Making Sense with Sam Harris #231 — Crossing the Abyss
Jan 17, 2021
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and military strategist, joins former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell in a compelling discussion on the radicalization of the far Right. They explore the events of January 6, 2021, shedding light on the Capitol police's actions and the historical underpinnings of white supremacy in the U.S. Their conversation tackles the consequences of social media censorship, the complexities of free speech, and urgent measures needed to prevent violence amid rising extremist ideologies. Their insights reveal a deeply troubled political landscape.
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American Nazi Party HQ
- Stanley McChrystal recalls seeing the American Nazi Party HQ as a child.
- This early exposure highlighted the dangers of extreme thinking and radicalization.
Failure of Imagination
- The inadequate police presence at the Capitol riot was a failure of imagination.
- The difficulty in imagining such an event led to underestimation of the threat.
SEAL Training vs. Mob Mentality
- Chris Fussell recounts an anecdote about a Navy SEAL who showed incredible restraint in combat.
- This highlights the difficulty of expecting such control in untrained individuals facing a mob.
