

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

246 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.

197 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.

149 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 27min
Human-Kind or Human Evil with Rutger Bregman [VIDEO]
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.

97 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
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.

95 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.

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.

48 snips
May 12, 2025 • 30min
Why you should quit your job and change the world
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and advocate for basic income and open borders, passionately argues that high-flying corporate professionals should leave their jobs to pursue more impactful careers. He critiques 'bullshit jobs' that lack societal contribution, urging the talented to embrace 'moral ambition' and address global challenges like inequality and preventable diseases. Bregman emphasizes the importance of personal transformation and collective action in creating meaningful change, inspiring listeners to leverage their skills for a better world.

45 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 50min
When Things Fall Apart (Throwback)
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author, and Rebecca Solnit, a keen observer of social and political issues, engage in a thought-provoking conversation. They challenge the belief that civilization merely masks our brutal instincts, exploring the concept of veneer theory. The discussion delves into historical perspectives on human nature, emergency responses during crises like Hurricane Katrina, and the importance of hope and optimism in fostering resilience. Ultimately, they argue for a nuanced view of humanity's capacity for compassion amid chaos.

42 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 12min
#412 - Better Things & Better People
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author of bestsellers like Utopia for Realists, dives into pressing global issues. He critiques wealth inequality and emphasizes the need for moral ambition to drive societal change. Bregman discusses the role of altruism in philanthropy, arguing that empathy often falls short. He explores universal basic income and its potential to reshape work in an age of automation. Additionally, he champions innovative charity models that empower individuals to tackle humanitarian challenges, advocating for a more aspirational approach to giving.

40 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
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.