#12. The Price of Progress

Is progress really benefitting the majority?

'Progress' has often been portrayed as an inherently positive force, driving societies towards a future filled with promise and innovation.

Yet, as we venture deeper into the 21st century, this notion of progress is increasingly under scrutiny. Quality of life, contrary to the expectations of a technologically advanced society, hasn’t always mirrored the rapid developments around us.

In this article I will try to offer a nuanced examination of this phenomenon, critiquing the role of institutions in managing sustainable growth and drawing parallels with historical movements such as the Industrial Revolution.

The Economic Cost

The economic repercussions of unchecked progress are most palpable in the rising cost of living, something we are all experiencing presently.

In many cities around the world, housing, healthcare, and education expenses have soared, often outstripping the average income growth. These basic requirements are critical areas of our psychology, as outlined by Abraham Maslow in his ‘hierarchy of needs’. Pricing people out of these needs not only leaves them without, but it compounds even more so with the stress and worry of having to survive.

This phenomenon isn’t merely a statistic; it's a daily struggle for millions who find themselves choosing between essentials, in what are some of the world's most affluent societies.

The root cause lies in a systemic failure to regulate market forces effectively. Institutions, both governmental and corporate, have prioritized economic growth over social welfare, leading to a situation where the benefits of progress are unequally distributed.

Take this latest report from Oxfam. The 5 richest people in the world saw their wealth double since 2020 whilst the poorest 60% [5 billion people] lost wealth.

Billionaires, CEOs and politicians have all gotten richer whilst the layman is worse off than their counterparts in the 1970s…all in the name of progress.

This economic strain has broader societal implications. It exacerbates issues like wealth inequality and social stratification, creating extreme divides in society. The dream of upward mobility, once a cornerstone of the Western narrative, is becoming increasingly elusive for many. As the gap between the affluent and the rest widens, disillusionment and frustration set in, challenging the very notion of a progressive society.

Urban Development

The relentless pace of urban development serves as a visible symbol of progress. Skyscrapers and sprawling urban complexes are often celebrated as signs of economic strength. However, this urban expansion comes with significant downsides.

The pursuit of development often overlooks the importance of green spaces and sustainable urban planning. Cities, while bustling with economic activity, are teeming with pollution, overcrowding, pigeon hole apartments and a decline in community interaction.

How many people do you really know that live in your block?

This form of development can lead to a sense of alienation among residents, as the human need for connection to nature and community is overshadowed by concrete, steel and dust.

In addition, the environmental impact of such urbanization is profound. The loss of natural habitats, increased carbon emissions, and resource depletion are just a few of the ecological costs. This approach to urban development reflects a short-term mindset, where immediate economic gains, often tied to corruption, are prioritized over long-term sustainability and overall societal health. It’s a reminder that progress, when not thoughtfully managed, can lead to outcomes that are antithetical to the well-being of the individual.

Historical Parallels

Mark Twain is credited with the famous quote, “History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes” and our recent history provides valuable insights into the consequences of rapid progress.

The Industrial Revolution, a period marked by exponential technological and economic upheaval, serves as a poignant example. While it ushered in an era of industrial and scientific advancements, it also brought severe social and environmental challenges. Cities became overcrowded, labor conditions were often inhumane, and pollution skyrocketed. These issues, although perhaps less severe, do indeed echo in today’s world, reminding us that economic and technological advancements, without proper oversight and ethical considerations, often lead to similar abusive outcomes.

Similarly, the era of globalization, while accelerating economic growth and cultural exchange, contributed to issues like job displacement, cultural homogenization - a topic for another day -, and environmental deterioration.

With all that said, the benefits of globalization have not been evenly spread, often enriching a small segment of society while leaving others behind. These historical movements highlight a recurring theme: progress, in its unbridled form, can have far-reaching and often unintended consequences.

Institutional Responsibility

The role of institutions in shaping progress is pivotal. Governments, corporations, and international organizations have a responsibility to ensure that development is sustainable, beneficial to the layman and holistic. However, there has been a discernible lack of planning and regulation in managing the pace and nature of progress.

Policies often trail behind technological advancements, failing to address their societal and environmental impacts promptly. This is most likely by design as politicians tend to have a small window to make ill gotten gains. This gap in governance however contributes to many of the issues we face today, from economic inequality to environmental degradation.

The need for robust regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines has never been more urgent. Institutions must be proactive, considering the long-term implications of their decisions. Furthermore, institutions must re-establish their position as separate from the government and begin holding them to account. The goal should be to create a balanced approach to progress, one that recognizes its potential benefits for the majority while mitigating its adverse effects.

Reimagining Progress

Looking forward, it’s essential to redefine what we mean by ‘progress.’ It's not just about economic indicators [GDP, GDP, GDP always!!] or technological milestones; it's also about the progress of social well-being, environmental health, and cultural richness. This broader perspective on progress calls for a collective reevaluation of our goals and values as a society. It demands a shift towards sustainable development, where economic growth is aligned with environmental stewardship and social equality.

To achieve sustainable progress, several key suggestions emerge.

First, there must be a stronger focus on environmental sustainability in all aspects of development. This includes investing in renewable energy [nuclear!], promoting green urban planning, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations. Whether you believe in climate change or not, the reality is we all want clean waters and fresh air.

Second, social equality should be a cornerstone of progress, with policies aimed at reducing the wealth gap, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and providing social safety nets.

Third, economic models need to be rethought to prioritize long-term well-being over short-term gains, incorporating measures like fair trade practices and ethical business standards. We simply cannot keep marking progress as an indicator of GDP. This incentivizes Governments to prioritize profits over people whilst also encouraging corruption through kickbacks.

The price of progress that we, the majority, pay, is a detriment to our living standards. Whilst the construction magnates live in their villas in the countryside, we live amongst dust and noise infested boxes while new buildings are erected around us. Whilst the politicians and heads of state tell us we have to dig deep - I’m looking at you and your gold crown King Charles -, they claim their expenses and move through the revolving doors of public office and the companies they are meant to regulate. It is absurd that ‘progress’ in the last 20 years has led to a significant deterioration in mental health, physical health and spending power.

Progress has left us scrambling for our very basic needs. With elections coming up in the European Parliament, UK and US this year, one must remember that your vote means something.

Use it wisely.