.
These findings challenge prevailing narratives about American disillusionment and social fragmentation. There are indeed troubling trends in public sentiment. But the complete story reveals reasons for hope and opportunities for positive action.
Americans are grateful for progress, maintain faith in their nation's positive contributions to the world, and believe in their personal capacity to make meaningful change. This combination of gratitude, national purpose, and individual agency provides a foundation we can build upon to address our shared challenges constructively.
Have a great weekend!
Clay