Human history is a saga of relentless creation. From ancient foragers seeking better tools to civilizations building more houses, growing more food, and forming larger communities, progress has largely been a story of "more." We strived for abundance—more knowledge, more entertainment, more possibilities. And now, in the 21st century, we’ve achieved it. But abundance comes with a paradox. In every field of life, from art to information, the sheer volume has sharply declined the average quality. The mass-market mentality caters to the lowest common denominator, flooding us with mediocrity. However, that’s only one side of the story. If you look closely, you’ll find more excellence too. The needles in the haystack have multiplied, but the haystack itself has grown exponentially. Take art as an example. Films today cater to every imaginable style and taste. Blockbusters dominate headlines, but independent gems and experimental masterpieces are flourishing—you just need to know...