Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg What causes progress? And how can we stop it from slowing? (with Jason Crawford)
Nov 3, 2021
Jason Crawford, founder of The Roots of Progress, dives deep into the philosophy of progress and its impact on human well-being. He examines how the Industrial Revolution sparked a wave of advancements and why large-scale progress has slowed in recent decades. The conversation tackles the misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy, emphasizing its potential in combating climate change. Additionally, Crawford addresses the challenges posed by bureaucracy on scientific innovation, urging for a renewed belief in progress as essential for future development.
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The Industrial Revolution: A Phase Transition
- Charts of wealth/income per person reveal minimal growth for millennia, followed by a dramatic spike post-Industrial Revolution.
- This suggests a phase transition, making understanding this period crucial.
The Malthusian Trap
- Pre-industrial progress was slow due to the Malthusian trap, where increased productivity only led to higher population density.
- Per capita wealth stagnated for thousands of years until this trap was overcome.
Shifting Wealth Dynamics
- Historically, wealth creation often involved catering to a small elite.
- The rise of the middle class and mass production enabled wealth creation through benefiting a larger population.
