Making Sense with Sam Harris #393 — Is History Repeating Itself?
187 snips
Nov 26, 2024 
Simon Sebag Montefiore, a renowned historian focused on Russian and Middle Eastern history, joins Sam Harris to discuss pressing geopolitical issues. They explore the unsettling parallels between history and today's events, especially post-9/11. Montefiore sheds light on the significance of Jerusalem and the interplay between faith and conflict. The conversation also addresses the fragility of liberal democracies in light of rising global antisemitism and internal crises, urging a deeper understanding of historical patterns and their contemporary relevance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historian's Perspective
- Sam Harris and Simon Sebag Montefiore discuss the relevance of history to current events.
- Montefiore, a historian, says he constantly sees the world through a historical lens.
Post-War Stability
- The period from World War II to 9/11 was unusually stable, with shared global views and respect for international law.
- This stability, however, masked underlying issues and a resurgence of religious fervor.
Fall of Societies
- Ibn Khaldun theorized that societies fall due to loss of social cohesion, not military defeat.
- Democracies face internal crises of confidence and entitlement, impacting their ability to act decisively.
