Believe Quote by Edna St. Vincent Millay
“Progress-progress is the dirtiest word in the language-who ever told us- And made us believe it-that to take a step forward was necessarily, was always A good idea?”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Progress‑Progress” (1925)
She critiques the glorification of “progress,” suggesting it can be a deceptive, empty buzzword that masks true advancement.
In simple terms: Progress can be an empty, deceptive term.
Key Takeaway
Question the true value of so-called progress.
Themes
skepticism
critique
language
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Business strategy
- political rhetoric
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Buzzwords
Societal change
Motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- When does progress become meaningful?
- How can we avoid being misled by empty slogans?
A Different Perspective
Progress can also signify genuine improvement when applied wisely.
