Progress is contingent on historical context from "summary" of The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley
Progress is contingent on historical context. In other words, the advancement of society is heavily influenced by the specific circumstances and events of the past. It is not a linear process, but rather a complex interplay of various factors that shape the trajectory of development. When we look at the history of human civilization, we see that progress is not predetermined or inevitable. Instead, it is a result of the interactions between individuals, institutions, and ideas within a particular historical context. For example, the Industrial Revolution was not simply a product of technological innovation, but also of social, political, and economic changes that were taking place at the time. Moreover, progress is often a response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the prevailing conditions of a given era. The evolution of technology, for instance, is driven by the needs and desires of people in a given society. As Ridley aptly puts it, "the things we make depend on the things we have made before." Furthermore, progress is not always linear or continuous. There are periods of stagnation and regression, where advancements are lost or forgotten. This highlights the importance of historical context in understanding the ebb and flow of progress over time.- Progress is contingent on historical context because it is shaped by the specific circumstances and events of the past. By recognizing the interconnectedness of various factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of how societies evolve and develop over time.
