Making Sense with Sam Harris
#412 — Better Things & Better People
May 2, 2025
Rutger Bregman, historian and author known for his groundbreaking ideas on universal basic income and societal change, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle wealth inequality and the urgent need for moral leadership in turbulent times. Bregman argues that altruism should be better rewarded and critiques the effectiveness of billionaire philanthropy. He also explores the concept of moral ambition and the potential for a modern countercultural movement that addresses today’s existential risks and societal challenges.
26:47
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of 'moral ambition' in driving societal change and recognizing the value of altruism over wealth accumulation.
- It discusses how recent progress in reducing poverty and mortality must be paired with awareness of emerging social and political threats to ensure continued advancement.
Deep dives
The Evolution of a Historian's Focus
The speaker discusses their journey from history academia to journalism, expressing frustration with the conventional academic path that prioritized niche PhD research over broad societal questions. Initially drawn to the grand narratives of history, such as the motivations behind global conquests and the Industrial Revolution, they found traditional academia unfulfilling. This led to a pivotal opportunity at a new journalism platform that emphasized exploring significant, structural societal issues rather than just breaking news. Through this platform, they developed ideas around topics like universal basic income, using their work to engage a wider audience and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
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