Select Interviews
Can We “Design” Our Way Out Of Civilizational Crisis?
Big Picture Interview: As runaway global warming continues to accelerate and the gap between rich and poor – there is a sense among many that our civilization is in crisis. What’s causing this crisis? And how do we move beyond the broken status quo and literally design a better future? Those big questions are at the heart of social critic and activist Peter Joseph’s new book, “the New Human Rights Movement: Reinventing the Economy to End Oppression.”
Empire Files: Peter Joseph & Abby Martin on Abolishing Capitalism
Peter Joseph, founder of the Zeitgeist Movement, advocates for an alternative economic system focused on sustainability and human need, rejecting the destructive nature of capitalism. In this interview, he critiques advertising as a tool for creating artificial demand, manipulating human psychology to maintain consumerism. He argues that capitalism not only harms the environment but also exacerbates inequality by concentrating wealth among the elite, with systems like Wall Street serving only to enrich a small percentage of the population.
Joseph calls for systemic change, emphasizing the need for a collaborative rather than competitive society. He envisions a world where automation, open-source technology, and local production lead to more equitable and sustainable living. His goal is to dismantle the capitalist focus on profit and consumption, replacing it with a system that meets human needs while protecting the environment. Ultimately, he believes that shifting away from current economic structures is crucial to preventing future ecological and social catastrophes.
Peter Joseph interview w/ Michael Tracey / TYT Politics
Peter Joseph, an activist and filmmaker, discusses his book The New Human Rights Movement in an interview. Joseph emphasizes that his movement, the Zeitgeist Movement, stands out for its global reach and longevity, with half a million direct subscribers and 150 chapters across 60 nations. Unlike other grassroots movements that have fizzled out, the Zeitgeist Movement has maintained its presence through annual events and steady activity. Joseph critiques capitalism, highlighting the need for systemic change rather than incremental reforms, stressing that the current economic structure is inherently flawed. He also notes that much of the media belittles or dismisses alternative perspectives, especially those challenging mainstream values, but he remains committed to advocating for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode 173
Chat with Joe Rogan on a vast range of topics.
Peter Joseph interview, BoomBust, April 4th 2017
In this interview, Peter Joseph, author of The New Human Rights Movement: Reinventing the Economy to End Oppression, discusses the fundamental issues within the capitalist system and offers his perspective on reforming it to address widespread social and environmental problems.
Joseph critiques the concept of financialization, arguing that modern capitalism has shifted away from the exchange of real goods to trading abstract financial products, which he claims hinders overall economic well-being. He believes that the system’s reliance on consumerism, driven by the need for constant consumption to maintain employment and GDP growth, leads to environmental degradation and social inequality. Joseph also criticizes the health care industry, stating that its profit-driven structure focuses on servicing illnesses rather than solving them, thus perpetuating societal problems.
Peter Joseph Full Interview with Lee Camp
Peter Joseph, creator of the Zeitgeist Movement, discusses the issues with capitalism and presents solutions in an interview about his book The New Human Rights Movement. He criticizes the “faith” in the market economy, likening it to a religion that perpetuates inequality, environmental destruction, and social division. Joseph highlights how economic systems based on consumption and debt have created an unsustainable world, benefiting only the elite while harming the majority.
He identifies five key shifts needed for change: automation, access over ownership, open-source collaboration, localization of production, and digital network feedback. These shifts aim to reduce labor exploitation, promote resource sharing, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a more equitable society. Joseph also critiques financialization, arguing that it benefits the wealthy while leaving the lower classes burdened with debt. He advocates for radical economic reform, emphasizing that a sustainable future requires addressing structural inequalities at the core of capitalism.
Peter Joseph Full Interview with David Pakman
In this interview, Peter Joseph, founder of the Zeitgeist Movement, discusses his book The New Human Rights Movement. Joseph critiques the capitalist system and emphasizes that many social issues, including poverty and hunger, are direct results of this economic structure. He argues that these problems are not inevitable but are created by the system’s inefficiencies and focus on profit rather than human well-being.
Joseph advocates for a structural shift in society’s approach, moving beyond localized activism and towards understanding the root causes of inequality. He explains that capitalism perpetuates poverty, not because it is a natural occurrence, but because it prioritizes wealth accumulation for a few over the needs of the many. He suggests that by adopting technological advancements and promoting systems like automation and localization, global issues such as hunger could be resolved efficiently. Joseph highlights the need for a more holistic social psychology perspective to address the world’s most pressing problems.
Peter Joseph on the “The Future of Humanity and the United States” with David Pakman
Peter Joseph, founder of the Zeitgeist Movement and director of Inter Reflections, discusses the societal upheaval following the U.S. election. He highlights that recent events, including the January 6th insurrection, stem from deep-rooted socioeconomic inequality. Joseph argues that Donald Trump represents an exaggerated caricature of capitalist society, shaped by self-interest and exploitation. He emphasizes that while Trump is a figurehead, the systemic inequality and cultural forces behind such unrest have been festering for generations.
Joseph believes that addressing socioeconomic inequality is crucial for stabilizing society. He points out that the widening divide between the wealthy and the poor has fueled feelings of alienation and antagonism, particularly among lower classes. He argues for policy shifts toward more economic equality, including ideas like universal basic income. Joseph also calls for a cultural shift away from narrow individualism and towards systemic change that addresses the root causes of economic and social disparities.
The New Human Rights Movement w/Watching The Hawks
In this interview, Peter Joseph discusses the limitations of modern activism, suggesting that movements like Occupy, Black Lives Matter, and Fight for 15 often focus on symptoms rather than the root causes of social issues. He argues that true progress requires shifting from a competitive to a collaborative system. Joseph introduces his book, The New Human Rights Movement, where he advocates for a structuralist perspective to understand how market capitalism shapes social behavior and psychology. He emphasizes that systemic incentives perpetuate inequality and violence, and without addressing these foundational issues, activism will remain limited. Joseph outlines five major transitions needed to address social problems: moving from a property-based system to an access-based system, embracing open-source collaboration, and promoting a more inclusive, cooperative society. He acknowledges the challenges activists face in creating lasting change but stresses that focusing on the root causes and shifting societal values toward collaboration is essential for meaningful progress.
Peter Joseph on Jimmy Dore
In this interview with Jimmy Dore, Peter Joseph discusses his book The New Human Rights Movement, which critiques capitalism and emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of social issues. Joseph argues that the current economic system, driven by market forces, is inherently flawed and leads to socioeconomic inequality, environmental degradation, and widespread social unrest. He highlights the need for a shift in thinking, advocating for a structuralist perspective that views society’s problems through the lens of public health and human well-being rather than economic growth or productivity. Joseph also explains that real progress requires moving from a competitive, property-based system to one focused on access, automation, localization, and open-source collaboration. He critiques the manipulation of “free markets” by the wealthy and argues that economic systems, like those seen in Denmark, while more humane, still exist within a larger global context that perpetuates inequality. Joseph concludes by stressing the need for systemic change to address inequality, warning that without such a shift, society is headed toward ecological and social collapse.
Peter Joseph, Zeitgeist Movement Founder on TYT ( The Young Turks, March 14, 2013
Peter Joseph, founder of the Zeitgeist Movement, discussed the critical issues surrounding the current global system. He emphasized that the Zeitgeist Movement advocates for sustainable global change through a shift in economic theory. According to Joseph, the current system, driven by corporate incentives and profit, is outdated and unsustainable both ecologically and socially. He argues that we are attempting to force outdated models—like capitalism—into a world that no longer fits them. Joseph points out that technological advancements have made many traditional systems, such as the electric car industry, obsolete, yet corporate greed and market-driven motives prevent their widespread adoption. He critiques the illusion of “free markets,” noting that market competition often stifles innovation and prevents truly sustainable solutions.
Joseph stresses that real change requires a fundamental shift in societal values. The focus must move away from materialism and consumption toward a society that prioritizes sustainability, personal development, and human relationships. He also discusses the importance of decentralizing decision-making, moving from individual-driven processes to systems rooted in rationality and collective well-being. Joseph believes that creating abundance and sustainability for all is possible, but it requires reevaluating our deep-seated societal beliefs and practices.
Peter Joseph / The Zeitgeist Movement on London Real, July 2014
London Real Description: The opportunity to sit down with Peter Joseph is a unique chance to capture a moment in time with one of the great thinkers of our generation. His first breakthrough film “Zeitgeist: The Movie” in 2007 was an unexpected success and he founded The Zeitgeist Movement on the back of his 2nd film “Zeitgeist: Addendum.” Peter proceeded to release two additional films and produced a satirical Web series called Culture in Decline.
Anita Diamond speaks with Peter Joseph for 4ZZZ Radio, Brisbane | March 10th 2023
Anita Diamond from Brisbane Line News interviewed Peter Joseph, a filmmaker, author, musician, and activist, discussing his global nonprofit sustainability advocacy group, The Zeitgeist Movement. Peter Joseph explains that the movement promotes economic, environmental, and social sustainability, addressing the flaws of capitalism, particularly socioeconomic inequality and environmental destruction. He highlights that these issues are inherent to the system, not just moral failings. Joseph explains how his Zeitgeist film series led to the formation of the movement, emphasizing the need for fundamental changes to achieve a sustainable society. He also stresses the importance of systems thinking, highlighting the need for a new economic model and addressing misconceptions around concepts like debt and market externalities. Joseph promotes community-building efforts and urges action toward systemic change. His latest film, Inter Reflections, will be shown for free by the Brisbane Movement Sustainability Group.
Zeitgeist of This Moment:
Marianne Williamson & Peter Joseph
In this segment with Marianne Williamson, Peter Joseph, founder of The Zeitgeist Movement, discusses the systemic issues within the U.S. economic system. He shares how his early exposure to economic inequality, particularly through his mother’s work in child protective services, influenced his later activism. Peter explains that the Zeitgeist films, which started as an unintended public project, gained significant attention for addressing underlying economic and social issues. He critiques capitalism, emphasizing its inherent inequality, competitive dynamics, and unsustainable focus on infinite growth. Peter stresses that fundamental economic system changes are essential to address environmental and social crises. He discusses the potential benefits of policies like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Medicare for All but notes their limitations in addressing deeper structural problems. He advocates for a new approach focused on sustainability, equity, and gradual systemic transformation.
With Daniel Pinchbeck, NYC, The Zeitgeist Movement, April 5th 2018
Peter Joseph talks with Daniel Pinchbeck and TZM, Peter’s work and the future. NYC, April 5th 2018
Peter Joseph Interview with Zougla Gr. News, Athens Greece, March 26th 2016
Peter Joseph emphasizes the need for a global economic transformation, stating that the current consumption-driven system is unsustainable and leads to ecological degradation, social inequality, and conflict. He highlights that our economic structure, rooted in competition, exploitation, and scarcity since the Neolithic Revolution, is outdated and destructive. Joseph argues that humanity must adopt a holistic, collaborative approach to avoid further destabilization, especially as we face crises like climate change, resource depletion, and rising inequality. He believes technology, if used properly, can solve many global issues and create a post-scarcity society where human needs are met efficiently. However, entrenched corporate and political interests hinder progress. Joseph stresses the importance of grassroots activism and systems thinking to overcome these obstacles and move towards a sustainable, equitable, and abundant future.
Interview with Peter Joseph, Nov.12th 2013, Tagen TV, Germany
Peter Joseph introduces himself as the founder of the Zeitgeist Movement, a leaderless global social movement started in 2008. He advocates for a “natural law resource-based economy” (NLRBE), a system designed to harmonize with natural laws, ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and equality. The shift to “natural law” emphasizes science-based principles for a steady-state economy, distancing the concept from earlier interpretations like Jacque Fresco’s resource-based economy. Joseph stresses the importance of moving away from market-driven systems, which thrive on scarcity and inefficiency, toward a system that maximizes technological efficiency and sustainability.
Joseph highlights the potential of technologies like renewable energy and automation but notes the market’s resistance to such advancements because they threaten profitability. He advocates for direct access to production through open-source collaboration, eliminating trade and fostering a participatory economy.
Joseph also acknowledges the skepticism of countries like Poland, which experienced communism, but clarifies that the NLRBE is open-source, democratic, and focused on efficiency, contrasting with the centralized control of communism. He warns of the ongoing ecological crisis and the destabilization caused by inequality and resource scarcity, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change.