The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry into Its Origin and Growth

"The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry into Its Origin and Growth" by J. B. Bury is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the development and implications of the idea of progress as a central concept in Western civilization, considering how it has shaped social theories and institutions over time. The opening of the text sets the stage for this inquiry by examining the historical evolution of the idea of progress, contrasting it with earlier themes that dominated thought during the Middle Ages, such as religious salvation and an emphasis on the afterlife. Bury contemplates how, during the modern era, the notion of progress has become intertwined with other ideals like liberty and democracy, often serving as a measurement of civilization's worth. He notes significant shifts in societal values, such as the growing ethical consideration towards future generations, and suggests that an understanding of this idea is crucial for evaluating modern political and social theories. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Bagnell Bury was an Anglo-Irish historian, classical scholar, Medieval Roman historian and philologist. He objected to the label "Byzantinist" explicitly in the preface to the 1889 edition of his Later Roman Empire. He was Erasmus Smith's Professor of Modern History at Trinity College Dublin (1893–1902), before being Regius Professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge and a Professorial Fellow of King's College, Cambridge from 1902 until his death.