Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content
#412 - Better Things & Better People
May 2, 2025
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his bestselling works, joins the discussion on moral ambition and societal change. They dive into the ethics of wealth, exploring the disparity between billionaire philanthropy and social responsibility. The conversation touches on the flaws of effective altruism and the need for a new moral vision to combat existential risks. Bregman also advocates for universal basic income as a transformative solution, emphasizing the importance of aligning career choices with meaningful societal contributions.
01:12:13
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Rutger Bregman emphasizes the transformative potential of 'moral ambition' in addressing societal issues, advocating for a cultural shift towards ethical goals.
- He critiques the perception of wealth and philanthropy, urging a nuanced understanding that recognizes the positive impacts affluent individuals can have on moral causes.
Deep dives
The Journey of a Historian
Rutger Bregman shares his journey from academia to journalism, highlighting his initial frustration with the slow pace of academic research. He felt the need to explore large historical questions, such as the reasons for global conquests and the Industrial Revolution's origins, but was hindered by the conventional academic path. Finding an opportunity to write for The Correspondent allowed him to pursue his interest in significant societal issues, including universal basic income. This platform enabled him to experiment with ideas and ultimately led to the publication of his influential works.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
