what does the scene suggest about the human willingness to take risks in order to make progress?

The openng of the story suggests overwhelmingly that people will take risks in order to have their deepest desires..... or in your words to make progress. Sergeant-Major Morris couldn't have been any clearer about the evil in the paw. He wanted to burn it.... refused to sell it and warned Mr. White repeatedly. Unfortunately, all Mr. White could see was the three wishes in front of him. The possibility of receiving his wishes blinded him to all else.