Making Sense with Sam Harris #445 — More From Sam: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Billionaires, Thanksgiving Political Debates, & Rapid Fire Questions
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Nov 26, 2025 The discussion dives into Marjorie Taylor Greene’s skeptical apology and her history of divisive politics. Sam critiques the performances of political figures, labeling some as lacking empathy, with Trump as a notable example. They explore wealth inequality and challenge the myth of the self-made individual, emphasizing the role of luck. The conversation also touches on the importance of compassion for homelessness and mental illness, as well as strategies for navigating tricky political conversations during Thanksgiving gatherings.
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Greene's Apology Looks Superficial
- Marjorie Taylor Greene has a public history of embracing extreme conspiracies and theatrical politics.
- Sam doubts a short apology indicates genuine rehabilitation and expects more extreme behavior to recur.
Contrarianism Fuels Political Theatrics
- Performers in politics often lack principled commitments and chase contrarian takes.
- That appetite for contrarianism aggregates into serial conspiracism and moral emptiness.
Charisma Without Conscience
- Some political figures may be diagnosable as lacking empathy and conscience, enabling manipulation.
- Sam names Trump as a key example of a charismatic operator untroubled by lies or contradiction.