Utopia for Realists: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Utopia for Realists, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
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 OF 8
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 OF 8
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.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Poverty is a lack of money
Bregman argues that poverty is mainly a lack of money, not a lack of character.
Giving money directly can be more effective than many programmes. Cash restores choice. Dignity follows.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Work could be shorter
Bregman suggests a fifteen-hour work week, as the economist Keynes once predicted.
He argues that shorter hours could improve wellbeing and productivity. More free time could improve health and family life.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
GDP misses what matters
Bregman criticises GDP as a measure of progress, because it ignores unpaid work, wellbeing and environmental damage.
He calls for better measures. What we measure shapes what we value and pursue.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Open borders could reduce poverty
Bregman argues that allowing people to move freely between countries could greatly reduce global poverty.
He acknowledges this is controversial. Borders, he says, keep billions in poverty. He admits the challenges.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Ideas can change the world
Bregman argues that ideas once seen as utopian, like ending slavery or women's voting rights, became reality.
Today's utopias could be tomorrow's normal. Imagination is the first step. Hope is practical.
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