Moral Ambition: Rutger Bregman on Building a Career That Makes a Difference
Apr 28, 2025
35:19
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Quick takeaways
Moral ambition emphasizes the importance of using one's talents for societal good rather than merely chasing traditional career success or financial gain.
Collaboration and coalition building are essential for transforming individual moral ambitions into impactful movements that address complex global challenges.
Deep dives
Understanding Moral Ambition
Moral ambition is defined as the convergence of the idealism characteristic of activists and the drive typically associated with entrepreneurs. This concept emphasizes using one's skills for purposes that matter to society rather than solely pursuing financial gain or traditional career success. Many individuals experience burnout and confusion about the significance of their work, leading them to reevaluate their career choices. Moral ambition encourages individuals to look outward and ask what the world needs from them, fostering a sense of purpose and relation to broader societal challenges.
Reevaluating Success in Society
Success is increasingly being redefined, particularly among graduates from elite institutions who often pursue paths in finance and consulting, which may not address pressing global challenges. This trend results in a significant waste of talent, with many feeling disconnected from the social value of their work. In the past, students prioritized creating meaningful philosophies, but contemporary values have shifted towards financial gain. This societal change is not fixed; historical movements show that definitions of success can evolve, highlighting the potential for a collective reawakening toward more purposeful careers.
The Importance of Coalition Building
Creating a meaningful impact requires collaboration and coalition building, not just individual effort. Historical examples, such as the British abolitionist movement, illustrate how disparate groups united across differences to effect significant change. Currently, many idealists and progressives struggle to work together due to a fixation on their individual ideas, which can impede progress. Emphasizing coalition work can transform moral ambition from isolated efforts into effective movements that drive societal improvement.
Finding Your Contribution to the World
Moral ambition transcends personal passions, guiding individuals toward addressing the world's pressing issues through actionable contributions. The example of a former doctor who shifted from treating wealthy patients to addressing neglected global health concerns illustrates this shift. By participating in innovative programs focused on high-impact solutions, individuals can redirect their efforts where they can make a significant difference. Ultimately, moral ambition encourages individuals to seek out their unique contributions based on societal needs, allowing them to find fulfillment while enacting tangible change.
We’ve been taught to chase fancy job titles and large salaries, but what if we aimed for moral ambition instead? In this week’s episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel sits down with historian and best-selling author Rutger Bregman to explore moral ambition: the idea that the core metric of a successful career should be the positive impact we have on the world.
