The 4th edition of the Rencontres Capitales was held at the Palais de l’Institut de France on the 26th and 27th of November, in honour of the 350th anniversary of the Académie des Sciences. 50 personalities – academics, scientists, intellectuals, political leaders, cultural actors, artists, writers, economic leaders – agreed to converse under the Dome and in the grand Chamber with 3,000 attendees on the meaning of progress. How can we restore meaning to progress? How can progress be made without disruption? What is the right equation between economic progress and social progress? What type of progress for a better world? The only worthwhile progress: happiness! The debates were dense and rich.