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druwu's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Very inspiring, reflective, and worthy of mention to your casual and avid reader-friends alike. I found myself wanting to discuss the topics of the book at every turn, with friends, at work, over dinner, etc., as Bregman lays them out so clearly and and in easily digestible chunks.
cynicusrex's review against another edition
3.0
I continue to be dumbstruck that the idea of Universal Basic Income hasn't become self-evident by now. Unfortunately, it isn't, and this book should certainly help make this topic more accessible. The majority of data is straightforward, however, his writing occasionally obfuscates the point. Subjects like these should be communicated as concise as possible; as if each word costs an extra €10.
Another irritation occurred when I read that women are paid less than men for the same work, which is a myth. Ironically that statement has no source as a footnote, of which the book is replete*. The same goes for mentioning that smart people are less prone to change their mind. That paragraph was devoid of nuance, and lacked a specific source. Generalizations like that are usually misinterpreted and can be dangerous. Science is based on people testing new ideas and changing their minds accordingly. At least that's how it should be.
All in all, this book was a good read. It's a rich source of possible solutions to problems we will be hearing more of in the near future.
Another irritation occurred when I read that women are paid less than men for the same work, which is a myth. Ironically that statement has no source as a footnote, of which the book is replete*. The same goes for mentioning that smart people are less prone to change their mind. That paragraph was devoid of nuance, and lacked a specific source. Generalizations like that are usually misinterpreted and can be dangerous. Science is based on people testing new ideas and changing their minds accordingly. At least that's how it should be.
All in all, this book was a good read. It's a rich source of possible solutions to problems we will be hearing more of in the near future.
dima_in_flowers's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Awesome book. It comes from an expert with a personal passion, a powerful mix. Lots of data are presented easily and consistently about how the world could be better than modern politicians say about it. And cool general messages about how ideas take hold of the masses (though it gets a bit too naive in the end when talking about political changes, imo). Many ideas that I share, a nice vision of the future. I read it in 2024 - it still reads well and it inspired me to many new ideas while reading.
glutenflower's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Such a heartwarming book that I want to share it with everyone. It’s the dose of inspiration we all need to keep moving forward. The stories and anecdotes really make it come alive.
To found our political system on production figures is to turn the good life into a spreadsheet. As the writer Kevin Kelly says, “Productivity is for robots. Humans excel at wasting time, experimenting, playing, creating, and exploring.” Governing by numbers is the last resort of a country that no longer knows what it wants, a country with no vision of utopia.
tobinsouth's review against another edition
4.0
Inspiring optimistic view of how the world could be better. Unrealistic in some ways, yes, but all long term exciting ideas have to start that way.
A fun read.
A fun read.
babetten's review against another edition
3.0
Felt a little disorganized because there were so many loosely related historical references, but otherwise this book was a quick, fun, and much needed political pick me up.