“Moral Ambition – Start Making a Difference” -

By Rutger Bregman

This book has been warmly welcomed  by fellow authors, scientists and campaigners.  Mr Bregman invites us all, in particular young graduates, to ask ourselves, how can I contribute most to the well-being of humanity?  How can we work together to prevent a melt-down of this planet, the home of our fellow beings, and of the nature that supports them?  He looks with a steady gaze at the many challenges now facing us, interlocking and often intensifying.

The author of the recent Reith Lectures believes that good intentions are not enough.  All technology, he suggests, has a moral dimension and therefore requires choices.  What are now unpopular causes, may hold the keys to future harmony.

It seems that moral imagination provides the starting point.  It should be followed by moral ambition and reframing, that will lead to collaborative moral actions.

The author quotes cases where in the past small groups have achieved major positive changes often against strong opposition, for example, the Abolitionists against slavery.  The Quakers led not just over slaves, but in industry, business, banking and penal reform.  Later came the Women’s Movements, not just for votes, but also for equal opportunities.  So too did Trades Unions and Consumer Protection, black and other minority rights run in parallel.  The environment and all forms of life are now at risk.

Can we take courage and rise to the occasion?

Lord Hylton

January 2026