Today, the Scots are voting on whether Scotland should leave the UK and become an independent country. As of now, the polls are too close to call, but if it goes through, Scottish independence will be notable for its peacefulness: it's being decided by a political campaign and an orderly referendum, not a violent revolution.

For instance, the US fought the Revolutionary War (and later the war of 1812). Ireland fought the Anglo-Irish war. Kenya's Mau-Mau rebellion claimed thousands of lives. India's century-long struggle for independence comprised many rebellions, and was followed by genocidal violence post-partition.

Regardless of the outcome of today's referendum, the process is progress.