I think that it is more valuable to spend one's time focusing on problems and how they can be solved rather than celebrating the fact that things are better than they used to be in many, many ways.
That being said, it is important to periodically remind one's self that things are generally getting better around the world. Failing to keep problems in perspective can not only be discouraging, but can skew your perception of how sever those problems are. Don't let yourself fall for the "Good Old Days" myth.
"celebrating the fact that things are better than they used to be in many, many ways."
Yes, that's certainly an invitation to regression of all battles won for the better, with civil rights and other gains. We're not moving in any particular vector, necessarily, we have to actively ensure we're pushing to build on these victories and the victories of our predecessors.
That being said, it is important to periodically remind one's self that things are generally getting better around the world. Failing to keep problems in perspective can not only be discouraging, but can skew your perception of how sever those problems are. Don't let yourself fall for the "Good Old Days" myth.