Progress. One definition includes the meaning "moving ... forward; ... proceeding onward [and] advance in knowledge ... proficiency" (Webster's Dictionary, 1828). Here's what one thinker who wrote about the concept of progress, the English poet Herbert Read, had to say: "Progress is measured by ... a wider and deeper apprehension of the significance and scope of human existence." And the American writer Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have noted: "The outward form changes.The essence does not change."A correction was made in the April 2009 Journal: "In our March 2009 issue, page 49, we misidentified Robert Louis Stevenson as American rather than Scottish. We regret the error."
Lately, as I've thought about progress, I've been finding it helpful to mentally lift the whole concept of progress entirely out of human measurements, whether physical, financial, or chronological. Because actual progress—real and sustainable advancement—is wholly spiritual. True progress doesn't mean just doing something better than we did yesterday, or mastering some new knowledge or skill. Rather, progress is the activity of God's unconditional law of love governing us, individually and collectively, in perfect harmony and order. This law defines and upholds the truth about who we are, about where we're headed, and shows us what our purpose is.
The basis of all real advancement is the unchangeable fact that each one of us, as the image and likeness of God, reflects divine Life, Love, Mind. Therefore, each of us has a right to healthy and vibrant activity, progressive employment, financial security, and the strength, capacity, and unlimited opportunity to move forward moment by moment.
