A Brief History of Progress

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BBC Radio 4 - A Brief History of Progress

American satirist Joe Queenan asks what is progress and has it run out?

"My own belief in progress has been badly shaken by multiple events - namely the war, the plague and endless trouble with my knees." Joe Queenan on the stuttering ascent of man.

American satirist Joe Queenan follows up his programmes on blame, shame and truth with a question that has troubled many of us in recent years - has progress come to a halt? Beginning with the end of the Neanderthals, Queenan charts the ascent of man with the help of some surprising guests including Emma Garland, Terry Jones, Bertrand Russell and Edith Hall. 

definition one: forward or onward movement towards an advanced or improved condition

Queenan tackles all the major areas of concern, including progress and nature, progress and money, and progress and war. 

"I think it's inevitable that men will gather together and club each other to death," he says. "I don't think you can pin that one on women. If women were running Afghanistan things would be great."

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde

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A Brief History of Progress

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