Ideas can be good or bad, but they are necessary for improving the human condition.  Progressivism is a practical philosophy that flows from the idea that progress, which is based on the notion that advancements in science, technology, economic development, and social organization are vital to our survival as well as vehicles for the good that we can do. It is how we can show our love for one another, and how we establish ourselves as worthy candidates in a universe that is immensely more powerful than we are, as well as one that challenges us to use our brains far beyond our present abilities to do so.  In a word, enlightenment is at the core of who, what, why, when, and where we are. 

Many ideas fall into this supremely enlightened state of mind.  The need for renewable, clean energy sources is one.  The need to control or contain climate change is another.   Assuring that population growth does not exceed our capacity to feed, nourish, heal, and educate one another is a third. Finding greater efficiencies in many of our old ways of doing things is high on that list.  Containing, controlling, or ridding ourselves from pollution, from tyrants, hunger, slavery, diseases, famines, greed, and excessive inequalities of wealth and income are a few more. 

These ideas all portend change.  If our beliefs stand in the way of such change for the betterment of us all, our beliefs need to be re-examined.  If our religion stands in the way, our religion is based on false beliefs.  Society has no obligation to protect our false way of thinking.  On the contrary, it is our civic, our social, and our human duties to learn to live with and among others in their pursuit of enlightenment. We reject or impede efforts at enlightened advancements at our peril.  Societies have no obligation to bend toward anyone’s regressive way of thinking, in particular, when those thoughts lead to behaviors that harm others, or in denying others the chance to advance in a world that promotes enlightenment. 

Enlightenment has other kinds of opposition that are slightly more benign, but are nevertheless antithetical to it.  Outright bigotry, racial or ethnic hatred, and intolerance are obstacles to enlightenment.  Supporting others who demonstrate such traits is tantamount to possessing and acting on them.  Looking the other way while others practice them is cowardice, another form of conduct that denies enlightenment.   

The absence of these flawed characteristics is a necessary condition, but it is not sufficient, for enlightenment to prevail.  But such a state of mind does not find its source in religion. It is as natural to enlightenment as the sun is to our sky, or the cooling breeze and rain are to the earth.  It is linked to things spiritual, but it is devoid of dogma; it is open to examination; and it invites discussion. When honesty, love, kindness, caring, understanding, and compassion are present, I would expect to find the pursuit of enlightenment.  I would not expect to find preachers, priests, politicians, ideologues, moguls, power seekers, war lords, narrow-mindedness, or a society that excessively rewards liars, cheaters, athletes, predators, actors, singers, dynasties, or those who long for the good old days.  

Enlightenment is not a virtue, rather it is how we find our way in a world that is fraught with fears, and superstition, and misconduct masquerading as the way, the truth, and the light.  It requires only a clear head, open eyes, and a determined outlook to be able to see over the horizon, but not over the rainbow.