Main content

1. A Time of Monsters

In the first of four 2025 麻豆社 Reith Lectures, recorded in London, the Dutch historian Rutger Bregman asks what can be done to counter the moral decay of today's un-serious elites.

Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called "Moral Revolution", explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites, drawing historical parallels to past eras of corruption that preceded transformative movements especially the 19th Century campaign to abolish slavery. In his series, he argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.

Bregman advocates for a new "realist utopia" in the face of rapid technological change, promoting ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation. Finally, he zooms out to reflect on humanity鈥檚 strange historical trajectory, warning of the existential risks posed by unchecked AI and urging privileged individuals to take on an active role in shaping a better future.

The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in London.
The series is produced by Jim Frank. The Editor is Clare Fordham.
The programmes are mixed by Neil Churchill.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Nov 2025 21:00

Featured

  • .

Transcript

Broadcasts

  • Tue 25 Nov 2025 09:00
  • Wed 26 Nov 2025 21:00

New to the Reith Lectures? Here鈥檚 where to start

Four lectures recommended by the series producer.

Podcast