What Does “Progress” Mean, Anyway?
Progress is a precursor to, perhaps even a prerequisite for, optimism. Not the psychological optimism of cheery moods, but the scientific optimism that is the main subject of this book. Psychological optimism, as I have suggested, is more like resignation—making
The concept of progress is a contentious topic, often raising questions about the benefits and drawbacks of technological advancements. While most people acknowledge the undeniable benefits of progress, there are ongoing debates surrounding the potential harms it may bring. This article aims to explore the idea of progress and its significance in shaping human society and attitudes, even beyond the specific products and values of technological advancements.
Traditionally, progress has been associated with a forward-looking, scientific mindset that is oriented towards the future. However, this perspective is not inherent to human beings and only emerged with the Scientific Revolution. Prior to that, ancient civilizations like the Athenian Greeks did not have a dedicated term for progress, and even their advancements were often viewed as undesirable, as they were seen as sources of dissolution and decay.
The concept of progress gained traction only when people started recognizing change as something desirable and beneficial.
One of the main challenges in understanding progress is separating the idea of progress from the specific outcomes of technological advancements. While the latter is certainly important and often fuels discussions about values and ethics, the former is a fundamental outlook that has significantly altered human society in recent centuries.
By focusing on the concept of progress itself, rather than the individual products of progress, we can gain a deeper understanding of its impact on our mental lives and collective attitudes.
It is worth noting that progress is not a timeless or innate idea, but rather a relatively recent development in human history. Early cave paintings, for example, do not appear to express an explicit optimism for the future. It was only with the Scientific Revolution that progress became a widely accepted and valued idea. This shift in perspective has had far-reaching consequences, fundamentally altering our understanding of the world and our place within it.
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