If Books Could Kill cover image

If Books Could Kill

Sam Harris's "The End of Faith"

Nov 4, 2024
Exploring the rise of New Atheism, the hosts discuss the cultural impact of Sam Harris's provocative ideas. They tackle the nuances of religious belief and violence, questioning the simplifications surrounding Islamic extremism. Amid humorous critiques, they examine the dangers of profiling in counter-terrorism and the implications of associating religion with security risks. The conversation also touches on the complexities of language, responsibility, and the fine line between critique and discrimination against Muslim communities.
01:09:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast critiques Sam Harris's communication style, arguing that his long pauses detract from engaging dialogue and convey intellectual pretentiousness.
  • Discussion centers on how New Atheism, emerging post-9/11, challenges religious beliefs but often lacks the nuanced debate necessary for meaningful discourse.

Deep dives

Critique of Sam Harris's Communication Style

Sam Harris is often criticized for his communication style, notably his tendency to replace filler words with long pauses, which listeners find tedious and boring. The episode points out that, while his podcast may lack the spontaneity of casual speech, it does contribute to a sense of seriousness and deliberation. The speakers mock this approach by suggesting that the substance of his talks is equally dull, often revolving around claims about Muslims and abstract concepts like meditation. In essence, they argue that Harris brings a level of intellectual pretentiousness that detracts from engaging dialogue.

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