In my experience, discussions around progress often get lost in the spectacle rather than the substance. It's easy to be captivated by flashy projects like private space missions or grand national achievements, but these can mask the uneven distribution of benefits and hinder genuine societal advancement. For example, many times governments or influential groups push initiatives that sound groundbreaking but primarily serve wealthy elites or reinforce nationalism, rather than addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, education, or environmental sustainability. The focus becomes a 'show' of progress — impressive but fundamentally hollow if it doesn't improve the lives of most people. The content mentioning gutted scientific funding and the destruction of healthcare services resonates deeply. When resources are diverted from public services and grants to spectacular but exclusive ventures, the broader fabric of democracy and social welfare suffers. This is more than a theoretical concern; seeing communities struggle while elite projects are prioritized is a real-world issue. From what I've seen, the leftist emphasis on 'actual progress' advocates for equitable development and tangible improvements in society, not just impressive appearances. It's crucial to recognize that progress should empower all citizens and ensure sustainability, not just increase the prestige of oligarchs or nationalist power. This viewpoint encourages critical reflection on what we define as progress. Is it the grandiosity of space tourism and isolated technological feats, or is it making sure basic human needs and scientific research for the public good receive consistent support? The latter is key to building a truly advanced society that respects democracy and social equity.