“In the last few decades we have managed to rein in famine, plague, and war”

Simplified Meaning:

Over the past several years, humans have made great progress in controlling hunger, diseases, and conflicts. Today, there are fewer people dying from starvation thanks to better food production and distribution. For example, modern farming techniques have increased the amount of food we can grow, helping to feed more people around the world. Diseases that used to kill millions, like smallpox and polio, are now under control because of vaccines and better medical care. In the past, these illnesses would spread quickly and cause many deaths, but now they are rare. Wars still happen, but many countries are better at finding peaceful solutions to problems than fighting. International organizations, like the United Nations, work to keep peace and prevent conflicts from starting or getting worse. By continuing to improve in these areas, we can make the world a safer and healthier place for everyone.