The Progress Paradox

GREGG EASTERBROOK is a senior editor of "The New Republic," a contributing editor of "The Atlantic Monthly," a visiting fellow in economics at the Brookings Institution, and a columnist for ESPN.com. He is the author of six books, including "A Moment on the Earth," a "New York Times "and American Library Association Notable Book. He has also been a contributing editor at "Newsweek" and an editor of "The Washington Monthly." He lives in Maryland and can be reached via the Internet at www.greggeasterbrook.com. "From the Hardcover edition."