The Reith Lectures

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4. Fighting for Humanity in the Age of the Machine.

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Dec 16, 2025

Guest

Rutger Bregman

Rutger Bregman, a historian and writer known for his works like 'Humankind', discusses critical themes in the intersection of humanity and technology. He warns that unchecked AI poses existential risks, potentially rivaling past industrial revolutions. Bregman emphasizes the necessity for committed individuals to drive moral change and offers insights from history, illustrating how small groups can incite revolutions. He advocates for a balanced approach to technology, urging stronger protections against the social costs of addiction and isolation.

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ANECDOTE

Teenage Crisis That Shaped A Worldview

Rutger Bregman recounts his teenage crises about free will and faith and how Bertrand Russell became his intellectual hero.
These personal episodes explain his turn to secular humanism and shape the moral framework of his lectures.

insights

INSIGHT

Humanity's Edge Is Cooperation

Bregman argues humans succeeded through cooperation: 'the survival of the friendliest' rather than raw strength or intelligence.
He warns that we are apes with godlike powers as technology amplifies our reach and risks.

insights

INSIGHT

Tech Rewards The Worst Behaviors

The first wave of big tech has harmed literacy, socializing, and teen mental health, reversing social gains.
Platforms reward extreme behavior, producing 'survival of the shameless' rather than cooperative instincts.

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Teenage Crisis: Free Will and Evolution

02:37 • 3min

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Finding Bertrand Russell as a Moral Guide

05:53 • 6min

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Russell, Nuclear Doom and Our Moment

11:47 • 3min

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Who Are We? The Survival of the Friendliest

14:22 • 43sec

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Where We Came From: Foraging to Farming

15:05 • 1min

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Industrial Revolution and the Great Acceleration

16:16 • 37sec

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Where Are We Going? The AI Race

16:53 • 39sec

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Tech's Social Costs: Isolation and Addiction

17:32 • 1min

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How to Live: Lessons from Temperance

18:52 • 1min

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Warning to Silicon Valley: An Awakening Dragon

20:18 • 1min

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What Is Sacred? Human Nature and Small Things

21:36 • 55sec

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Determinism Strengthens Morality

22:31 • 4min

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Two Ways of Seeing: Causes and Agency

26:06 • 49sec

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Small Groups Can Bend History

26:56 • 33sec

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Q&A: Is Big Tech the Worst Mistake?

27:29 • 2min

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Q&A: AI's Everyday Benefits and Users' Choices

29:21 • 2min

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Q&A: Can AI Deliver Abundance?

31:12 • 2min

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Stuart Russell: We're Closer to the Abyss

33:42 • 4min

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Debate: Is AGI Real or a Bubble?

37:19 • 2min

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Luddites Were Right: Labor and Technology

39:42 • 2min

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Rejecting Technological Inevitability

41:40 • 1min

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Public Anger Could Fuel Broad Movements

43:01 • 1min

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Europe vs US: Regulation and Ambition

44:09 • 3min

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Can Empathy and Democracy Win?

46:45 • 2min

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Balancing State, Market and Civil Society

49:13 • 58sec

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Protecting Children and Regulating Algorithms

50:11 • 2min

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Distinguishing Good AI from Harmful AI

52:26 • 1min

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Hopeful Utopian Vision Amid Danger

• Mentioned in 75 episodes

Guns, germs, and steel

The Fates of Human Societies

Fabián Chueca

Jared DIAMOND

(MEI )DAI MENG DE (Diamond J. ) XIE YAN GUANG YI

In this book, Jared Diamond explains why Eurasian and North African civilizations have survived and conquered others. He argues that differences in societal development arise primarily from geographical causes. The book details how agricultural societies developed immunities to deadly diseases, advanced in technology, and formed centralized political structures, ultimately leading to the conquest of other societies. Diamond also discusses the impact of germs, domesticated animals, and environmental factors on human history.

#1362

• Mentioned in 25 episodes

Utopia for Realists

The Case for a Universal Basic Income, Open Borders, and a 15-hour Workweek

Rutger Bregman

In *Utopia for Realists*, Rutger Bregman argues that visionary ideas, often considered utopian, can be implemented to create a more equitable and productive society. He advocates for a universal basic income, a shorter workweek of 15 hours, and open borders. Bregman supports these ideas with historical examples, such as Richard Nixon's proposed basic income and the successful Mincome project in Canada, as well as current data and academic studies. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to dream big and strive for a better future.

#513

• Mentioned in 49 episodes

Humankind

A Hopeful History

Rutger Bregman

Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.

#85

• Mentioned in 166 episodes

BOWLING ALONE

The Collapse and Revival of American Community

Robert Putnam

In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.

#771

• Mentioned in 37 episodes

Moral Ambition

Rutger Bregman

Rutger Bregman's 'Moral Ambition' delves into the complexities of ambition and its potential for positive societal impact. The book challenges conventional notions of success and encourages readers to consider how their ambitions can contribute to a better world. Bregman argues that individuals can leverage their drive and determination to create meaningful change, focusing on ethical considerations and collective well-being. He explores various examples of individuals who have successfully channeled their ambition for the greater good, offering practical insights and inspiring narratives. The book ultimately promotes a vision of ambition that is both personally fulfilling and socially responsible.

Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called "Moral Revolution", explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

In this fourth and final lecture, he zooms out to reflect on humanity’s strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked tech and AI. He urges privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience at Stanford University in Silicon Valley, USA. The researcher was James Bonney and the series is produced by Jim Frank. The Editor is Clare Fordham. The programmes are mixed by Neil Churchill.

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