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You’re Not Wasting Time, You’re Wasting Your Life | Rutger Bregman (PT. 2)

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Jul 5, 2025

Guest

Rutger Bregman

Join historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman as he challenges the conventional pursuit of success. He discusses how chasing the wrong goals can lead to a wasted life and emphasizes the importance of realigning our work with meaningful impact. Bregman argues for the necessity of taking action on neglected global issues like health crises and climate change. With a framework of moral ambition, he inspires listeners to engage deeply in activism and embrace altruism, fostering a culture of true societal change.

40:32

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INSIGHT

Justice as Active Virtue

Justice is an active virtue shown by how we treat others, not a condition we receive.
Virtues like courage and discipline are meaningless if not directed by justice.

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ADVICE

Prioritize Neglected Problems

Focus on the most pressing, neglected, and solvable problems for maximum impact.
Pursue neglected causes rather than trending or overcrowded issues.

insights

INSIGHT

Market Failure in Global Health

Market incentives often neglect deadly diseases affecting poor populations leading to vast preventable deaths.
Moral pioneers could drastically reduce suffering by tackling neglected global health problems.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Influence of Moral Luck

01:53 • 6min

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Understanding History: Heroes of Resistance

07:32 • 7min

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Building Bridges in Activism

14:05 • 10min

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The Essence of Justice in Stoicism

23:36 • 4min

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Redefining Success Through Altruism

27:50 • 12min

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The Urgency of Action on Neglected Causes

40:10 • 2min

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#129

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Courage Is Calling

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In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

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Right Thing, Right Now

Justice in an Unjust World

Ryan Holiday

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.

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• Mentioned in 57 episodes

Humankind

A Hopeful History

Rutger Bregman

Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.

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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.

#798

• Mentioned in 41 episodes

Moral Ambition

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.

You’re not here to impress, you're here to make a difference. In this PT. 2 episode, historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman sits down with Ryan for a deep dive into what a meaningful life actually looks like and why so many people end up wasting their one shot at it. They talk about how easy it is to chase the wrong goals, why real impact often goes unnoticed, and how to realign your work with what truly matters.

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author. His latest book Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference was released in April 2025.

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In 2024, Rutger co-founded The School for Moral Ambition, a non-profit organization inspired by his latest book, Moral Ambition. The initiative helps people to take the step toward an impactful career.

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Follow Rutger on Instagram and X | @RutgerBregman

📚 Grab signed copies of Moral Ambition at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com

📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work

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