Alain de Benoist traces the historical development and evolution of the idea of progress, which emerged around 1680 and became a central tenet of Western civilization.
Benoist exposes the mythology of progress brilliantly, and it is that warped understanding of movement across stages of development that is applied to our political world. Technocracy appeals to the elites as a solution to the messy nature of politics, but in itself becomes a conceit that serves to buttress elite rule.
Perhaps, in order to move beyond this trap of "progress", we must start seeing human beings as complete in themselves, and society in which we live as an expression of the times and of the people inhabiting it, not as a teleology that leads us to an undefined "perfection".
Francis Bacon also developed the concept of progress in his work, most especially Novum Organum. He argued his age was superior to earlier ages due to the scientific and technological advances made during his life and the recent past.
Benoist exposes the mythology of progress brilliantly, and it is that warped understanding of movement across stages of development that is applied to our political world. Technocracy appeals to the elites as a solution to the messy nature of politics, but in itself becomes a conceit that serves to buttress elite rule.
Perhaps, in order to move beyond this trap of "progress", we must start seeing human beings as complete in themselves, and society in which we live as an expression of the times and of the people inhabiting it, not as a teleology that leads us to an undefined "perfection".
Francis Bacon also developed the concept of progress in his work, most especially Novum Organum. He argued his age was superior to earlier ages due to the scientific and technological advances made during his life and the recent past.
Excellent. Another great article. Very thoughf provoking