In this episode, Samuel Arbesman speaks with Jason Crawford, a writer and thinker who explores the idea of progress in modern society. Jason is the founder and president of the Roots of Progress Institute, an organization dedicated to developing a modern philosophy of progress. As part of this mission, the institute runs a fellowship for individuals writing about progress-related themes. Jason himself is a prolific writer and is currently working on a book-in-progress titled The Techno-Humanist Manifesto.
Together, Samuel and Jason discuss Jason’s journey from blogging about progress to founding an entire institution devoted to the topic. They explore his goals in writing, the cultural importance of storytelling in shaping societal values, and the distinct nature of the progress movement and how it compares to effective altruism and effective accelerationism. The conversation also touches on Jason’s broader ambitions for embedding progress-oriented thinking into pop culture and education, and concludes with a reflection on the role of optimism in shaping the future.
Produced by Christopher Gates
Music by Suno
