The Reith Lectures 3. A conspiracy of decency
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Dec 9, 2025 
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and thought leader, dives into moral revolutions and the call for a "conspiracy of decency." He reflects on how ordinary people can create impactful change, illustrated through the inspiring Danish rescue of Jewish citizens in 1943. Bregman champions ideas like Universal Basic Income and fair taxation, urging a collective effort for a better society. He emphasizes patience in advocacy, the need for bolstered public service, and the importance of enjoyable social change for lasting impact.
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Use The State To Make Big Bets
- Reclaim utopia as a pragmatic compass and propose ambitious public projects like universal basic income.
- Use the state's capacity for big bets to invest in infrastructure, health and shared technological dividends.
Clear Rules That Create Scarcity
- Remove self-imposed bottlenecks like zoning and slow permits to accelerate housing and clean energy.
- Combine smart deregulation with public investment to make abundance possible.
Baumol's Cost Disease As A Blessing
- Baumol's cost disease means human services rise in price as automation advances elsewhere.
- This trend should be viewed as a social blessing, freeing time for care, education and the arts.
