In this first talk in our series The Protopia Conversations, British writer and feminist Mary Harrington asks a provocative question: "Are all the things we do under the banner of progress really making our lives better?"
In the Western world, there is a strong notion that the arc of history bends towards progress, towards a better future. Since the Enlightenment, our societies have undergone very rapid technological, economic and social change. Particularly since the 1960s, we have despised the traditions of the past and sought to remove all restrictions imposed by custom, religion and popular prejudice.
But more and more people are questioning this story. The rise of the populist right across the Western world is a manifestation of this discontent. Faith in liberal democracy is waning; young people, left and right, are increasingly turning to authoritarianism. Trust in institutions such as the media, universities and the family is declining rapidly.
Harrington argues that progress is a belief, not a fact, and that we need to have more honest conversations about what the good life is and whether respecting our natural limits is necessary for protecting the common good.
About the speaker
Mary Harrington is a columnist and editor for UnHerd and runs the Substack Reactionary Feminist. Feminism Against Progress is her first book.
The talk took place on 23 May 2024 at the Ateneu Barcelonès (Carrer Canuda 6, Barcelona), with Catalan philosopher Jordi Pigem facilitating the conversation. Read the event report →
