How does Swift portray the concept of progress in the societies Gulliver visits?

Swift presents a critical perspective on the concept of progress through the various societies Gulliver encounters. In "Gulliver's Travels," progress is often depicted not as a straightforward journey toward improvement, but rather as a path riddled with folly and absurdity. For instance, in Lilliput, the petty conflicts and trivialities overshadow any meaningful advancement, illustrating how societal aspirations can lead to misguided priorities and conflicts.

Similarly, in the land of the Houyhnbnms and the Yahoos, the contrast between the rational horses and the brutish human-like creatures serves as an allegory for the consequences of misguided progress. Rather than leading to enlightenment or moral superiority, the societies Gulliver observes frequently reveal the darker aspects of human nature and the ineffectiveness of societal advancements.

By critiquing the notion of progress, Swift underscores that true improvement should encompass ethical considerations and a deeper understanding of humanity, rather than empty pursuits of advancement. This portrayal encourages readers to question the values and goals associated with progress in their own societies, prompting a reflection on what it means to truly advance or evolve as a civilization.