How Progress Ends

by Carl Benedikt Frey
How Progress Ends cover
Good Books rating 4.08
History
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Technical
  • ID: 2677
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780691233079
  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Published: 2025-09-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

How Progress Ends offers a globally comparative historical assessment, delving into the elements that drive technological and economic advancement. By examining various factors, the book provides a nuanced understanding of what propels societies forward and what holds them back. /n/n This comprehensive study is not just about the past; it offers critical insights into the future of progress, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of innovation and development.

Reviews
LSE Review of Books · 2025-10-13
insightful 4.00

The book offers a comprehensive historical analysis of technological progress, emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation and societal stability. It challenges the inevitability of progress and highlights the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological advancement.

This review delves into the book's exploration of technological progress over a thousand years, from the Qin Dynasty to modern times. They appreciate the depth of historical context provided, which underscores the importance of balancing innovation with societal needs. The reviewer notes that the book serves as a critical warning about the potential consequences of unregulated technological growth, making it a relevant read for policymakers and technologists alike. However, they also point out that the book's broad scope might leave some readers wanting more detailed analysis on specific technological advancements.

Quick quotes

    How Progress Ends offers a sweeping historical analysis that is as relevant today as it was a millennium ago.

    The book challenges the conventional belief that economic and technological progress is inevitable.

    Frey's work serves as an essential warning about the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological advancement.

Oxford Internet Institute · Tej Parikh · 2025-09-16
essential 4.25

The book is praised for its critical nuance and historical sweep, offering a timely analysis of contemporary policy dilemmas. The reviewer finds it an essential read for understanding the complexities of technological progress.

Tej Parikh highlights the book's comprehensive historical perspective, which provides a nuanced understanding of technological progress. They appreciate how the book tackles contemporary policy issues with historical context, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of technology. The reviewer also notes that the book's relevance to current debates makes it a must-read for policymakers and technologists. However, they suggest that some readers might find the broad scope overwhelming without a more focused analysis on specific technologies.

Quick quotes

    An essential warning about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

    The book stands out for its historical sweep and critical nuance.

    How Progress Ends offers a timely analysis of contemporary policy dilemmas.

LinkedIn · Bruce Lloyd · 2025-09-13
relevant 4.00

The book is commended for its historical depth and relevance to current policy debates, offering a critical perspective on technological progress. The reviewer finds it a standout work for its nuanced analysis.

Bruce Lloyd praises the book for its extensive historical analysis, which provides a critical perspective on technological progress. They appreciate how the book addresses contemporary policy issues with historical context, making it a relevant read for understanding the complexities of technological advancement. The reviewer also notes that the book's nuanced approach sets it apart from other works in the field. However, they suggest that some readers might find the broad scope challenging without more detailed case studies.

Quick quotes

    How Progress Ends stands out for its historical sweep, critical nuance, and relevance to contemporary policy dilemmas.

    The book offers an essential warning about the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological advancement.

    Frey's work is a standout for its nuanced analysis of technological progress.

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