Summary

“Progress in thought is the assertion of individualism against authority.” Oscar Wilde

Rutger Bregman is the author of Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World. He is a historian and writes on philosophy, economics, and history.

Encouraged by his father to ask the bigger questions of life, Rutger believes we have stopped this practice. To ask bigger questions about life and about what’s wrong with society. Contemplating and discussing the key issues that will lead to ideas, innovation followed by action that can progress humanity to a higher level of utopia. 

In this conversation, we discuss the idea of a Universal basic income. A 15-hour workweek. Open borders. And more. It sounds too good to be true but as Rutger explains perhaps it’s not. Rutger is a thought leader challenging the way we think about key issues and challenging us in how we can build an ideal world today.

Coaching

Key Take Outs

• Asking Life’s Big Questions. What’s wrong with our society? How can we make life better?
• The issue of poverty and how to deal with it.
• Why the poor make poor decisions.
• The solution – Universal basic income.
• Capitalism. The good, the bad and the ugly.
• The power of ideas.
• Is a 15-hour work week possible? Certainly ideal???
• The knowledge economy.
• Open borders. The key issues threatening our progression.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

When you have something to do, take action!

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Don’t worry when people say ‘no’.

What is the meaning of success?

Define success for yourself. Making the world a little bit more interesting, beautiful and meaningful.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Stop following the news and the distractions of the smartphone.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

It’s all about collective change. Where you need to make change others do as well. Connect with them and work together to find solutions. Most of the problems we face today are collective issues.

Favourite Food

Vegetarian

Favourite Leisure Activity

Climbing. Bouldering.

Favourite Book

Anything by Rebeccas Solnit

Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit

The End of History and the Last Man by Francis Fukuyama

Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World by Rutger Bregman

Favourite Quote

“There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time as come.” Victor Hugo

Do we all have a why?

Yes, but we need to create it and discover it.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Being honest with yourself and having intellectual integrity.

How to connect with Rutger Bregman

Visit his website, Rutger Bregman 

Rutger’s Ted Talk

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching