The World Grows Better
The poem explores the idea that the world is gradually improving despite its imperfections and injustices. It describes how humanity has progressed from a state of barbarism to one of relative civilization, citing advancements in science, art, and morality. The speaker argues that even though evil still exists, goodness is ultimately triumphant, and that love, kindness, and compassion are increasingly prevalent.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 383 words
First lines
Oh! the earth is full of sinning And of trouble and of woe, But the devil makes an inning Every time we say it's so. And the way to set him scowling, And to put him back a pace, Is to stop this stupid growling, And to look things in the face.
If you glance at history's pages, In all lands and eras known, You will find the buried ages Far more wicked than our own. As you scan each word and letter. You will realise it more, That the world to-day is better Than it ever was before.
What this Textopian page supports
The World Grows Better is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Historical, Social Commentary
- Length: 383 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on optimism, progress, and the betterment of the world.
- Philosophical — The content reflects on historical progress and the nature of good and evil.
- Historical — The text references historical eras and compares them to the present.
Tags
Optimism · Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Positive Thinking · Personal Growth · Self-Help · Well-being · Happiness