

Rutger Bregman
Historian and author of 'Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference', 'Utopia for Realists', and 'Humankind'. Known for his work on universal basic income and challenging conventional perspectives.
Top 10 podcasts with Rutger Bregman
Ranked by the Snipd community

486 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 41min
You’re Not Wasting Time, You’re Wasting Your Life | Rutger Bregman (PT. 2)
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.

277 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 46min
You’re Not Wasting Time, You’re Wasting Your Life | Rutger Bregman (PT. 1)
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and bestselling author, delves into the deeper meaning of work and success. He challenges the value of prestigious careers that may offer little societal benefit. Bregman highlights the significance of moral ambition and how true impactful work often defies societal norms. Through historical examples, he illustrates how individual actions can lead to massive change, emphasizing that what truly matters is contributing to the greater good, not just climbing the corporate ladder.

274 snips
May 17, 2025 • 42min
'The Interview': Rutger Bregman Wants to Save Elites From Their Wasted Lives
Rutger Bregman, a historian and writer known for his thought-provoking views on utopian ideas, challenges elite individuals to abandon self-centered ambitions for morally significant work. He discusses redefining success from wealth to impactful contributions and highlights the need for ambitious activism to address societal issues like the tobacco industry. Bregman emphasizes the importance of moral ambition, collective action, and using one's talents for the greater good, pushing for a cultural shift towards altruism and meaningful change.

217 snips
May 2, 2025 • 27min
#412 — Better Things & Better People
Rutger Bregman, historian and author known for his groundbreaking ideas on universal basic income and societal change, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle wealth inequality and the urgent need for moral leadership in turbulent times. Bregman argues that altruism should be better rewarded and critiques the effectiveness of billionaire philanthropy. He also explores the concept of moral ambition and the potential for a modern countercultural movement that addresses today’s existential risks and societal challenges.

151 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 21min
Human-Kind or Human Evil with Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman, a historian and author renowned for challenging our understanding of human nature, joins Trevor and Christiana for an insightful discussion. They debate the innate goodness versus selfishness of humanity, illustrating this with amusing anecdotes, like comparing a toddler's intelligence to that of a pig. The conversation highlights human cooperation during crises, explores the moral implications of wealth, and the evolving nature of societal norms, ultimately promoting a hopeful perspective on progress and kindness.

110 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 60min
Ep. #699: Sen. John Fetterman, Ian Bremmer & Rutger Bregman
Joining the discussion are John Fetterman, a progressive senator from Pennsylvania known for his bold style; Ian Bremmer, a global political risk expert; and historian Rutger Bregman, who tackles societal change. The trio dives into media narratives surrounding political unrest, critiques on Israel-Iran tensions, and the complexities of indigenous land rights. They humorously reflect on the chaotic landscape of activism, the future of work in an AI-driven world, and the urgent need for pro-democracy strategies amidst political absurdities.

109 snips
May 12, 2025 • 57min
Do you have moral ambition?
Rutger Bregman, a historian and author of 'Moral Ambition,' believes in prioritizing moral achievements over traditional success metrics. He discusses the disillusionment many feel when personal ambition doesn't align with societal good. Bregman suggests that making moral ambition fashionable can lead to meaningful change. He emphasizes embracing impactful causes, like climate change, and critiques the narrow views of moral progress. The conversation is a compelling invitation to redefine success through a lens of ethical responsibility and collective well-being.

105 snips
Aug 3, 2023 • 43min
Conversation with Rutger Bregman — Human Nature, Power Dynamics, and UBI
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his optimistic take on human nature, dives into transformative concepts from his book, 'Humankind: A Hopeful History.' He challenges the notion of inherent human selfishness, advocating for Universal Basic Income as a solution to poverty. The conversation explores cultural and biological influences on cooperation, modern financial aid's impact on empowerment, and contrasts European social safety nets with American entrepreneurial culture. Bregman's insights spark a hopeful dialogue on empathy and societal well-being.

66 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 20min
MORAL AMBITION: Are You Wasting Your Talent?
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his books 'Moral Ambition' and 'Humankind', challenges traditional notions of success. He argues that many waste their talents chasing wealth instead of tackling pressing global issues like climate change and inequality. Bregman advocates for 'moral ambition', urging a shift in focus from personal gain to social impact. He emphasizes the power of strategic activism, the evolution of empathy, and the need for individuals to redirect their careers towards causes that really make a difference.

50 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 49min
When Things Fall Apart
In this engaging discussion, Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his uplifting view of humanity, teams up with Rebecca Solnit, the author exploring resilience in disasters. They tackle the notion of human nature, challenging the idea that we are inherently selfish. Instead, they highlight how societal narratives during chaos can foster connection and solidarity. They also draw lessons from disasters like Hurricane Katrina and advocate for a hopeful, utopian perspective, emphasizing that even in the darkest times, our better instincts can shine through.