[NeverFade]

Stagnation isn't "a good thing" when you're comparing to societies that are progressing. And it may be a zero sum game, when stagnating nations are drained of talent and brains, so this model is even less sustainable, as anyone who can do better leaves, and the rest are left to support those who don't do particularly well.

[withinboredom]

Yes, but what is “progress” right now? Move to a country where you can make infinite money (a gamble) but lose it all as soon as you get sick? Or move to another one where every move is monitored and watched? Or where you need a phone to do the most basic things, where you are stranded with no way to eat until you charge your phone?

Progress may not always be good, at least in today’s times it basically means “more efficient extraction of wealth from the middle class”.