Hegel’s Paradox: Are We Evolving or Just Accumulating?

[1 Cinderbelle @cinderbelle Participant]

Hegel once said, “What is rational is actual; and what is actual is rational,” from his Philosophy of History. This reflects Hegel’s belief that history unfolds in a logical progression toward greater freedom and self-awareness. When Hegel refers to “what is actual,” he is speaking about the realities of human societies and their institutions, which are manifestations of rational ideas. As societies evolve, they reflect deeper levels of understanding and freedom.

Yet, I have been pondering a question: Although people seem to be acquiring more material possessions and more individuals have access to education—along with advancements like human exploration into space—are these developments truly “real”? Does acquiring more necessarily equate to freedom and self-consciousness? Does technological advancement signify genuine progression? Could it be that society is merely changing in terms of materialism without deeper transformations in understanding and freedom?

In other words, has humanity fundamentally remained the same? Are we living in the illusion of advancement?

[1 Jason Fargon @jasonfargon Moderator]

In my understanding, Hegel believed history moves logically towards more freedom and understanding, with societies and their institutions reflecting rational ideas. Even with more possessions, education, and space exploration, we must question if these truly lead to more freedom and self-awareness. Just having more stuff or advanced technology doesn’t mean we’ve progressed in deeper ways. Society might be changing in material ways but not necessarily in understanding and true freedom. Real progress could be about balancing material gains with inner growth such as finding meaning, empathy, and wisdom. I think true advancement lies in growing both our outer and inner worlds together.

[1 ongtidu @ongtidu Participant]

I agree with your concern. I dont think that material progress really mean we really have progress. Because if we really have progress then it is also a human kind of progress like a inner kind of progress but right now the world is getting better but people are also getting worst.

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