Rutger Bregman, an acclaimed historian and author, co-founded The School for Moral Ambition to inspire impactful careers. In this conversation, he delves into the essence of moral ambition and how to identify worthy causes for support. Bregman explores the balance between idealism and pragmatism in activism, emphasizing adaptable strategies for societal change. He critiques common misconceptions about activism, discusses the moral complexities of equality and animal rights, and addresses the ethical implications of meat consumption and factory farming.
Moral ambition merges idealism and practicality, highlighting the need to adapt strategies based on social context for lasting change.
As individuals mature, moral choices become more complex, necessitating thoughtful evaluation of activism's intended and unintended outcomes.
Effective activism requires a versatile approach, utilizing both confrontation and collaboration to address societal issues and achieve meaningful impacts.
Deep dives
Understanding Moral Ambition
Moral ambition entails blending idealism with practicality to effect real change in the world. The concept draws on historical movements, such as the abolitionists, who initially focused on pragmatic strategies rather than direct opposition to slavery. By emphasizing the health risks to sailors involved in the slave trade as a compelling narrative, they shifted public opinion more effectively than outright condemnation of slavery itself. This highlights the importance of adapting one's approach based on the prevailing social and political context to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Complexity of Making a Difference
As individuals grow older and gain experience, the clarity once held about how to positively impact the world often diminishes. This suggests that moral choices and their implications are more nuanced than they appear at first glance. Insights from Rutger Bregman indicate that effective activism requires critical examination of both the intended goals and the potential unintended consequences of actions. The challenge lies in discernibly navigating these complexities to accrue actual benefits for society rather than causing harm inadvertently.
The Role of Activism in Progress
Activism can take various forms, with some methods proving more effective than others depending on the context. There are examples of successful movements that employed confrontation, such as the Humane League using aggressive tactics against specific companies to achieve change in animal welfare practices. Conversely, collaborative strategies, where activists partner with farmers or corporations, can yield substantial results by addressing shared interests and fostering positive outcomes. This underscores the necessity for a diverse toolbox of strategies to tackle social issues.
Contextualizing Moral Causes
Identifying and advocating for moral causes that are truly beneficial remains a daunting task, requiring thorough consideration and a clear understanding of objectives. Historical examples, such as past movements that were later seen as damaging—like certain iterations of communism—illustrate how intentions can turn into harmful outcomes. It is crucial to deliberately assess not only the moral righteousness of a cause but also the long-term repercussions it may have. This level of scrutiny helps ensure that efforts align with genuine progress rather than adopting trendy causes that may backfire.
Future Perspectives on Changing Norms
Speculations about how future generations may view today's moral choices reveal a need to critically reflect on our current standards and practices. For instance, as societies evolve, they may reassess industries contributing to significant suffering, such as factory farming. The potential for future advancements, such as alternative protein sources, might reshape societal views on animal rights and ethical consumption. Recognizing these shifting paradigms can guide current actions and moral stances, prompting individuals to reconsider their support for longstanding practices deemed acceptable today.
Rutger Bregman is an historian and author. He is the co-founder of The School for Moral Ambition, a new initiative to mobilize talented professionals to work on the world’s most pressing problems. His latest book, Moral Ambition, explores how we can build lives and careers that make a real difference.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Rutger Bregman discuss what it means to have moral ambition, how to know which causes deserve support—and how to make the world vegan.
Email: goodfightpod@gmail.com
Podcast production by Mickey Freeland and Leonora Barclay.
