The Idea Of Progress

The Idea of Progress by John Bagnell Bury is a philosophical and historical exploration of the concept of progress. Bury examines the idea of progress from its origins in ancient Greece to its modern-day manifestations. He explores the role of religion, science, and politics in shaping the idea of progress and how it has been used to justify social and political change. Bury also considers the criticisms of the idea of progress, including those that argue that progress is not inevitable or that it can have negative consequences. The book is a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of one of the most important concepts in modern history.At the same time Pascal recognised that we are indebted to the ancients for our very superiority to them in the extent of our knowledge. ""They reached a certain point, and the slightest effort enables us to mount higher; so that we find ourselves on a loftier plane with less trouble and less glory."" The attitude of Descartes was very different. Aspiring to begin ab integro and reform the foundations of knowledge, he ignored or made little of what had been achieved in the past.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.