optimism, pessimism in progress (with applications to eschatology)

OK, now for something optimistic-- from Steven Pinker in Cato's "Letters". Although focused on "reason", generally provocative and applicable to Christian eschatology as well.

1.) What "lifts us up"?

2.) Who has a stake in certain optimistic/pessimistic narratives?

3.) What does history (really) say?

4.) What kinds of progress are reversible, subject to backsliding or permanent?