The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry Into Its Origin and Growth (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

J. Bury

3.87 out of 5 stars

108 ratings by Goodreads

9781440085789: The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry Into Its Origin and Growth (Classic Reprint)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1440085781 ISBN 13: 9781440085789

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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How Western thought came to trust improvement through knowledge and reform—and why that belief still shapes our world.

This historical study traces the idea of Progress from its early roots through the major thinkers who shaped modern Western civilization, showing how belief in improvement through knowledge and reform became a guiding force across society.

The book surveys the origins and growth of Progress, explaining how philosophical, political, and cultural currents intertwined to make improvement a central goal. It examines the ideas of figures from Bodin to Saint-Pierre and beyond, and it situates these ideas in the broader history of culture, politics, and science. The work emphasizes the complex, sometimes contested, nature of Progress and invites readers to weigh its promises against its limits.
What you’ll experience

A clear, historical map of how the idea of Progress evolved in Western thought
Connections between knowledge, reform, and public happiness across centuries
Profiles of influential thinkers and the debates that shaped modern attitudes toward improvement
Accessible prose that invites both students and curious readers to explore a foundational topic

Ideal for readers of history of ideas, philosophy, and Western civilization, as well as those curious about how our modern faith in progress began.
{ "genre": "nonfiction", "confidence": 0.75 }

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About the Author

At the time of original publication in 1921, J. B. Bury was Regius Professor of Modern History, and Fellow of King's College, in the University of Cambridge, and was a profound scholar and a philosophic thinker.

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Publisher

Forgotten Books

Publication date

2018

Language

English

ISBN 10

1440085781

ISBN 13

9781440085789

Binding

Paperback

Number of pages

412

Rating

3.87 out of 5 stars

108 ratings by Goodreads

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The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry Into Its Origin and Growth (Classic Reprint)

J. Bury

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

ISBN 10: 1440085781 ISBN 13: 9781440085789

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Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom

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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the origins and evolution of the idea of progress, a concept that has become central to Western civilization. The author explores how this notion emerged from the shadows of ancient and medieval thought, where cyclical views of history and an emphasis on the afterlife dominated. Through an examination of influential thinkers like Plato, Seneca, and Roger Bacon, the book reveals how the concept of progress gradually took shape. It highlights the importance of the Renaissance in restoring confidence in human reason and recognizing the inherent value of life on Earth. The author then traces the development of the idea of progress through the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and into the 19th century, showcasing the contributions of figures such as Voltaire, Condorcet, and Comte. By analyzing various interpretations and arguments surrounding progress, the book invites readers to critically engage with this powerful and often contested concept. Ultimately, this book sheds light on how the idea of progress has shaped our understanding of history, our ethical codes, and our hopes for the future. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781440085789_0

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