Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher, discusses his life after leaving Twitter and delves into the metaphysical aspects of meditation. Joined by his brother Matt, who’s new to meditation, they compare Vipassana and Dzogchen practices. Sam shares insights on 'looking for the looker' and explores the implications of meditation on consciousness and identity. They also ponder the possibility of psychic powers and the role of mindfulness in enhancing mental well-being, creating a fascinating interplay between philosophy and personal experience.
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Quitting Twitter
Quitting social media can significantly improve mental well-being.
Sam Harris describes quitting Twitter as one of the most impactful things he's done for his mental health.
insights INSIGHT
Life's Biggest Challenge
Sam Harris finds the biggest challenge in his life to be balancing ordinary pleasures with deeper contemplative practices.
He often gets lulled into a "pleasant dream life" of superficial happiness.
insights INSIGHT
Well of Being
Sam Harris discusses the difference between superficial pleasures and deeper well-being.
He says that prior to identification with thought, there is a profound "well of being."
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In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.
Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown
The book chronicles the journey of nine working-class American boys from the University of Washington who, despite long odds, won the gold medal in rowing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The story is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Nazi Germany. It focuses on Joe Rantz, a teenager who overcame significant personal hardships to become part of the team. The narrative also explores the broader historical context, including the political and social climate of both the United States and Germany during that era. The book highlights the determination, grit, and teamwork of the crew members as they achieved an extraordinary sports achievement[1][4][5].
Free Will
Sam Harris
In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent. He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance. Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding[2][4][5].
The End Of Faith
Sam Harris
In this book, Sam Harris delivers a critical analysis of the clash between reason and religious faith in the modern world. He argues that religious beliefs, even moderate ones, can lead to dangerous consequences, such as terrorism, and that these beliefs are not grounded in empirical evidence. Harris draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to propose a secular and humanistic foundation for ethics and spirituality. The book is a call to action against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics and advocates for a rational approach to ethics based on human happiness and suffering.
The Moral Landscape
How Science Can Determine Human Values
Sam Harris
In this book, Sam Harris challenges the traditional separation between scientific facts and human values. He argues that morality can be understood in terms of human and animal well-being, and that science can provide objective answers to moral questions. Harris contends that moral relativism is false and that science can tell us how we ought to live to achieve the greatest well-being. He uses his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience to make a case for a science of morality, emphasizing that moral values should be grounded in empirical facts about what causes people to flourish.
Lying
Sam Harris
In 'Lying', Sam Harris explores the consequences of dishonesty, from small 'white lies' to large-scale deceptions. He argues that lying, even with benevolent intentions, damages personal relationships and public trust. Harris advocates for honesty in all interactions, suggesting that it simplifies life and improves society. He also discusses the psychological and social impacts of lying, emphasizing that maintaining lies can be stressful and ultimately harmful. The book promotes 'skillful truth-telling' as a better alternative to lying, even in situations where tact is required to avoid harm[1][3][4].
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Frequent guest Sam Harris discusses life after quitting Twitter and the metaphysics of meditation along with special co-host and brother Matt Harris.
Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author of five New York Times best sellers. His work covers a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy, religion, meditation practice, political polarization, rationality—but generally focuses on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. His books include The End of Faith, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. Sam hosts the popular Making Sense podcast and is the creator of the Waking Up app, which offers a modern approach to living a more examined life, through both in-depth mindfulness training and secular wisdom. Sam has practiced meditation for over 30 years and has studied with many Tibetan, Indian, Burmese, and Western meditation teachers, both in the United States and abroad. He holds a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
In this episode we talk about:
The psychological benefits of quitting Twitter
Vipassana meditation vs. Dzogchen
The practice of looking for the looker
Sam’s views on the metaphysics of meditation and psychic powers
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
