Rutger Bregman on Human Kindness in a Frightened World with Helen Lewis

Aug 28, 2020

Guest

Rutger Bregman

Guest

Helen Lewis

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and bestselling author, joins journalist Helen Lewis to challenge the notion that humans are inherently selfish. They delve into the evolutionary basis for kindness and cooperation, discussing famous studies and reframing our understanding of history. The conversation covers the dynamics of kindness versus compliance, critiques on social psychology experiments, and the importance of storytelling in governance. Bregman's optimistic perspective invites listeners to reconsider the complexities of human nature and the potential for collective progress.

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INSIGHT

Human Nature Re-examined

Rutger Bregman's book "Humankind" challenges the ingrained belief in human selfishness.
He argues for a more hopeful view, suggesting humans are inherently decent.

INSIGHT

The Nocebo Effect and Society

The nocebo effect, the opposite of placebo, shows how negative expectations can worsen outcomes.
Bregman applies this to societal beliefs about human nature, suggesting cynical views create cynical realities.

INSIGHT

Homo Puppy

The "Homo Puppy" theory suggests humans self-domesticated, evolving towards friendliness.
This resulted in physical changes like smaller brains and a more childlike appearance over millennia.

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None

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