Understanding Progress: Impediments and Paths to True Improvement

Progress, a term often taken for granted, plays a pivotal role in shaping our societies and individual lives. From the industrial era to the present day, the concept of progress has evolved, yet its true meaning is often misunderstood. This article explores what progress really means, its different interpretations, and the impediments that can stifle or halt its forward movement.

What is Progress?

Progress, as defined, can have multiple meanings:

Forward or onward movement as toward a destination. Development, advancement, or improvement as toward a goal. A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through their realm.

While these definitions capture the essence of progress, they often fall short of the true essence of improvement and societal advancement. In the rush to growth, it is easy to mistake mere growth for genuine progress. Growth, defined as an expansion or increase in size, does not always equate to development or quality improvement. Often, what is mistaken as progress is merely a replacement of the old with the new, leading to the neglect of current issues and potential regressions.

Impediments to Progress

Throughout the decades, various factors have hindered progress, particularly in the context of technological, economic, and social shifts. A notable period is from the 1950s to the mid-2000s, when long-term career jobs and manufacturing jobs were increasingly outsourced to other regions. As a result, both the government and individuals found themselves impeding and stopping progress in several ways.

Decades-Old Job Shifts

The shift in the job market from the 1950s onward led to the closure of many manufacturing plants, leaving behind only part-time or low-wage jobs that lack the same stability and benefits. This economic shift was met with a lack of support from both the government and the populace, who failed to adapt or implement measures to ensure that individuals could keep pace with technological and industrial changes. Consequently, many individuals and communities suffered, as the focus was not on fostering long-term sustainable job growth but on short-term gains in a globalized workforce.

Government Inaction and Misaligned Priorities

During this time, the government's role in supporting workforce development and retraining programs was limited, leading to a situation where willing workers were unable to transition to new job opportunities. Instead of providing support, the government often failed to recognize the changing dynamics of the job market, resulting in a misalignment of policies and priorities. This failure to adapt and support the population hindered progress and ultimately led to a decline in community well-being and economic stability.

True Progress: Self-Improvement vs. Group Improvement

While progress can be defined in different ways, true progress lies in the individual's journey of self-improvement. This means that the advancements and developments one achieves should be a result of personal effort and self-sustained growth rather than reliance on external factors or group efforts. It is through the improvement of each individual that a cohesive and sustainable improvement of the collective can be achieved.

The Dangers of Group Improvement

Progress can sometimes be misconstrued when seen through the lens of group improvement. The idea that the group can enhance its overall performance through collective actions and equalization often results in a loss of individual initiative and self-improvement. When individuals prioritize the group's interests over their own, the path to true progress is often impeded. Without the motivation to improve oneself, the group's advancement becomes superficial and unsustainable.

Self-improvement and group improvement should go hand-in-hand for true progress. However, when group improvement is prioritized over individual effort, it can lead to a 'lowest common denominator' effect. In such scenarios, the standards and expectations are lowered to accommodate the least capable members of the group, stifling overall progress and leading to a worse-off collective outcome.

Examples of Progress and Impediments

To better understand the concept, let's consider a few examples:

Progress of a Lava Flow

The progress of a lava flow to a village can be seen as destructive rather than beneficial. Lava flow, while natural and unstoppable, buries and damages communities, leading to destruction and displacement. This represents a form of progress that is regressive, as it destroys existing structures and communities without bringing substantial improvement or long-term benefits.

Progress of a City Fire

In contrast, a city fire that spreads rapidly through a densely populated area is a clear indication of a regression. While it may initially create a wave of calamity, it also leads to immediate destruction, leaving behind broken homes and lives. This type of progress is devastating and does not benefit the individual or the community in any substantial or sustainable way.

Both examples illustrate that true progress is not mere movement or development; it must be forward, onward, and toward a positive goal that enhances the lives of communities and individuals. In seeking to move forward, we must be careful not to destroy what is valuable and instead support sustainable and self-driven improvement.