Making Sense with Sam Harris #386 — Information & Social Order
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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.
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Human Nature and Information
Yuval Noah Harari argues that the issue lies not within human nature but in the quality of information we receive. Good people make bad decisions when flooded with bad information.
Truth vs. Fiction
Harari highlights an asymmetrical relationship where fiction is often preferred over truth due to its simplicity and lower cost. This preference can lead to a breakdown in meaningful discourse.
Build Trust in Institutions
Harari stresses the importance of having multiple institutions that check each other to maintain trust. This balance enables societies to correct their mistakes while preventing tyranny.
