A Short History of Progress

Describe what Wright means by a “progress trap.” Use examples from two different civilizations in the text to describe how a progress trap emerges and what it causes.

What is the significance of Wright describing the Victorian ideal of progress as a “myth” (4)? How does the Victorian ideal compare to other, more ancient mythologies?

Throughout the first two chapters, Wright argues that civilizational progress does not go hand in hand with moral progress. Do you agree with this statement? Have human morals changed significantly since the Paleolithic? Explain with references from the text.