On Progress

We modern humans are obsessed with progress. I’m not certain this trait is specific to First World inhabitants, although I suspect a strong correlation to the economic success of the country one was raised in. One thing I know for sure is us Americans have been bitten particularly hard by this bug. Why do we feel the need to continually keep getting “better” at all types of things? Tony Robbins, the self-help guru, believes that constant personal growth is necessary for our happiness. I’m not so sure I buy into this concept. Yes, there are always things in our selves and our lives we could improve, but what about the fundamental joy of simply sitting still and quietly enjoying the moment?

When considering this idea, we need to be careful not to confuse progress with change. Change is a constant, in humans and in the natural world. Our environment is constantly changing and in motion, yet it cares not one bit about “progressing.” Your favorite forest has grown a few new trees since last year, and some of the old ones have fallen, but the forest hasn’t gotten any better — or any worse.

Nature is quite good at teaching us lessons if we allow ourselves to slow down to its pace and listen. We’d do well to pay attention to what it’s saying.

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