The over-emphasis on progress in society is troubling because often people and groups do dubious things to get to some idealised destination. Clear examples of this can be found in every area of life. Health: Take a pill to lose weight instead of taking the difficult path of persistent lifestyle changes. Education: We want more students to pass. Let’s lower the standards. Business: Let’s aim for money without adding value. Politics: Let’s aim for quotas without considering competence.
These things might work for a short while, but it has no staying power. The foundation of greed, blame, shame, fear, and anger, is weak. It cannot hold whatever structure you want to build. It will always fall. It will always fail.
Instead, build something that is rooted in presence. Respond to what happens in the moment with care and consideration. Cultivate emotional maturity and do work that is rooted in love, joy, and creativity. Build something that lasts.