Author

Rutger Bregman

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

Humankind

IDEA 1
Most people are basically decent
Bregman argues that, contrary to popular belief, most people are kind and cooperative. He criticises veneer theory, the idea that civilisation is a thin layer over a selfish, violent human nature that breaks through in crises.
IDEA 2
Humans are friendly animals
Bregman suggests that humans evolved to be friendly, calling our species Homo puppy. Our success, he argues, comes from cooperation and learning from each other. Friendliness was an evolutionary advantage.
IDEA 3
Real stranded boys cooperated
Bregman tells the true story of six Tongan boys stranded on an island in the 1960s. Unlike the fictional boys in Lord of the Flies, they worked together, cared for each other and survived for over a year.

IDEA 1
We need new utopias
Bregman argues that modern societies have become rich and safe but have lost the ability to imagine a better future. He calls for bold new ideas, realistic utopias, that could improve life further.
IDEA 2
Give people money
Bregman argues for universal basic income, giving everyone a regular payment without conditions. He presents evidence that giving cash to poor people often improves their lives. People usually spend it wisely.
IDEA 3
A Canadian town tried basic income
Bregman describes Mincome, an experiment in Dauphin, Canada, in the 1970s that gave residents a guaranteed income. Hospital visits fell and teenagers stayed in school longer. The results were promising.

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