"The price of progress is trouble, and I must be making a lot of progress"

Charles Erwin Wilson’s statement, “The price of progress is trouble, and I must be making a lot of progress,” reflects a keen insight into the messy and often challenging reality of innovation and advancement, both at individual and societal levels. Progress is almost never smooth; it disrupts the status quo, challenges established norms, and demands adaptation to new circumstances. Trouble, in this context, can be interpreted as the difficulties, resistance, misunderstandings, and even failures that frequently accompany attempts to improve or move forward.

Wilson’s words carry a tone of wry humor and resilience. By acknowledging that progress inherently brings about trouble, he is accepting that challenges and setbacks are unavoidable parts of striving for something better. Instead of seeing obstacles as signs of failure, he frames them as indicators of motion and ambition. The more difficulties encountered, the more significant the progress being attempted. This outlook encourages persistence in the face of adversity, suggesting that discomfort is not a sign to retreat but a reason to push onward.

There is also an implicit commentary on leadership embedded in Wilson’s remark. Those who drive progress, be it in organizations, technology, public policy, or personal life, must expect criticism, mistakes, and unforeseen complications. Progress is seldom painless. Yet, those who shy away from “trouble” avoid necessary changes and growth. The phrase suggests that if one’s path is entirely free of obstacles, genuine progress may not be occurring.

Finally, Wilson’s remark is an invitation to reframe how we view setbacks. Trouble and difficulty are not only the cost of progress but proof that one is moving beyond comfort into new possibilities. Far from being discouraging, his perspective turns trouble into a badge of honor for those daring enough to pursue improvement and transformation.