Uncover a radical new perspective on human nature that prioritises generosity, cooperation and trust.
Join historian and author Rutger Bregman for FUTURES Podcast LIVE, hosted by Luke Robert Mason.
Throughout history psychologists and philosophers have made the tacit assumption that human beings are governed primarily by self-interest. But new evidence suggests that humanity’s success might actually be based on our being hardwired for kindness, geared toward cooperation rather than competition, and more inclined to trust rather than distrust. This revelation, that we have evolved to be a social and altruistic species, has the possibility to radically change how society functions.
Why should we support the idea of human goodness? How do we challenge long-held beliefs on human nature? What might a politics and economics based on the foundation of human kindness and altruism look like?
Speaker
Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman is a historian and author. He has published five books on history, philosophy, and economics. His book Utopia for Realists was a New York Times Bestseller and has been translated in 32 languages. Bregman has twice been nominated for the prestigious European Press Prize for his work at The Correspondent. His new book, Humankind, will be published in May 2020. Rutger lives in Holland.
Featured Book
Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020)
Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. The instinct to cooperate rather than compete, trust rather than distrust, has an evolutionary basis going right back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. By thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too.
Follow the Discussion
Follow the discussion on Twitter:
@FUTURESPodcast | #FUTURESPodcast
Ticket Information
Registration is essential. This is a free event, but donations are encouraged.
Contact info@futurespodcast.net for more information.