Quote by Johann von Goethe
Progress has not followed a straight ascending line, but a spiral with rhythms of progress and retrogression, of evolution and dissolution.
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Summary
This quote suggests that progress in various areas of life, society, and civilization is not a linear process with continuous advancement. Instead, progress is likened to a spiral, indicating that it has cycles of both moving forward and regressing, evolving and dissolving at different points in time. It implies that progress is not a constant upward trajectory, but rather a series of ups and downs, growth and decline, indicating that setbacks and challenges are inherent parts of the overall journey of progress.