Does Progress often Complicate as much as it Simplifies?

Progress often complicates as much as it simplifies.
Describe a specific situation in which progress might simplify more than it complicates. Discuss what you think determines whether progress complicates or simplifies.
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The old adage "The more you know, the more you know you don't know" often proves true when making progress toward completing a task. As one embarks on a path of tackling a problem, he often finds that there are even more layers to the onion. For example, he is more capable of viewing the problem at hand from a broader perspective and can take into account contingencies that may occur down the road. Indeed, progress often complicates as much as it simplifies when the task affects the well being and money of several people or groups.

Problems on a national or international scale usually become more complicated as "progress" occurs. This is due to the fact that there exists a wide range of interests demanding a certain outcome. Sometimes the problem is a zero sum game where one person's (or group's) gain will involve another's loss. As these groups attempt to solve a given problem, new problems and conflict arise. There also may be unintended consequences adverse to the interests of those making "progress." Complications arising from progress may be seen in the United States' efforts to combat enemies abroad. For example, the government successfully staved off the communist threat during its 30-year cold war with the Soviet Union. However, the US supported anti-communist groups in Afghanistan that gave birth to the prominent terrorist organizations of today. Al Qaeda, among other organizations, established itself partly with help of US funds and materiel during the Cold War.

Another example of "progress" leading to complications involve the US counter-insurgency campaigns abroad. In Iraq, for instance, the US toppling of Sadaam Hussein seemed to be mark of progress--freeing the Iraqi people from a repressive dictator and giving the people a chance to form a democratic government. Bush congratulated the military in its progress while standing behind a "Mission Accomplished" banner but Americans then realized that the task of nation building involved more complications for the Iraqi future. This includes, among others, conflicts regarding the power vacuum, threats of Iran and continued sectarian violence. Indeed, when lives and especially economic interests are at stake, "progress" often does not follow a linear path towards simplicity.

Indeed, progress made at a more micro-level will more often simplify than complicate. This is especially true in the case of individuals completing every day, mundane tasks, including homework and chores. Making progress in these tasks often helps simplify one's life--not just in freeing up a person's schedule but in providing a sense of ease in one's mind. Most people, however, procrastinate and are unable to make timely progress on these small tasks. By delaying one's progress, existing problems become more burdensome and complicated.

Whether "progress" simplifies or complicates depends on the gravity of the task. When the problem involves several people with lives and money at stake, progress made will often lead to a realization of further problems to tackle. People or groups will often present conflicting interests which complicates the path toward completing a certain task. However, when individuals make progress in completing personal and less-complicated goals, they often find that their lives become a bit more simple rather than complicated.