A Short History of Progress
A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright, published by Canongate in 2006, is a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of progress throughout human history. Spanning 211 pages, this edition delves into how advancements, while often seen as beneficial, can lead to significant consequences. Wright examines the paradox of progress, illustrating how civilizations have historically faced challenges stemming from their own successes.
Readers will find a critical analysis of the patterns of progress and disaster that have recurred since the Stone Age. The book discusses the implications of rapid growth and its impact on the environment, emphasizing the need for awareness and understanding of these historical cycles. By connecting past events to contemporary issues, Wright encourages reflection on the trajectory of civilization and the potential dangers that lie ahead. This edition is presented in English and offers insights into history, civilization, and social science, making it a relevant read for those interested in the complexities of human development.
Official synopsis Publisher
Palaeolithic hunters who learnt how to kill two mammoths instead of one had made progress. Those who learnt how to kill 200 by driving a whole herd over a cliff had made too much. Many of the great ruins that grace the deserts and jungles of the earth are monuments to progress traps, the headstones of civilisations which fell victim to their own success. The twentieth-century ́s runaway growth has placed a murderous burden on the planet. A Short History of Progress argues that this modern predicament is as old as civilisation. Only by understanding the patterns of progress and disaster that humanity has repeated since the Stone Age can we recognise the inherent dangers, and, with luck, and wisdom, shape its outcome.
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