Episode 38: Open or Closed – Our History of Human Progress – and Stagnation with Johan Norberg

Humanity’s embrace of openness is the key to our success. The freedom to explore and exchange – whether it’s goods, ideas or people – has led to stunning achievements in science, technology and culture. As a result, we live at a time of unprecedented wealth and opportunity. So why are we so intent on ruining it?

Fredrik Erixon talks to Johan Norberg, bestselling author and thinker, about his most recent book ‘Open – The Story of Human Progress’. 

From Stone Age hunter-gatherers to contemporary Chinese-American relations, Norberg explores how across time and cultures, we have struggled with a constant tension between our yearning for co-operation and our profound need for belonging. He examines why we’re often uncomfortable with openness – but also why it is essential for progress. 

This episode was recorded as a live webinar. Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube.