If we assume the best in people, we can radically redesign our democracy and welfare states.
Rutger BregmanRead
As a species of animal that evolved to make connections and work together, it feels strange to suppress our desire for contact. People enjoy touching each other, and find joy in seeing each other in person - but now we have to keep our physical distance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human beings thrive on connection, yet current circumstances necessitate physical distancing.
Rutger Bregman's quote highlights the inherent social nature of humanity, emphasizing our evolutionary drive to connect and collaborate. While we naturally seek touch and companionship, the current realities of our world compel us to prioritize physical distance, creating a conflict between our instincts and societal requirements.
Themes
ConnectionDistancingRelationshipsContactHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared at a virtual gathering to discuss the importance of maintaining relationships despite physical distance.
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.
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