Progress. The term undeniably has a positive connotation, evoking words such as innovation, discovery or improvement. We think about steps taken toward equality and groundbreaking medical discoveries. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “the development toward an improved or more advanced condition.” In other words, we can view progress as anything that improves our quality of life. This may take the form of social changes or technological or medical advances. Progress, in general, is not a trap, but it must be monitored. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essayAccording to Jared Diamond, the introduction of agriculture was "the worst mistake in the history of the human race." He says humans were better off as hunter-gatherers than as farmers. One of the reasons he says this is that hunter-gatherers had a healthier and more varied diet than farmers. However, it is important to know that the life expectancy of a hunter-gatherer was only 30 years and it took the introduction of agriculture to increase it to around 70 years worldwide. If agriculture were so unhealthy and impractical, it would not have spread as it did. Additionally, Diamond says agriculture encouraged people to settle near each other, making it easier for diseases to spread. What Diamond doesn't recognize is how the spread of disease leads to great medical advances that can save lives in the future. Progress does not trap us; it just inspires more progress. This is also seen in how agriculture allowed time for more creative interests such as art to develop. Additionally, abandoning the nomadic lifestyle greatly facilitates the spread of knowledge and ideas. The world would not be as connected as it is today without the introduction of agriculture. However, coming back to the definition of progress stated above, we must ask ourselves what our goal is, what the end result is. We see this in the development of AI (artificial intelligence). Is our goal really to let AI take over so that we can be, as has been so wonderfully said, fat, stupid and happy? Some experts such as Nick Bostrom and Joanna Bryson say it is reasonable and necessary to fear how far AI can go. Others, however, say there is nothing to fear from AI. Computer science professor Sebastian Thrun said: “AI will free us humans from repetitive, mindless office work and give us much more time to be truly creative. “Could it be that artificial intelligence could have a similar effect on our creativity as agriculture did? Likewise, AI could free up more of our time. In the same way, AI could make our lives easier, even longer. In the same way, AI can facilitate connections between different countries and cultures. Likewise, AI cannot trap us in its progress, but rather allow us to progress through further progress. However, it could also have the opposite effect. Concerns about AI are critical. Progress in this form is exciting and new, but it is also scary and potentially incredibly dangerous. Progress like this should be monitored.Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a personalized article from our expert writers now.Get a Trial..