Against Progress

In Against Progress, Slavoj Žižek critiques misleading ideas of progress while exploring how to envision a better future amid contemporary crises.

In this first book of the Žižek’s Essays series, Slavoj Žižek challenges readers to confront and dismantle misleading ideas of progress. He argues that understanding the true meaning of 'progress' is crucial for claiming a vision of the future that is genuinely improved. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Žižek interrogates the various competing narratives that shape our understanding of human potential and progress, questioning whether the current state of the world, which often seems dire, can indeed lead to something better.

Throughout Against Progress, Žižek delves into the complexities of contemporary crises—ecological, social, and political—while addressing the pervasive pessimism that surrounds discussions of the future. He explores the detrimental influence of neoliberalism, populism, and toxic self-improvement ideologies on our collective aspirations for progress. By dissecting these forces, he reveals what is often sacrificed in the pursuit of progress and how various cultural phenomena—from Hollywood films to economic theories—reflect our desires and fears about the future.

Ultimately, Žižek does not shy away from posing difficult questions about how to liberate ourselves from the guilt and hypocrisy that cloud our aspirations. He encourages readers to engage in a critical examination of what a better world could look like and how to begin the journey toward its realization. Against Progress serves as a clarion call for reimagining our approach to progress and the future, urging us to take action in the face of overwhelming challenges.