Making Sense with Sam Harris
#386 — Information & Social Order
Oct 7, 2024
Yuval Noah Harari, a celebrated historian and author known for works like Sapiens, dives deep into the complexities of information networks and their impact on society. He discusses the fragile balance between democracy and dictatorship, the need for an 'information diet,' and the dangers of abandoning trust in institutions. Harari critiques social media algorithms and corporate responsibility, emphasizing the importance of transparency. The conversation also touches on the current political landscape and the challenges democracies face to maintain integrity and public trust.
47:26
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes that the quality of information critically influences decision-making and societal problems, challenging the notion of inherent human flaws.
- It highlights the essential balance between truth and order in societal structures, asserting that both must coexist to prevent societal collapse.
Deep dives
The Role of Information in Human Decision-Making
The central inquiry of the discussion revolves around the quality of information and its impact on human decisions. It challenges the notion that human flaws are the primary reason for societal problems, instead asserting that poor information leads to poor decision-making. The conversation highlights the paradox of having advanced technology while simultaneously losing the ability to engage in productive dialogues. This critique extends to modern information networks, suggesting that despite their sophistication, they often fail to foster meaningful communication among people.
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