@bfg
You hinted on it but are looking at it backwards
If you start low - like with learning new skill - progress is visible and you can believe in improving over time
You also see it around you. You see it in numbers.
(We’ve seen it in Eastern Europe after 1990s revolution)
Once you stop seeing progress around you watch more closely all the news about crazy people running your and other countries into the conflicts and draining resources for their own benefits.
Then there’s little ground for optimism. And numbers alone don’t make a difference any more.