The Myth of Progress - Toward a Sustainable Future

Tom Wessels argues in his book that our current path toward progress runs contrary to three foundational scientific laws that govern all complex natural systems. He presents his theory with three laws of sustainability: the law of limits to growth, the second law of thermodynamics, and the law of self-organization. These laws have been cast aside since the eighteenth century, leading to inefficiencies in both material and energy usage. Wessels makes scientific theory accessible by offering examples of how the laws of sustainability function in the natural world. He concludes with an impassioned argument for cultural change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Brandeis University Press

In his groundbreaking book, The Myth of Progress, Tom Wessels challenges the prevailing notion that continuous economic growth and resource depletion are the keys to progress. He argues that this approach contradicts three fundamental scientific laws that govern complex natural systems.

The first law, the law of limits to growth, states that the growth of any system is finite and eventually reaches a point where it cannot sustain itself. Wessels argues that our economy has been driven by the belief in limitless growth, leading to unsustainable practices such as overconsumption, pollution, and deforestation.

The second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total energy in a closed system cannot be created or destroyed, highlights the dangers of increasing energy consumption. Wessels argues that our reliance on fossil fuels has led to climate change and other environmental problems, and that we need to shift towards renewable energy sources to mitigate these impacts.

The third law of self-organization, which describes how complex systems emerge from simple interactions, is used by Wessels to explain the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. He argues that this law has been ignored in our pursuit of economic growth, leading to the destruction of natural ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.

Wessels makes scientific theory accessible by offering examples of how the laws of sustainability function in the complex systems we can observe in the natural world around us. He demonstrates that all environmental problems have their source in a disregard for the laws of sustainability, and concludes with an impassioned argument for cultural change.

This new edition of The Myth of Progress includes a new preface wherein the author regards it as his most important work. It serves as a call to action for individuals and societies to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a more sustainable and equitable future.

Dimension: 8 x 5 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684581528