Daniel Schmachtenberger challenges conventional notions of progress, arguing that technological advancement has created unintended consequences. While individuals and organizations optimize for their own success, this creates collective harm through environmental degradation and social inequality—a classic tragedy of the commons scenario. He contends that our narrow definition of progress ignores these negative externalities, effectively making the traditional progress narrative false. Instead, Schmachtenberger advocates for redefining progress to encompass the holistic well-being of humanity and the environment.
