The Paradox of Progress: Why We Forget What Works

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the 'Paradox of Progress,' a psychological phenomenon explaining why society and individuals often dismantle the systems that made their successes possible. The episode explores this paradox in various realms including public health, civil rights, economics, and climate policy. The discussion reveals how our brains' tendency to forget problems once they are resolved leads to cyclical issues, like the resurgence of diseases or the rollback of civil protections. It emphasizes the importance of active memory and systemic maintenance to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes and underscores the universal challenge of sustaining progress.

00:00 Introduction to the Paradox of Progress
01:18 The Measles Comeback: A Case Study
03:55 Civil Rights and the Illusion of Finality
06:41 Economic Amnesia: The 2008 Financial Crisis
15:43 The Environmental Protection Challenge
18:37 The Psychology Behind Forgetting Success
20:28 Personal Reflection and Conclusion

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Research

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