If we assume the best in people, we can radically redesign our democracy and welfare states.
Rutger BregmanRead
Most people would say the meaning of life is to make the world a little more beautiful, or nicer, or more interesting. But how? These days, our main answer to that is: through work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that enhancing the world is primarily achieved through our work and contributions.
Rutger Bregman reflects on the commonly held belief that life's purpose involves improving the world in various ways, such as making it more beautiful or interesting. He suggests that in contemporary society, the predominant method of fulfilling this purpose is through our work, highlighting the significant role that professional endeavors play in creating a positive impact on the world around us.
Themes
Meaning Of LifeWorkBeautyContributionPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire team members in a meeting about company values.
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.
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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.
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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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