Progress Spectrum Theory

The idea that societal or civilizational "progress" is not a single, inevitable ladder (e.g., hunter-gatherer → agrarian → industrial → information age) but a multidimensional space with multiple, often competing, vectors. One axis might be material/technological capacity (energy use, computation). Another is social/ethical development (equity, justice, reduction of suffering). A third is ecological sustainability (harmony with biosphere). A society can surge forward on one axis while regressing on another. "Progress" is thus a value-laden choice of which vector to prioritize. The theory challenges the notion that a society with smartphones and space rockets is inherently "more progressed" than one with strong community bonds, mental health, and a stable climate.

Example: Consider two societies. Society A: Has advanced AI, genetic engineering, and interplanetary travel, but suffers from extreme inequality, pervasive depression, and is in a state of ecological collapse. Society B: Has early-industrial technology but has solved collective action problems, provides universal well-being, and lives in a steady-state economy within planetary boundaries. Linear progress theory says A is ahead. Progress Spectrum Theory plots them on different coordinates: A is high on tech, low on social/ecological axes; B is the inverse. True "advancement" might be seen as moving towards a balanced point in the center of the spectrum, or consciously choosing a different optimal point based on collective values. History isn't a march; it's a dance across a multi-axis graph. Progress Spectrum Theory.

Progress Spectrum Theory by Nammugal January 24, 2026

Pull a Spectrum 

Spectrum internet provider with historically horrific customer service practices. They have absolutely no purpose other than to monopolize internet service and control people’s access (or lack thereof) to the web.

To pull a spectrum means to angrily demand service with relentless resolve.

Person 1: "Look, my internet is acting up again"

Person 2: "Want me to pull a spectrum?”

Pull a Spectrum by anonymous July 8, 2021

On the spectrum 

A way for autistic people to identify as autistic. Comes from "autistic spectrum".

"I'm on the spectrum," whined Jake. "So I just want to do data entry because I speak without thinking."

On the spectrum by Downvoting Victim December 23, 2021

Mul’s special spectrum 

The original name of the autism spectrum.

Your on Mul’s special spectrum

Mul’s special spectrum by CMNOS July 22, 2023

Edging on the spectrum

Special type of autism that gets worse the longer the day goes on, by the time of 3:00 - 4:00 MTV starts edging on the spectrum.

Person 1: Minh youre edging on the spectrum
Person 2: No im not its not funny anymore next person who says it is getting bashed

Edging on the spectrum by SausageSprayer69 November 21, 2023

gender dysphoria spectrum

A spectrum for gender identities that people self-identify as, which doesn't match their sex or gender assigned at birth.

Context: Gender Identity is a mental illness known as "gender dysphoria" formerly known as "gender identity disorder".

Your daughter is gender confused. Her gender identity known as "non-binary" falls under the gender dysphoria spectrum.

gender dysphoria spectrum by Dillon Schneider December 8, 2023

On the spectrum 

On the Autism spectrum. They say “if you’ve met 1 person with Autism, you’ve met 1 person with Autism.” The core triad for diagnosing is: (a) social impairment, (b) communication difficulties, and (c) repetitive and rigid behaviors and interests.
The “high functioning” end of the spectrum was formerly called “Aspberger's.” Now it’s distinguished as “level 1 Autism; level 1 meaning they require minimal (if any) support. They’re basically society’s smart “nerds.” Famous examples include Einstein, Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla, Sir Issac Newton, Temple Grandin, Mark Zuckerberg, Anthony Hopkins, Peter Thiel, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, etc. They often gravitate towards STEM careers like engineering or medicine but can also be gifted in fields like art or music.

Autistic people can lose their deficits with therapy or self-help. Many women only learn that they’re on the spectrum after having children receive a diagnosis. Women often consciously or unconsciously “mask” their autistic trails. Social camouflaging refers to imitating the social behaviors of neurotypical individuals.

Being on the spectrum is a result of having extra neurons (brain cells) and extra connectivity between them. Google “Temple Grandin brain scans” and hit “images” to see.

Low-functioning autism is quite different. These are individuals w/ Level 3 Autism, the most severe level, meaning they require substantial support. Generally they are non-verbal (speak fewer than 10 words or not at all).

“It was so undignified when those people sat around recording a young boy having a meltdown on that airplane…he’s on the spectrum.”

On the spectrum by NikkiMD March 11, 2024