Synopsis
An early Enlightenment statement that human history advances through stages toward greater knowledge, commerce, and civilization.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Public domainDespite setbacks, the long arc of human history is one of cumulative progress, as knowledge and the arts steadily advance the mind.
It gives early voice to the idea of progress that would shape Enlightenment political economy and theories of historical development.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations.
Reading note
Read this short discourse as a programmatic sketch; its sweeping confidence reflects its early, foundational place in progress thought.
Best paired with
Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations