Motivation and Progress

The last post talked about progress as opposed to evolution and briefly explored the question of why we progress. The working definitions established were that evolution is a form of progress that is involuntary because it is controlled by factors that determine survival. Progress can be voluntary however, but if so, should not be deemed evolution. Furthermore, any progress beyond evolution is voluntary, even though it may not be practiced as such. To clarify, consider the following example:

More buildings in tornado and hurricane prone areas accomodate storm shelters to protect inhabitants from these dangerous occurences, while more luxury condominiums are being erected in Harlem, NY to appeal to a new influx of wealthier residents.

The latter example of gentrification may be considered progress to some, as it could benefit those in real estate by boosting property values and attracting new businesses to the area. However, the typically lower-income, native Harlem residents may have an opposite take on the issue, as they may see less available affordable housing, rising rent prices, and people being pushed out of their homes as a detriment to Harlem instead. As a long time Harlem resident, these opinions are not assumptions, but come from first-hand experience.

Perhaps providing more affordable housing would be considered progress to native Harlem residents. Whatever the case, this example contrasts the first example about storm shelters, because most if not all people would agree that storm shelters are not simply a good idea, but are necessary to ensure the safety of residents in those areas. Furthermore, those without storm shelters are subject to physical harm and possibly death, which follows the protocol for evolution, that is, those without traits necessary for survival are eliminated. This fact demonstrates another important distinction between evolution and progress: evolution always occurs in groups, whereas progress does not have to.

In fact, since definitions of progress can conflict between people and populations, progress beyond evolution should always occur on an individual level unless the definition of progress aligns amongst a group of individuals. Such is not the case across the world and most certainly not in the United States, as value systems impose controversial precedents for progress from the top down. People are forced to work for corporations whose philosophies may not parallel their own. People are driven by the prospect of wealth rather than personal fulfillment. Perhaps the notion of working for what you believe in is only available in an ideal society. Nonetheless, its absence from the present proves that currently these societies are not perfect. Throughout history struggles for self-determination have occurred, but apparently, the fight is not over.