3. A conspiracy of decency
In his third Reith lecture, Rutger Bregman argues for a new 'realist utopia' in the face of rapid technological change. He advocates fairer taxation and for tech to be regulated.
Dutch historian Rutger Bregman's 2025 Reith Lectures, called "Moral Revolution", explore the moral decay and un-seriousness of today's elites. He argues that small, committed groups can spark moral revolutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and long-term vision.
In this third of four lectures, Bregman argues for a new "realist utopia," calling for people to join what he labels" a conspiracy of decency." He says that in the face of rapid technological change, we need to promote ideas like Universal Basic Income, fairer taxation and responsible tech regulation.
The Reith Lectures are presented by Anita Anand who chairs a Q & A. The programme was recorded in front of an audience in Edinburgh.
The series is produced by Jim Frank. The Editor is Clare Fordham.
The programmes are mixed by Neil Churchill.
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- Tue 9 Dec 202509:00BBC Radio 4
- Wed 10 Dec 202521:00BBC Radio 4
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The Reith Lectures
Significant international thinkers deliver the BBC's flagship annual lecture series


