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fleeno's review
4.0
In Utopia For Realist, Rutger Bregman explores the best-ideas-you’ve-never-heard-of-or-just-thought-were-crazy-to-work. In this book Bregman lays out his case for why the modern status quo is hobbling human potential and what we should do to change that. His ideas include universal basic income, 15 hour work week, and open boarders. Bregman explores the history of the ideas, experiments where they have worked, who the benefit, and how they benefit people. In fact we have been close to having these policies in some places and we could be close again. While reading this I had two thoughts - 1) we could have had a much better world, citizens have come close to having a better life in so many places, and 2) these policies help everyone except billionaires. The world now has too many and the people in charge are too easily bought. Overall though I am hopeful that these ideas could lead to a better society and we could achieve it. There are more people who believe in positive change and are hopeful for the future. In closing the book Bregman leaves us with the wisdom, 'If we want to change the world we need to be unrealistic, unreasonable, and impossible.'
kjeld_m's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
bennbennbenn's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting - dove deeper on a lot of subjects I knew a bit but not a lot on.
Backed up heavily with various studies
It definitely piqued my interest and changed my thinking a bit on a few different subjects.
Backed up heavily with various studies
It definitely piqued my interest and changed my thinking a bit on a few different subjects.
samsundaram's review against another edition
5.0
“Everyone who reckons themselves progressive should be a beacon of not just energy but ideas, not only indignation but hope, and equal parts ethics and hard sell.” -p. 261
SO GOOD. And such specific things to be hopeful about and work toward.
SO GOOD. And such specific things to be hopeful about and work toward.
atiq_hssn's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this book. Very mind opening, makes me more aware of whats happening and the alternatives.
awesomebrandi's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely incredible. A must read book. The only complaint I have, is there is some ableism in this book, but it’s fairly brief. Lots of facts, studies, and charts, but all presented in an engaging and enjoyable format. Sure to get any progressives fired up about making the world a better place.
lindsey_bear's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
A nice look at progressive social and economic policies, supported by studies and summarised in a thoughtful way. This was a quick read and I found their ideas thoughtful, although at times maybe too idealistic, even when supported by research. I feel like sometimes the weight of counterarguments was glossed over too simply and not hashed out enough. Overall, I appreciated the general message and enjoyed the voice in this.