Do you think our culture is progressing or declining?

The very notion of "progress" still reeks of the Enlightenment project and the idea that science and its facilitation of technological will bring forth a society radically improved, ordered, engineered, and mastered. Although I recognize the many benefits of this historical endeavor-- free inquiry and rational empiricism of the sciences that have brought an unprecedented proliferation of ideas and technology-- and yet, the history of the last two centuries casts a shadow of doubt to my mind.

We live in perilous times; in an increasingly populated world with dwindling resources, our systems are sustained by limitless want, and maintained by the principle that private vices will yield public benefit.

If we dare to wave the flag of 'progress' again, its best that we learn from the past and develop an enlightened self interest characterized by a concern and respect for communal rationality and mutual understanding.

Ultimately, it will be our descendents with the benefit of hindsight who will pass judgement upon us.