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mcnyroos's review against another edition
3.0
Finally finished this!! Whew, it took me a while.
I think taking a long time to read something (and eventually forcing yourself to finish it) always says something about it. I wasn't wowed, like with his other bestseller. Maybe because this felt a little like a manifesto with no opposition? It's addressed in the epilogue, but then not really in the actual book.
I still recommend this, a fundamental read for those curious about alternative financial politics!
I think taking a long time to read something (and eventually forcing yourself to finish it) always says something about it. I wasn't wowed, like with his other bestseller. Maybe because this felt a little like a manifesto with no opposition? It's addressed in the epilogue, but then not really in the actual book.
I still recommend this, a fundamental read for those curious about alternative financial politics!
africker's review against another edition
4.0
Bit patchy - not helped by the marginalia in some chapters that was clearly the product of too much caffeine.
Definitely correct that we need better dreams
Definitely correct that we need better dreams
embi's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting and well researched argument in favour of basic income, shorter working weeks, ways to end poverty, and open international borders. I wouldn't say that he's persuaded me on all the topics, and I'd like to get my hands on a physical edition and have a look at his footnotes.
In particular, I'd query how opening borders to migration is supposed to mesh with the increased automation mentioned in the earlier chapters, without leading to riots.
However, I have always said I'd like to find out more about basic income and now I have, and can say I am definitely in favour. So he's achieved something!
~~
Why yes, as it happens the way the physical edition initially caught my eye in the bookshop was the orange cover, followed by the fact the author's called Rutger. Why do you ask? :P
In particular, I'd query how opening borders to migration is supposed to mesh with the increased automation mentioned in the earlier chapters, without leading to riots.
However, I have always said I'd like to find out more about basic income and now I have, and can say I am definitely in favour. So he's achieved something!
~~
Why yes, as it happens the way the physical edition initially caught my eye in the bookshop was the orange cover, followed by the fact the author's called Rutger. Why do you ask? :P
thomas_edmund's review against another edition
5.0
I kind of needed this book. At a time of my life and the world as it is things an seem pretty grim and I sometimes miss the naive passion I had for change that I had in my younger days. This book kind of helped rekindle that line of thinking.
Not that Utopia of Realists is a fluffy or emotional call to arms. In fact quite the opposite, its a detailed and thorough examination of what works to better society in all areas. It's not a lefty manifesto or a societal rant, its specific critical and interesting.
I did have a sad laugh aboutt the section on borders however, obviously written well before Covid-19 that section will probably need an update.
The key areas still of merit, discuss universal income, work weeks, our relationship with technology and concerns about BS jobs versus 'real.'
Really happy I picked this one up - and strongly recommended for anyone like me struggling with a 'where-to' with their thoughts on the world.
Not that Utopia of Realists is a fluffy or emotional call to arms. In fact quite the opposite, its a detailed and thorough examination of what works to better society in all areas. It's not a lefty manifesto or a societal rant, its specific critical and interesting.
I did have a sad laugh aboutt the section on borders however, obviously written well before Covid-19 that section will probably need an update.
The key areas still of merit, discuss universal income, work weeks, our relationship with technology and concerns about BS jobs versus 'real.'
Really happy I picked this one up - and strongly recommended for anyone like me struggling with a 'where-to' with their thoughts on the world.
estoribooks's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
hadidee's review against another edition
A well, thought out book that serves both as a good introduction to the topic, and yet with enough depth and new material for those familiar with it
tspelczechquer's review against another edition
5.0
Essential reading for our future
A modern utopia is within our reach, and Bergman outlines it with plenty of solid research. This book needs to be in the hands of every 2020 candidate for President. Except one, and he won't read it anyway.
A modern utopia is within our reach, and Bergman outlines it with plenty of solid research. This book needs to be in the hands of every 2020 candidate for President. Except one, and he won't read it anyway.
lattemacoco's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
steaksmum's review
I am skeptical of any book that describes current generations as “pampered”. It rings to me that the rest of the book is not going to offer anything insightful. If you can’t get past “nobody wants to work anymore” as your foundational landscape then I don’t see what else you have to offer.
parzivalreads's review against another edition
5.0
As with his other book Humankind I end feeling better about the future. So long as there are people like Rutger who are convincing dreamers about a better future and who have a real positive opinion about the human condition deserves to have their messages spread. This is a really interesting and compelling argument for real change that could help some way to solve the major issues currently affecting the world. Let’s stop the manipulators of this world taking our time and energy for their own gain and start looking at the real change that is possible to help our children grow up with better, realistic utopian ideals!