If we assume the best in people, we can radically redesign our democracy and welfare states.
Rutger BregmanRead
If I say most people are pretty decent that may sound nice and warm but actually it's really radical and subversive and that's why, all throughout history, those who have advocated a more hopeful view of human nature - often the anarchists - have been persecuted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the radical nature of believing in the inherent decency of humanity and the historical persecution of those who promote such hope.
Rutger Bregman emphasizes that the belief in the fundamental goodness of most people is not just a warm sentiment but a revolutionary idea. Historically, those who have upheld a hopeful view of human nature, such as anarchists, have faced persecution, indicating that promoting positivity about humanity can challenge established norms and provoke strong reactions.
Themes
Human NatureDecencyHopeAnarchismRadical
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to argue for a more positive view of humanity.
More from Rutger Bregman
All quotes →Since long workdays lead to more errors, shorter workdays could reduce accidents. Overtime is deadly. Tired surgeons have been found to be more prone to slip'ups, and soldiers who get too little shuteye are more prone to miss targets.
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My hope is that the corona crisis will help bring us into a new age of cooperation and solidarity and a realization that we're in this together.
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This is what a crisis does: It makes you question the status quo. That doesn't mean that after a crisis we move into some kind of utopia. But it is an opportunity for political change.
Rutger BregmanRead
While it won't solve all the world's ills - and ideas such as a rent cap and more social housing are necessary in places where housing is scarce - a basic income would work like venture capital for the people.
Rutger BregmanRead
Believing in the good of humanity is a revolutionary act - it means that we don't need all those managers and CEO's, kings and generals. That we can trust people to govern themselves and make their own decisions.
Rutger BregmanRead
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