About this episode
Rutger Bregman discusses the need for a 'conspiracy of decency' to address moral decay in society.
Dutch historian Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called "Moral Revolution", explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites. He argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision. In this third of four lectures, Bregman argues for a new "realist utopia," calling for people to join what he labels" a conspiracy of decency." He says that in the face of rapid technological change, we need to promote ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in Edinburgh. 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
- moral revolution
- Universal Basic Income
- responsible tech regulation
- fairer taxation
Keywords
- moral revolution
- moral decay
- Universal Basic Income
- technological change
- fair taxation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Jim Frank, Clare Fordham, Neil Churchill
Places: Edinburgh
More episodes of The Reith Lectures
- 4. Fighting for Humanity in the Age of the Machine. · December 16, 2025 · 57 min
- 2. How to start a moral revolution · December 2, 2025 · 58 min
- 1. A Time of Monsters · November 25, 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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