Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

#412 - Better Things & Better People

27 snips
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.
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INSIGHT

Living at a Pivotal Time

  • We live at a pivotal moment in history with rapid changes and immense uncertainty about the future.
  • This era's progress could climax in either utopia or catastrophe, unlike past generations' illusions of special significance.
INSIGHT

Aspirational Moral Ambition

  • Doing good should be aspirational and contagious rather than framed as sacrifice or guilt.
  • Moral ambition can drive talented people away from lucrative but less meaningful jobs toward impactful work.
INSIGHT

Philanthropy's Complex Role

  • Not all billionaires' philanthropy is equal; some support powerful, neglected causes.
  • Bill Gates's work on malaria vaccines exemplifies impactful philanthropy deserving recognition despite his wealth.
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