# From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 4

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/excursions/from-optimism-to-pessimism-the-case-of-herbert-spencer-part-4>

**By** George H. Smith

**Published:** April 29, 2015

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George H. Smith discusses Spencer’s theory of social progress, while calling attention to some of its theoretical problems.

[Originally published in essay form on July 31, 2012.](https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/excursions/optimism-pessimism-case-herbert-spencer-part-4)

_Narrated by James Foster._