Rutger Bregman, a historian and public intellectual famous for addressing tax fairness and advocating for universal basic income, engages with Aaron Bastani in a thought-provoking conversation. They dive into the limitations of current activism, revealing how major protests often fail to drive change. Bregman critiques the balance between individual actions and collective movements and discusses the evolving debate around Universal Basic Income. He challenges traditional views on philanthropy and urges for moral ambition in political engagement, emphasizing a clear path to impactful societal transformation.
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insights INSIGHT
Tax Avoidance Ignored by Elites
Rutger Bregman highlights tax avoidance as the key issue billionaires avoid discussing.
He compares it to a firefighter conference where no one talks about water, emphasizing simplicity over philanthropy schemes.
insights INSIGHT
UBI's Uneven Progress and Promise
Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiments increased but political progress remains slow.
UBI shows more positive effects in poorer countries and remains essential for future automation challenges.
insights INSIGHT
Regulations Block Building Progress
Building is hindered by outdated regulations and legal obstacles, not just capitalist hoarding.
To solve housing and energy crises, the left must shift from blocking to enabling construction.
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In this book, Eitan Hersh argues that many people treat politics as a spectator sport, which he terms 'political hobbyism.' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change. The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
Moral Ambition
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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.
Difficult Women
Helen Lewis
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[1][2][3].
We Have Never Been Woke
The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite
Musa al-Gharbi
In this book, Musa al-Gharbi argues that despite the rise of a new elite who identify as allies of progressive causes such as antiracism, feminism, and LGBTQ rights, social and economic inequalities have continued to grow. These symbolic capitalists, who work primarily with words, ideas, images, and data, genuinely believe in egalitarian principles but inadvertently contribute to and perpetuate the very inequalities they oppose. The book examines how their actions and narratives often provoke backlash against the social justice causes they champion and argues that challenging these self-serving narratives is crucial for addressing social and economic inequality effectively.
Zero to One
Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Peter Thiel
In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future[2][3][5].
This week’s guest is best known for hijacking a panel at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at Davos, where he told a room full of billionaires to stop avoiding taxes. He now claims that this form of protest has been proven ineffective in the struggle for progress. The last 25 years have seen some of the biggest protests in history, yet we’ve seen wars erupt and inequality widen.
With his new book, ‘Moral Ambition’, Rutger Bregman lays out a history of how societal change actually happens, and how we can learn from the agentic groups of thoughtful individuals who improved our civilisation.
In conversation with Aaron Bastani he discusses the true origins of abolitionism, what the left gets wrong about Elon Musk and why we might actually see the end of history.
Novara Media 
