Progressives thought progress was a new moral world order that would be ushered in by the power of technology, detached bureaucrats, and an all powerful administrative state.
This combination was thought to be able to perfect humans’ perennial defects.
What they missed, however, in their utopian theorizing is true progress flourishing within society -- without government intervention.
This progress was choice driven by open markets in a big American economy.
After all open markets in a large American economy created choice in how and where people can live, the number of products one can buy, and what people could become.
This astonishing amount of choice is indeed progress, especially compared to times past.
Prior to America's vast, relatively open, markets people conformed to traditional -- and more rigid -- lifestyles. Society was thought to not be able to handle deviations from the moral norm.
The limitations on relocation were also notable. In times past people were encouraged to stay within the comfortable geographic boundaries of their kin -- moving for a better job, more suitable environment, etc., rarely took place.
Moreover it was taboo for people with different interests to pursue them -- instead people were only encouraged to work jobs that fit their class, gender, and race.
The consumer economy also expanded global liberty, appreciation for life, and the number of things people are knowledgeable about. By flooding the market with choices people everyone could customize every aspect of their life from what’s in their fridge to what they would wear to a fun night out.
None of these choices are illusory, as socialists and other haters of America insist.
They are real and reflected in the everyday satisfaction of the smiling millions who love what open markets and the choices therein have done for them.
And no matter how much they argue or what they say, smug socialists can’t take away the smirking success of a capitalist class that opened the world for everyone and created endless enjoyable choices.
Zigmund Reichenbach has an M.A. in Philosophy from West Chester University and works as an advocate for less government by day. You can help him combat bad ideas in politics and philosophy by donating to his work at https://ko-fi.com/zigmundreichenbach .
Follow him on X at @zreichenbach1