Review
A SHORT HISTORY OF PROGRESS
by Ronald Wright
Anansi, 212 pp.
Is human civilization a misguided experiment ultimately doomed to failure? That is the central question raised by noted historian-philosopher Ronald Wright in this book of essays which form the basis of this year’s Massey lectures. The lecture series, established in honour of Vincent Massey, Canada's first native-born governor general, is meant to provide a forum where "distinguished authorities" can "communicate the results of original study on topics of contemporary interest."
Wright is, forgive the pun, right on the money with his choice of topic. It is hard to imagine something being of more interest to humankind than the very survival of humanity and of the planet that we inhabit. Yet, for all that, it seems that we – or some of us, anyway – pay very little attention to the problems that we collectively face.
Wright argues that it isn't too late for us as a species. Humanity is faced with difficult choices and the time for decisive action is now upon us. If we continue to foul our own nest, then the future is very bleak indeed – and probably very short. There are steps which can be taken but they require an understanding of what has happened in the past so that we can avoid making the same mistakes over again. Wright illustrates this point by quoting a variation on the old adage that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The alternate version holds that "each time history repeats itself… the price goes up." Both quotes speak to the cyclical nature of history.
This is particularly relevant when looking at technology. As technological advances are made, the impact that we can leave on our environment increases exponentially. As a simple illustration, Wright notes how a hunter, armed with rudimentary weapons, may take enough meat to meet subsistence needs. Over time, technological improvements allow him to take far more than he can possibly require, with the ultimate result being the destruction of the resource and starvation. Failure to understand the potential impacts of technology and thus to use it wisely can have negative consequences.
That’s just one of the "progress traps" that Wright discusses in this series of provocative lectures, recently broadcast on CBC Radio. Which brings up a point: one of the criticisms often levelled against the CBC is that it promotes a left-wing-liberal-elite viewpoint and agenda. This book also does that and will doubtless be subjected to the same sorts of criticisms. Ignore them. Wright addresses important issues in this book and does so thoughtfully, sensitively, and with great knowledge and insight. This is a book that could change your outlook or, at the very least, have you questioning many of your assumptions, and that can only be a good thing.
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