In this surprising and demanding book, Rahel Jaeggi reframes what we mean by progressive and regressive times in ways that deserve careful consideration. What many tend to call regressive, she argues, is the sudden exposure of the fault lines in progress itself. Thus, only a renewed understanding of critique and critical theory can help us to think constructively during times in which Benjamin's Angel of History seems to signal a future of cumulative destruction. A timely and original book, crucial for historical and philosophical thought today. -- Judith Butler An important book by the preeminent thinker in the German tradition of critical theory today. The book is a primer in how to do critical theory with a view toward action. Offering a rare, conceptual history of progress, this book represents a philosophical mind at the top of its powers, at work on the most important issues of the day. The book should be a main conversation piece for activists as well as theorists. -- Paul North, author of Bizarre-Privileged Items in the Universe Jaeggi's proposal is wise, a benefit for all those compelled by the current state of affairs to reflect anew on progress and regression. She argues with precision, prudently anticipating and disproving every possible objection. -- Die Zeit [ Jaeggis] argument is that progress is not a path to a fixed goal, but rather a form of 'social change' moving away from a problematic status quo. This reversal is theoretically extremely elegant, as it sidesteps fundamental flaws of the old kind of philosophy of history. -- Süddeutsche Zeitung With this complex yet wonderfully readable book, Rahel Jaeggi addresses the progress fatigue of our time: that while many enjoy the benefits of technological and scientific progress, hardly anyone still hopes for an improvement in social coexistencefor progress in society as a whole. -- Frankfurter Rundschau
