Progress can be defined as many different things. From advances in certain technologies to the growth of industrialism, there are always people opposed to it. Henry Thoreau was a great American writer and thinker. He revolutionized theories about keeping the Earth’s environment intact and was an important opponent of progress, at least in the spreading of cities into wildlife. While his statements and many others should be kept in mind while the world continues to expand, progress is a crucial part of society and needs to be expanded upon for society to function.

A prime example of this is the growth of medicine. As time goes on, diseases progress. If medicine did not advance, the new illnesses would have no treatment and cause breakouts of disease, comparable to the plague. While Thoreau never directly states that the progress of medicine should be halted, certain instruments are needed to produce cures. Without progress in technology, this new medicine could not be created. In order for the Earth to survive, progress needs to be continued; if at the very least, in medicine. As well as for medicinal purposes, progress is also important in assistance for those with special needs.

Like it or not, the world is always changing and developing. Those with mental illnesses or physical disabilities deserve all the help and technology possible. With computer programs and special tools, people with disabilities can live close to normal lives. Without innovation and progress, those people would be forced to suffer unnecessarily. If the technology is possible, it is society’s responsibility to provide them with it. While it’s understandable to not want progress in the building of cities and pollution, technology for the disabled is a right they deserve. Another right that everyone shares is the right to opportunities in the educational system.

Progress in educational services is key. The younger generation are the leaders of tomorrow, and as much knowledge and learning should be provided for them. New schools filled with different opportunities should be readily available. The creation of new and innovative schools, even at the expense of a forest or a pond, could be worth it in the long run. Educating the young could eventually lead them to be the new saviors of the environment, so in a cause and effect perspective, sacrificing for the children could actually be more beneficial than halting progress all together.

Progress, whether it is in medicine, technology for the disabled, or education, is very important. Keeping the young educated, the public healthy, and getting technology to those who need it are just a few examples of society’s need for progress.