Jason Crawford: Social Progress Requires Less Political Preoccupation

Jason Crawford, founder of The Roots of Progress, recently articulated his view that a significant aspect of social progress involves diminishing the amount of time and energy individuals dedicate to politics. In a social media post, Crawford stated, "> Part of social progress is shrinking the amount of time and energy that people have to spend on politics." This perspective aligns with his broader philosophy emphasizing the role of scientific, technological, and industrial advancement in improving human well-being.

The Roots of Progress, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to cultivating a culture that prioritizes and understands progress for the 21st century. Crawford defines progress as a unified concept encompassing material, social, and human advancement, where improvements in capabilities ultimately lead to better outcomes for humanity. His work frequently highlights the historical trajectory of innovation and its profound impact on raising living standards.

Crawford's stance suggests that an overemphasis on political processes can impede genuine societal advancement. He has previously discussed how a focus on "governance by micromanagement" and an "obstructionist vetocracy" through excessive regulation can stifle innovation and growth. This approach, he argues, often arises from a reactive mindset to problems, rather than a proactive pursuit of solutions through continued progress.

Instead, Crawford advocates for a "solutionist" approach, acknowledging challenges but actively seeking to overcome them through further innovation and development. He believes that society should foster a positive vision for the future, one where continuous advancements in science and technology address existing problems and unlock new possibilities. This forward-looking perspective aims to inspire ambitious efforts towards a better future, rather than allowing fear or political entanglement to hinder progress.