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From flickering ambitions to steady flames - becoming better with Rutger Bregman
Fueling today’s newsletter 🎧: Frou Frou
I've always been a bit fickle-minded. From a young age, I knew I wanted to help — do something, anything — I know, super cliché. Over the years, that vague desire kept shifting; it went from "I want to help" to "I want to cure," "I want to heal," "I want to make all beings happier," "I want to serve." Depending on the phase of life I was in, the words after "I want" would change, but all these years later, I still want to be and do something for others.
You can imagine it's a tough place to be. Even with the encouragement and love I receive from the people around me, this dream can feel aimless at times. But still, all I know is I just want the world to be way better than it is.
And I know I'm not alone in this desire. Many of us share this longing to make a positive impact, even if we're unsure where to begin. It's as if we've walked through the flames of uncertainty and doubt, only to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose - a desire to create something meaningful from the ashes. That's why I'm excited to explore Rutger Bregman's upcoming book, "Moral Ambition". Bregman promises to guide us in channeling our noble intentions into tangible actions that can create real change. In this newsletter, we'll delve into some of the key ideas from his work and discover how we can harness our moral ambitions to build a better world together.
Rutger Bregman, the Dutch historian and author of the bestselling book "Utopia for Realists," is back with a new book called "Moral Ambition." Bregman's work often challenges us to dream big and set ambitious goals for creating a better world.
In his previous book, "Utopia for Realists," Bregman explored the concept of "utopian realism" - finding the right balance between idealism and practicality. He suggested that we need to have the courage to envision a radically better future while being realistic about the steps it will take to get there.
Bregman is also known for emphasizing the power of collaboration in achieving our shared goals. He argues that we can't change the world alone - we need to build diverse coalitions of people who share our values and are committed to working towards a common purpose. By reaching out to others, even if they come from different backgrounds or have different perspectives, we can find ways to unite around shared priorities. By pooli resources, knowledge, and skills, we can tackle complex challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.
If you want to hear Bregman speak in person, check out his upcoming experiences!
In his book "Humankind" (this is my favorite, you have to read it!), Rutger Bregman challenges the notion that humans are inherently selfish and competitive. Instead, he argues that we are wired for kindness, cooperation, and empathy. Bregman suggests that by nurturing these qualities and creating environments that bring out the best in people, we can improve our own well-being and build a more compassionate society.
Take two minutes to reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed an act of kindness that made a difference in your life. Perhaps it was a stranger who went out of their way to help you, a friend who supported you when you were down, or a community you witnessed rallying together for a cause.
As you recall this moment, notice all of the positive emotions that arise - feelings of warmth, gratitude, inspiration, or hope. Allow yourself to really feel these feelings and consider how they impact your overall sense of well-being.
Think about how you can pay kindness forward and create more opportunities for compassion and connection in your daily life. Could you volunteer for a cause you care about, offer support to someone in need, or simply make an effort to listen more deeply and empathize with others?
Choose one way to practice kindness and strengthen your connection to others. Whether it's through a needed action in your community, a heartfelt conversation, or smiling at those you pass on your commute to work, know that your choices matter. By embracing our shared humanity and treating each other with dignity and care, we can all play a role in building a society that brings out the best in one another.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to achieve the above, check out our friends over at Action for Happiness for their monthly calendar of activities to boost kindness and overall happiness.
 | Rutger Bregman: |
 | Random House Workshops: Writing with Suleika JaouadJoin author Suleika Jaouad for a transformative virtual workshop celebrating the publication of her new book, The Book of Alchemy. This interactive session invites participants to explore the powerful world of creative journaling. The workshop will be hosted simultaneously on Zoom and YouTube, with Zoom offering interactive capabilities like microphone and camera access. Participation requires pre-ordering The Book of Alchemy (you can order it here!) and submitting proof of purchase during registration. April 21st | |
 | We Can Do The Hard Things: The TourJoin Glennon Doyle and the beloved voices behind the chart-topping podcast “We Can Do Hard Things” for an evening of raw conversation, powerful insights, and genuine community connection—now in person. New to the podcast? Consider giving it a listen, but know that this live event creates a space where authentic connection flourishes and everyone belongs, whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering this community where vulnerability is celebrated and shared experiences remind us we’re not alone. May 5th | |
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