Utopia for Realists: And How We Can Get There

Rutger Bregman

Mar 2017 · Bloomsbury Publishing

About this ebook

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'Listen out for Rutger Bregman. He has a big future shaping the future' Observer

'A more politically radical Malcolm Gladwell' New York Times

'The Dutch wunderkind of new ideas' Guardian

In Utopia for Realists, Rutger Bregman shows that we can construct a society with visionary ideas that are, in fact, wholly implementable. Every milestone of civilisation – from the end of slavery to the beginning of democracy – was once considered a utopian fantasy. New utopian ideas such as universal basic income and a fifteen-hour work week can become reality in our lifetime.

From a Canadian city that once completely eradicated poverty, to Richard Nixon's near implementation of a basic income for millions of Americans, Bregman takes us on a journey through history, beyond the traditional left-right divides, as he introduces ideas whose time has come.

Ratings and reviews

Very convincing and motivating. This didn't completely change my views - let's be frank - I wouldn't have finished the book had I been inclined to think otherwise. But so much hard and condensed data, and so many sources, and solid reasoning is not only fascinating, but also provides you with lots of arguments for a good discussion on various subjects.

Apart from having my eyes opened, this book has been educational and informative. I would also like to thank the author. His writing skill, making it easily understandable, is commendable.

Great insight into various economic mechanisms that are broadly slapped down by the old school but, given his vast research, provide more effective solutions to today's inequality problems and hope for the future.

About the author

Rutger Bregman is one of Europe's most prominent young thinkers. He has published four books on history, philosophy and economics, and has twice been nominated for the prestigious European Press Prize. The Dutch edition of Utopia for Realists became an international bestseller and has been translated into 23 languages.