

The Psychic Question
46 snips Jun 30, 2025
Dan Harris, author of "10% Happier" and host of its namesake podcast, dives into the fascinating intersection of skepticism and psychic phenomena. He shares his humorous journey from journalism to mindfulness, reflecting on transformative Buddhist teachings. Harris reveals how a chance meeting with a psychic sparked curiosity about the unseen, addressing both his skepticism and evolving beliefs. The discussion highlights the complexities of spirituality, personal growth, and the importance of embracing uncertainty in understanding our existence.
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Skeptical Buddhist Journey
- Dan Harris was fascinated by Buddhism for its secular, evidence-backed practices but remained skeptical of supernatural claims.
- His Buddhist teachers held beliefs he found implausible, like rebirth and psychic powers, challenging his skepticism.
Social Influence on Beliefs
- Beliefs often spread through social influence and admiration of others rather than purely evidence.
- Dan questions how his mentors' beliefs affect his own views and practices.
Science and Open-Mindedness
- Science doesn't know everything, so some openness to unexplained phenomena can be reasonable.
- Mark Epstein embraces this uncertainty, balancing skepticism and belief to gain useful insights.