The Dutch are richer and happier than ever before. So why is discontent rising so rapidly? And why are more and more voters turning to radical populists who challenge the very foundations of our democracy and prosperity? Is further decline inevitable?

In this talk, Rens van Tilburg argues that the deepest divide in Dutch society is not between citizens, but between citizens and their leaders. For decades, the Dutch have been remarkably consistent about the kind of society they want: one in which people look out for one another and everyone can count on a basic level of security — including economic security. Yet political and business leaders remain wedded to a very different idea: that there is ultimately no alternative to a society organized around markets, competition and individual success. This Western worldview has helped deliver extraordinary economic progress, but is now increasingly working against us.

Drawing on a fresh reading of our history and fascinating new insights from biology, psychology and economics, Van Tilburg presents an alternative way of looking at human beings and society; one that puts cooperation, interdependence and shared prosperity at its heart. The result is not a call for sacrifice, but a hopeful vision of a better life for all. Greater equality and security can make societies not only fairer and sustainable, but also happier, more resilient and more prosperous, including for those who are already at the top.

Science & Cocktails is a series of public talks by scientists with live music and smoky dry-ice chilled cocktails in your hand.

This event is an initiative by the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (DIEP) with the support of the University of Amsterdam. Science & Cocktails Amsterdam is presented in cooperation with Paradiso Amsterdam.