In this edition of Progress Pulse, we explore how Americans view their personal role in advancing human progress. Do Americans view themselves as agents of progress—individuals who have the power and responsibility to improve the world and who are taking action to improve it?
To find out, we commissioned a survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults.
We asked Americans if they believe they have the power and responsibility to make contributions that improve the world in some way using their abilities, talents, or skills, and if they are currently doing so. We refer to these beliefs as “progress agency,” because agency is the human capacity to make choices and take actions that shape our own lives and influence the world, and human progress is advanced when we use our agency to pursue goals and activities that improve the world.
Overall Findings
Most American adults view themselves as agents of progress. Strong majorities somewhat or strongly agree they have the power (74%) and responsibility (79%) to make contributions that improve the world. A smaller percentage (64%), but still a majority, say they are currently using their abilities, talents, or skills to improve the world.
“Progress Agency” Across Demographics
Majorities of American adults in every age group somewhat or strongly agree they have the power and responsibility to make contributions that improve the world, and say they are currently doing so. However, there are notable differences between age groups.
Older adults (65 and older) are the least likely to believe they have the power to make contributions that improve the world.
- 18-34: 76% agree they have the power
- 35-44: 75% agree they have the power
- 45-54: 74% agree they have the power
- 55-64: 76% agree they have the power
- 65+: 69% agree they have the power
Younger adults (under 35) are the least likely to believe they have the responsibility to make contributions that improve the world.
- 18-34: 74% agree they have the responsibility
- 35-44: 82% agree they have the responsibility
- 45-54: 82% agree they have the responsibility
- 55-64: 82% agree they have the responsibility
- 65+: 77% agree they have the responsibility
Older adults (65 and older) are the least likely to say they are currently making contributions that improve the world.
- 18-34: 66% agree they are making contributions
- 35-44: 67% agree they are making contributions
- 45-54: 62% agree they are making contributions
- 55-64: 65% agree they are making contributions
- 65+: 59% agree they are making contributions
Regardless of income or education level, majorities of Americans somewhat or strongly agree they have the power and responsibility to make contributions that improve the world. However, income and education are positively associated with progress agency beliefs.
- High school or less: 65% agree they have the power
- Some college: 75% agree they have the power
- College graduates: 80% agree they have the power
- Income less than $50k: 67% agree they have the power
- Income $50k to $74,9k: 73% agree they have the power
- Income $75k to $99,9k: 77% agree they have the power
- Income $100k or more: 77% agree they have the power
- High school or less: 72% agree they have the responsibility
- Some college: 79% agree they have the responsibility
- College graduates: 85% agree they have the responsibility
- Income less than $50k: 73% agree they have the responsibility
- Income $50k to $74,9k: 79% agree they have the responsibility
- Income $75k to $99,9k: 79% agree they have the responsibility
- Income $100k or more: 82% agree they have the responsibility
Majorities also say they are currently making contributions that improve the world.
- High school or less: 57% agree they are making contributions
- Some college: 64% agree they are making contributions
- College graduates: 70% agree they are making contributions
- Income less than $50k: 57% agree they are making contributions
- Income $50k to $74,9k: 65% agree they are making contributions
- Income $75k to $99,9k: 63% agree they are making contributions
- Income $100k or more: 68% agree they are making contributions
Finally, American adults across political groups similarly endorse progress agency beliefs.
- Democrats: 73% agree they have the power
- Republicans 76% agree they have the power
- Independents: 73% agree they have the power
- Democrats: 80% agree they have the responsibility
- Republicans 80% agree they have the responsibility
- Independents: 79% agree they have the responsibility
- Democrats: 63% agree they are making contributions
- Republicans 66% agree they are making contributions
- Independents: 64% agree they are making contributions
Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Human Flourishing Lab from January 16-21, 2025, among 2,086 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact croutledge@archbridgeinstitute.org
Respondents were presented with the following prompts:
I have the power to improve the world in some way by using my abilities, talents, or skills.
I have the responsibility to use my abilities, talents, or skills to make contributions that improve the world in some way.
I am currently using my abilities, talents, or skills to make contributions that improve the world in some way.
Respondents were asked to indicate whether they strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree, or strongly agree with each prompt.
Progress Pulse
Progress Pulse is a data-driven research project of the Human Flourishing Lab exploring views about progress. We conduct regular surveys of the American people on questions related to human advancement, emerging technologies, and visions of the future.
Clay Routledge, PhD, is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute. As a leading expert in existential psychology, his work focuses on helping people reach their full potential and build meaningful lives. Follow his work @clayroutledge and subscribe to his newsletter, Flourishing Fridays.
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