Introduction: The Need for a New Vision
In Utopia for Realists, Rutger Bregman argues that, despite the incredible advances humanity has achieved over the past few centuries, our societies still struggle with significant problems such as poverty, inequality, and the unhappiness that often accompanies economic prosperity. Bregman believes that the world needs a new vision—one that doesn’t simply seek incremental improvements, but imagines bold, systemic changes that address root causes of social issues.
Bregman advocates for real utopias—ambitious goals that, while idealistic, are achievable with current resources, technology, and willpower. This vision calls for practical solutions that break free from conventional thinking and embrace radical yet achievable policies. His central arguments center around three main ideas: implementing a universal basic income, reducing the workweek, and opening borders.
1. Universal Basic Income (UBI)
One of the core ideas in Utopia for Realists is the concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a fixed, unconditional income that every citizen would receive, regardless of employment status or economic need. Bregman presents UBI as a solution to poverty, a way to empower individuals, and a means to reduce inequality without bureaucratic inefficiency.
The Case for UBI
- Poverty Alleviation: Bregman argues that poverty is not just a lack of character or skill, but fundamentally a lack of cash. By giving people a guaranteed income, UBI directly addresses the root cause of poverty and enables individuals to make choices that improve their quality of life.
- Freedom and Autonomy: UBI grants people the freedom to pursue education, work, entrepreneurship, or caregiving without the constant pressure of financial insecurity. Bregman sees UBI as a tool for personal autonomy, allowing people to engage in meaningful activities rather than simply working to survive.
- Cost Efficiency: Bregman argues that current welfare systems are complex and bureaucratic, with significant costs associated with administration. UBI could simplify these systems, cutting down on overhead while providing consistent support to everyone.
Evidence and Examples
Bregman backs up his advocacy for UBI with examples from real-world trials and historical case studies. He points to a 1970s experiment in Dauphin, Canada, where a UBI-style program known as “Mincome” was implemented. The program led to a drop in poverty and healthcare costs, as well as an increase in educational outcomes.
Another modern example Bregman discusses is the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands, where a similar experiment with UBI was conducted. The results demonstrated that people who received basic income did not misuse the funds but instead used them to improve their lives, debunking the myth that free money leads to laziness.
2. The 15-Hour Workweek
Bregman’s second major proposal is the 15-hour workweek. Drawing from the ideas of economist John Maynard Keynes, who predicted that technological advancements would eventually reduce the workweek, Bregman suggests that productivity gains have not translated into more leisure time as expected. Instead, people work longer hours despite advancements in efficiency and productivity.
The Benefits of a Shorter Workweek
- Improved Quality of Life: Bregman argues that less work allows people to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies, and engage in community activities, all of which contribute to higher life satisfaction.
- Better Health Outcomes: He suggests that overwork is associated with stress, burnout, and health issues. By reducing the workweek, society could reduce these negative health impacts and foster a healthier population.
- Environmental Impact: A shorter workweek would mean less commuting, lower energy consumption, and a reduced carbon footprint. In a world facing environmental crises, Bregman argues that cutting work hours could indirectly support sustainability goals.
Historical Precedents and Current Examples
Bregman references instances where reduced work hours have been trialed successfully. In the 1930s, the Kellogg Company in the United States adopted a six-hour workday, and productivity actually increased, with employees reporting higher satisfaction and better work-life balance.
He also discusses contemporary examples from companies like Microsoft Japan, which experimented with a four-day workweek and saw productivity jump by 40%. Bregman uses these examples to argue that reducing work hours doesn’t necessarily hurt productivity and could lead to happier, healthier societies.
3. Open Borders
Perhaps one of the book’s most controversial ideas is open borders—allowing people to move freely between countries. Bregman argues that immigration restrictions are not only ethically questionable but also economically detrimental. He contends that free movement of people would contribute to global prosperity by enabling labor to flow to areas of highest demand, much like the free movement of goods and capital.
The Economic Argument for Open Borders
- Global Wealth and Inequality: Bregman suggests that by allowing people to move to wealthier countries where their skills are in demand, global GDP could significantly increase. Open borders would reduce global inequality, as workers from poorer regions would have access to better-paying jobs and could send remittances back to their home countries, benefiting entire communities.
- Empirical Support: Studies cited by Bregman estimate that open borders could double or even triple global GDP. He argues that the current system keeps billions trapped in poverty simply because they are born in less prosperous regions.
Addressing Concerns and Counterarguments
Bregman acknowledges concerns about the impact of open borders on cultural identity, economic security, and public services. However, he argues that these fears are often overstated and that the potential benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. He points to examples like the European Union, where freedom of movement has largely been successful, as proof that open borders can work under the right conditions.
Other Key Themes and Ideas
In addition to these three central proposals, Utopia for Realists touches on several other themes related to human progress, optimism, and the importance of bold ideas. Bregman is critical of a society overly focused on GDP and economic growth as indicators of progress, arguing that metrics like happiness, well-being, and social equity should be given equal if not greater importance.
- Redefining Progress: Bregman encourages readers to consider alternative measures of progress, such as the Human Development Index or happiness indexes, which take into account health, education, and quality of life.
- The Power of Big Ideas: Bregman emphasizes that transformative change often comes from ambitious, forward-thinking ideas that challenge the status quo. He urges readers to be open to rethinking long-held assumptions and embracing ideas that may seem radical today but could become the norm tomorrow.
Conclusion: Realizing a Utopian Vision
In his conclusion, Bregman argues that achieving a utopian society requires optimism, creativity, and the willingness to question entrenched beliefs. While the ideas he presents—UBI, a shorter workweek, and open borders—may seem idealistic or impractical to some, he insists that they are not only achievable but necessary. Bregman envisions a world where economic systems serve human welfare, rather than people being subservient to economic growth.
He stresses that small steps toward these utopian goals, through pilot programs, policy shifts, and community initiatives, can lay the foundation for larger transformations. By focusing on practical solutions and real-world applications, Utopia for Realists inspires readers to imagine a better world and to take actionable steps toward realizing it.
Final Thoughts
Utopia for Realists is both a call to action and a guidebook for those seeking to build a fairer, more humane society. Through concrete examples, historical evidence, and compelling arguments, Rutger Bregman challenges the reader to question the limits of what is possible. He advocates for a world where economic systems align with human values, and where radical ideas are given a fair chance to solve age-old problems.
In essence, Bregman’s work serves as a reminder that the “utopian” solutions to today’s challenges might not be out of reach, but rather well within our grasp if we are willing to rethink our priorities and embrace bold, systemic change.