Faster, Better, Stronger

Abstract

AbstractInsightful sociological analyses of current society have identified acceleration as its defining feature. A competitiveness ideal, and a constant aspiration to exceed the promise of a better future with the help of technological progress, have led to a broad exploitation of vague but powerful expectations The result is often mere window-dressing, but progress has also become an identity marker for a class of politicians and business leaders who look for roles for themselves to play in the fulfillment of promises, both “moving fast and breaking things” and launching huge and very costly strategic innovation programs. The chapter analyzes these features of contemporary public and economic life and question the validity of the underlying assumptions.