Progress is a philosophical concept which holds that by technological or social development humanity may achieve a superior state of existence than is currently available.

Although progress is clearly possible on the local level, in that a low technology world may aspire to acquire higher technology or better living standards, the concept of progress on the scale of humanity itself is not considered possible or desirable at this time.

Current theory indicates that in any event time may be a perceptual illusion without objective reality.  More importantly, the Imperial Library contains details of all non-proscribed technological and scientific developments and information on the same is available on request and payment of the appropriate fees.

Imperial research indicates that progress beyond the current maximum technological level permitted by law significantly increases the probability of species extinction.  As such, any evidence or suspicions of prohibited research or use of prohibited technology should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.