There is one of those annoying, preachy adverts on Kayo Sports, where I watch real cricket, about progress, in which the preacher says that whether progress is sudden, or slow, there is one thing that is certain. Progress is “unstoppable”. It is one of those cliché-filled, glib, “we all agree with this” efforts by an alleged business guru.
Agree and great essay. In the face of where we are right now it seems strange to even consider the idea that we as a species enjoy progress of any sort. There have been more rational cultures who thought living and survival with realistic expectations outweighed some effete totalitarian civilization with the inevitable ruling bureaucracy. My word for where we are at is devolution.
When it comes down to human nature there is very little new under the sun, except, maybe, increasing depravity.
In 1759 Voltaire wrote "Candide" with its memorable character, Dr Pangloss, who has entered the English language as another word for incurable, mindless optimism.
In Australia and elsewhere we have a plethora of Cornucopians with their belief in renewable energy, climate emergency fixes, infinite growth etc etc.
As usual, the Pollyannas of the Herd, masked and jabbed to the hilt, just don't get it and neither do they care (until, too late, they begin to suffer).
We are still sinful humans dependent on God and and His saving grace in Jesus Christ. We can only have peace, real peace, the peace that passes understanding, that knows that Jesus is asleep in the boat in the storm when we trust in Jesus to see us though by the power of the Holy Spirit. It matters not whether we progress according to world standards. It only matter that we know that God is in control and has promised us eternal and will come back again to to a a new heaven and new earth. "The Lord Is my shepherd, I shall not want..."(Psalm 23) Whom have I in heaven but thee, there is none upon the earth that I desire beside thee"(Ps 73:25) "And Indeed there are the last who will be first and there are first who will be last"(Luke 13:30) The question is not -have we progressed but are we saved?
Whig History and the Myth of Inevitable Progress
Agree and great essay. In the face of where we are right now it seems strange to even consider the idea that we as a species enjoy progress of any sort. There have been more rational cultures who thought living and survival with realistic expectations outweighed some effete totalitarian civilization with the inevitable ruling bureaucracy. My word for where we are at is devolution.
When it comes down to human nature there is very little new under the sun, except, maybe, increasing depravity.
In 1759 Voltaire wrote "Candide" with its memorable character, Dr Pangloss, who has entered the English language as another word for incurable, mindless optimism.
In Australia and elsewhere we have a plethora of Cornucopians with their belief in renewable energy, climate emergency fixes, infinite growth etc etc.
As usual, the Pollyannas of the Herd, masked and jabbed to the hilt, just don't get it and neither do they care (until, too late, they begin to suffer).
I'm trying to be optimistic Paul but I know what you mean.
We are still sinful humans dependent on God and and His saving grace in Jesus Christ. We can only have peace, real peace, the peace that passes understanding, that knows that Jesus is asleep in the boat in the storm when we trust in Jesus to see us though by the power of the Holy Spirit. It matters not whether we progress according to world standards. It only matter that we know that God is in control and has promised us eternal and will come back again to to a a new heaven and new earth. "The Lord Is my shepherd, I shall not want..."(Psalm 23) Whom have I in heaven but thee, there is none upon the earth that I desire beside thee"(Ps 73:25) "And Indeed there are the last who will be first and there are first who will be last"(Luke 13:30) The question is not -have we progressed but are we saved?