> And no, life is worse for millions of people around the world than it was in 1800 if for not other reason

Yeah, but not for the same people. Life in 1800 in NYC was worse than life in NYC in 2023 for the average inhabitant. Life in some places on earth today are worse than life in NYC in 1800 was, but that's not the question.

> Find the most destitute among us and see how they fare

Better. They're faring better. The data is in, and they do.