A New Vision for the Advancement of Humanity: Rekindling the Belief in Progress

While the progress of civilization has undeniably brought about transformative innovations, not all view these changes as purely beneficial. Some intellectuals challenge the idea that humanity is better off today than it was in the past. For instance, in a 2014 article published by The Atlantic, the Industrial Revolution is criticized for potentially jeopardizing our ability to live sustainably on Earth. The relentless pursuit of industrial growth has extracted a heavy toll on the environment, pushing humanity closer to ecological crises, from climate change to resource depletion.

Jared Diamond, in his seminal work Guns, Germs, and Steel, also questions the idea of progress by examining the shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural statehood. He provocatively calls this transition “the worst mistake in the history of the human race,” suggesting that the rise of agriculture may have actually worsened human health and social inequality. Similarly, historian Christopher Lasch critiques the blind faith in progress, arguing that evidence increasingly points to a world where industrialization and technological advancement have not brought about the utopian future once envisioned.

These critiques reflect a broader cultural pessimism regarding the future, particularly among younger generations. Many surveys reveal that large portions of the population view the world as increasingly frightening and uncertain. In 2023, for instance, more than three-quarters of Americans expressed doubts that life for their children would be better than their own. This growing despair signifies a societal shift—from one that once believed in boundless progress to one focused on averting disaster.

The Consequences of Skepticism: Stagnation or Innovation?

The skepticism surrounding progress is not without consequence. As doubts mount about the true benefits of technological and industrial advancements, society may lose the motivation to continue innovating. This pessimism, particularly regarding energy development, has already led to delays in advancing critical technologies. Opposition to various energy sources—nuclear, oil, and even renewables like wind and solar—has slowed progress for decades. As a result, average American energy consumption has not improved significantly in over fifty years. This stagnation reflects a broader regression in society’s drive for progress.

Without a renewed vision for the future, humanity risks stagnation, focusing only on preventing catastrophes rather than building a brighter tomorrow. Yet, for progress to continue, there must be a belief in its potential to enhance human life. In this sense, the future of civilization relies on our collective ability to embrace science and technology with optimism, while remaining cautious of their potential risks.