A New Way of Being The self delusion: Sam Harris
13 snips
Sep 19, 2021 
Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and New York Times best-selling author, explores the illusion of self and its impact on psychological suffering. He argues that recognizing thoughts as independent can lead to profound personal growth. The conversation delves into how meditation and jiu-jitsu can challenge the ego, enhance self-awareness, and embrace humility. Harris also discusses the role of consciousness, the nature of suffering, and the idea of emptiness, encouraging listeners to foster a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
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Suffering is Identification with Thoughts
- Identification with thoughts causes psychological suffering but pain itself is inevitable.
- Recognizing thoughts as transient in consciousness frees us from much unnecessary suffering.
No Separate Thinker in Mind
- The sense of being a thinker separate from thoughts is an illusion.
- Thoughts simply arise in consciousness without a separate thinker controlling them.
Sam Harris's Wilderness Solo Experience
- Sam Harris recounts a 3-day solo wilderness fast at age 16, where he faced misery and loneliness.
- This experience highlighted the mind's power to cause suffering and launched his later contemplative interests.
