Rutger Bregman: People Are Basically Good

Summary

Rutger Bregman, historian and author of *Humankind: A Hopeful History*, discusses the evolution of human nature as revealed by recent scientific research. He argues that humans are more cooperative than traditionally assumed, challenging the cynical view of human selfishness that underpins systems like neoliberalism. Bregman emphasizes how redesigning institutions with a more hopeful view of humanity could lead to positive societal changes, such as universal basic income and more rehabilitative prison systems. He highlights real-world examples, like Norway’s prison system and responses to crises, to illustrate how trust and cooperation can shape a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rutger Bregman is a historian and author of 'Humankind: A Hopeful History' and 'Utopia for Realists.'
• 😀 Bregman highlights a shift in scientific perspectives over the past 15-20 years, with various disciplines now embracing a more hopeful view of human nature.
• 😀 The core idea of Bregman's book is that human nature is not fundamentally selfish, but shaped by the institutions we create around us.
• 😀 If society assumes people are inherently selfish and designs institutions accordingly, it reinforces selfish behavior. This is the foundation of neoliberalism.
• 😀 Bregman argues that trusting in human decency can lead to a radically different, more egalitarian society with greater freedom for individuals.
• 😀 The traditional view of human nature, often described as 'veneer theory,' suggests that civilization is fragile and people revert to selfishness in crises. However, sociologists have shown that people generally cooperate during disasters.
• 😀 Bregman points out that the news tends to focus on looting and violence during crises, but studies show that cooperation and community-building are more common responses.
• 😀 Bregman challenges the long-held assumption, dating back to Ancient Greece and Christian teachings, that humans are born sinful or inherently selfish.
• 😀 Scientific discoveries now point to a different view of human nature, with biologists observing that cooperation has played a crucial role in human evolution, a process called 'survival of the friendliest.'
• 😀 Bregman discusses how human nature, in evolutionary terms, is rooted in cooperation, and contrasts this with modern society, where shamelessness and self-interest seem to be rewarded.
• 😀 He advocates for policies based on the idea that people are capable of cooperation, such as universal basic income (UBI) and more humane prison systems, citing Norway's prison model as an example of successful rehabilitation over punishment.

Q & A

What is Rutger Bregman's book 'Humankind: A Hopeful History' about?

The book explores a shift in scientific perspectives over the last 15 to 20 years, where researchers from diverse disciplines have moved from a cynical view of human nature to a more positive and hopeful one. Bregman highlights this 'silent revolution' in science to showcase the potential for optimism about human nature.

How does Rutger Bregman argue that human nature can be shaped by societal design?

Bregman argues that if society assumes people are inherently selfish, it designs institutions like schools and markets around that assumption, which in turn encourages selfish behavior. However, if society assumes people are inherently cooperative, institutions can be designed to nurture that cooperation, leading to better societal outcomes.

What is the relationship between neoliberalism and human nature according to Bregman?

Bregman suggests that neoliberalism is built on the assumption that people are selfish. This belief influences the design of societal systems, which then perpetuate selfish behaviors. He argues that this framework has created the type of society it assumes, but that shifting this assumption could lead to a more cooperative and egalitarian world.

How does Bregman view the concept of 'survival of the fittest' in relation to human nature?

Bregman challenges the traditional view of 'survival of the fittest,' which emphasizes competition and individualism. He introduces the idea of 'survival of the friendliest,' suggesting that throughout human evolution, cooperation and kindness have been key to survival, especially in nomadic hunter-gatherer societies.

What does Bregman say about the common narrative of human selfishness in crises like natural disasters?

Bregman critiques the 'veneer theory,' which posits that in times of crisis, people reveal their selfish nature. He presents evidence that, contrary to this theory, crises like natural disasters often lead to an explosion of cooperation, with people coming together to help one another.

How does Bregman interpret the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in light of human nature?

Initially, the media focused on stories of selfishness, such as hoarding toilet paper. However, Bregman points out that as the pandemic progressed, evidence showed that most people were cooperative, helping each other through grassroots initiatives. He argues this aligns with the sociological understanding that people tend to act pro-socially in times of crisis.

What role do evolutionary theories play in Bregman's argument about human nature?

Bregman incorporates recent discoveries in evolutionary biology, particularly the concept of 'survival of the friendliest.' He explains that for most of human history, those who cooperated and were friendly were more likely to survive and reproduce, suggesting that human nature has evolved to prioritize cooperation.

What is Bregman's view on the relationship between human nature and economic systems?

Bregman argues that economic systems like neoliberalism are based on the assumption that humans are inherently selfish. He believes that adopting a more optimistic view of human nature would enable the creation of more equitable economic systems, such as universal basic income, which he discusses as a viable solution.

How does Bregman use the example of Norwegian prisons to support his view on human nature?

Bregman highlights Norwegian prisons as an example of a system that treats inmates with dignity and humanity, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. He points out that Norway has the lowest recidivism rate in the world, demonstrating that treating people as capable of change leads to more positive outcomes, contrary to the more punitive systems seen elsewhere.

What does Bregman believe are the implications of viewing human nature as inherently cooperative?

Bregman suggests that if we view humans as fundamentally cooperative, we could redesign our societies to be more egalitarian and supportive. This would include policies like universal basic income and participatory democracy, which presuppose a more optimistic view of human nature, leading to more effective and compassionate systems.