These sources collectively argue that intellectual, economic, and technological growth are not inherently moral and can flourish even within oppressive or "hellish" societies. When the driving force behind innovation is power, profit, or dominance rather than collective human wellbeing, progress often functions as a tool for exploitation and suffering. Historical examples, such as Nazi rocketry and Soviet industrialization, demonstrate that rapid advancement can coexist with extreme human rights abuses. Philosophical and modern perspectives further suggest that without a moral compass centered on dignity, sophisticated technologies like AI or surveillance capitalism can create a "well-run hell." Ultimately, the authors warn that true societal health requires a deliberate tethering of advancement to the flourishing of all people. Metrics like GDP or technical efficiency are insufficient to measure success if they ignore environmental sustainability and social equity.
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