About this episode
Rutger Bregman discusses moral decay and the potential for moral revolutions in his Reith Lectures series, emphasizing the need for a new 'realist utopia'.
Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called "Moral Revolution", explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. Bregman advocates for a new "realist utopia" in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity’s strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London. The series is produced by Jim Frank. The Editor is Clare Fordham. The programmes are mixed by Neil Churchill.
People in this episode
Host: Anita Anand
Guest: Rutger Bregman
Topics covered
- moral decay
- historical parallels
- moral revolutions
- Universal Basic Income
- technological change
- existential risks
- AI regulation
Keywords
- moral revolution
- slavery abolition
- perseverance
- long-term vision
- fair taxation
- responsible tech
- existential risks
- AI
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4
Books & works: Moral Revolution
More episodes of The Reith Lectures
- 4. Fighting for Humanity in the Age of the Machine. · December 16, 2025 · 57 min
- 3. A conspiracy of decency · December 9, 2025 · 57 min
- 2. How to start a moral revolution · December 2, 2025 · 58 min
- Moral Maze debate: Rutger Bregman’s call for a moral revolution · November 25, 2025 · 57 min
- Can we change violent minds? · December 17, 2024 · 58 min
- Does Trauma Cause Violence? · December 10, 2024 · 58 min
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