When most people think of progress, they think of the newest computers from Apple, the hottest video game or home entertainment system, hybrid cars, their team getting into the super bowl or world series, a pay raise, going against the majority, or a new political candidate. Don't get me wrong: I am just as excited (in the case of Apple products, more so) about all of these things as the next guy, but none of those are what progress really means to me. Progress isn't something one can measure in standings, speed or money; it's something that betters not just who is privileged enough to afford to buy an item or live in an area, but all of human kind. They have nothing to do with electronics, technology, or monetary gain and everything to do with altruism and people. Examples from history are the women's rights movement, the civil rights movement, Stonewall.
To me, progress doesn't have to be a huge movement that occurs rarely; it can be a simple act of kindness that occurs in the course of living one's life that contributes to making the world a better place without any personal gain. Donating to a worthy cause. Saying, "Thank you." Smiling at a stranger on the street. Making a call for help when seeing someone broken down beside the road. Volunteering. Adopting a child, dog or cat. Each of these not only make the day of the recipient better but also serve as an example to inspire and motivate others to do the same. As small as these acts might seem, in reality it is like dropping a pebble in a pond; it creates ripples that touch people the originator will never meet, see, or know. It changes the world for the better one person at a time.
Anyone can be progressive no matter what class, ethnicity, ability-level, gender, sexual orientation, or age one is. As sad as it might sound, the mere act of altruistic kindness is progressive. So resolve to go out and change the world: be kind. Be radical. Be progressive.
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Having morals are progress. Going out of your way to love one another is progress. Holding the door for someone is progress. We're all in this together.
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http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/weezyf
I agree with you completely. The small acts done within one's life whose benefits they will never see nor benefit from directly -- that is true progress. I think if everyone did that every day, we would have the elusive world peace that everyone wants but no one can seem to figure out how to make happen. A.R.K.= acts of random kindness. That's how; it's as simple as that.
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"Freedom is an expensive thing." ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.