That's a good answer. "Progress" is pretty much good by definition, but whether we're accurately assessing progress is an entirely separate matter.

I think "progress" will be whatever happens when the state stops obstructing people's individual pursuits of happiness.

Undisciplined

FiresidePhilosophy

How do we define the concept of "progress," and is it always desirable?

I like this question. I think the fact that humans have doubled life expectancy and people don't die from sickness near as often as they used to could be considered progress. I also heard that once individuals make about $70k/yr, their happiness level stop going up w/ more income beyond that (this was over 5 years ago, so that's probably gone up by now). So I think there's something to be said about achieving basic needs, health, and being able to pay for a modestly comfortable life. 

I think beyond that, it gets far more philosophical. What is the goal we're progressing towards? That's going to vary from person to person, and I think it's a mistake for "society" or government to have a heavy hand in solving that problem. 