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Sam Harris On Consciousness, Meditation, Misinformation, AI, & What Ails The Modern World

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Jun 10, 2024

Guest

Sam Harris

Sam Harris, a prominent neuroscientist and philosopher, dives into pressing issues like misinformation and the crisis of critical thinking in today’s society. He shares insights from his journey through meditation and psychedelics, exploring the illusion of the self and its impact on inner freedom. The conversation highlights the importance of reason and open dialogue in navigating challenges posed by technology and societal divides. Harris also sketches a philosophy of consciousness, urging a modern approach to morality that embraces complexity over dogmatism.

02:49:26

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insights

INSIGHT

Social Media's Downfall

Society's experiment with social media is failing, eroding critical thinking and trust.
This makes us vulnerable to misinformation and bad incentives, hindering decision-making and democracy.

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ANECDOTE

Misinformation about Hamas

Sam Harris recounts a conversation where a college student displayed misinformation about Hamas.
The student believed Jews wanted to kill all Palestinians, highlighting the pervasiveness of false narratives.

insights

INSIGHT

Shared Reality

A shared reality is crucial for progress; without it, democratic systems cannot function.
Engaging in good-faith discussions is essential to establish a common understanding of truth.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring Consciousness and Misinformation in Modern Society

02:32 • 2min

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Misinformation and Trust in Modern Discourse

04:53 • 22min

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Jihadism and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

27:16 • 10min

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The Power of Conversation and the Shift Towards Sober Living

37:29 • 4min

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Rethinking Morality: Dialogue vs. Dogma

41:53 • 11min

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Navigating Consciousness and Transformation

52:45 • 19min

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Exploring Health Tracking and Mindfulness Tools

01:11:39 • 4min

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Exploring Consciousness and Suffering

01:15:13 • 18min

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Mindfulness and the Illusion of Self

01:33:33 • 29min

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Consciousness, AI, and the Nature of Reality

02:02:09 • 15min

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Lies, Consciousness, and Cultural Wisdom

02:17:24 • 30min

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Exploring the Waking Up App: A Meditation Resource

Douglas Harding's "On Having No Head" is a seminal work exploring the nature of self-perception and consciousness. Harding's unique approach challenges the reader to question their ingrained assumptions about the self and the nature of experience. The book uses simple yet profound exercises to guide the reader towards a direct experience of reality, free from the limitations of conceptual thought. Through these exercises, Harding aims to reveal the inherent freedom and spaciousness of consciousness. The book's impact lies in its ability to facilitate a shift in perspective, leading to a deeper understanding of one's own being.

Be Here Now

Ram Dass

Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass. The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness.

The Closing of the American Mind

Allan Bloom

On Bullshit

Harry Frankfurt

In 'On Bullshit', Harry G. Frankfurt argues that bullshitters misrepresent themselves to their audience not by deliberately making false claims, but by conveying a certain impression without concern for whether anything is true. He distinguishes bullshitting from lying, noting that liars at least acknowledge the importance of truth, whereas bullshitters disregard it entirely. Frankfurt contends that excessive indulgence in bullshit can undermine the capacity to tell the truth in a way that lying does not, making bullshit a greater enemy of truth than lies. The book explores the prevalence of bullshit in modern society and its implications for communication and truth.

Being and Nothingness

Jean-Paul Sartre

In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence.

Voicing Change

Rich Roll

Voicing Change is a culmination of Rich Roll's eight-year journey of interviewing unique thinkers and visionaries on his acclaimed podcast. The book distills the collective wisdom from these conversations into thoughtful essays and first-person wisdom, focusing on themes of intentional living, life lessons, and enduring inspiration.

Finding Ultra

Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Top Ultrarunners

Rich Roll

Finding Ultra recounts Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from an out-of-shape, mid-life couch potato to one of the world’s top ultrarunners. The book chronicles his battle with alcoholism, his transformation into an elite endurance athlete, and his adoption of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes his experiences in the elite Ultraman competition and the EPIC5, five Ironman-distance triathlons completed in less than a week on different Hawaiian islands. The revised and updated edition provides practical tools, practices, and strategies for optimal performance, longevity, and wellness, making it a guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through self-discovery and a healthier lifestyle.

The Plantpower Way

Whole Food Plant-Based Recipes and Guidance for the Whole Family

Julie Piatt

Rich Roll

Created by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt, this book shares their experiences and the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes a variety of easy-to-prepare whole food recipes, such as hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners, smoothies, juices, and desserts. The book is not just a recipe collection but a comprehensive guide to long-term wellness, body, mind, and spirit health, and a celebration of a simple and sustainable lifestyle.

The Three-Body Problem

None

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.

The only dance there is

talks given at the Menninger Foundation, Topeka, Kansas, 1970, and at Spring Grove Hospital, Spring Grove, Maryland, 1972.

Ram Dass

This book is a compilation of two lectures given by Ram Dass at the Menninger Foundation in 1970 and Spring Grove Hospital in 1972. It serves as a guide for understanding consciousness, blending Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. Ram Dass shares insights into the non-dualistic outlook of Advaita Vedanta and discusses topics like the Hindu chakra system and its parallels with psychological systems.

Sam Harris is a renowned neuroscientist, philosopher, bestselling author, and host of the wildly popular Making Sense podcast.

This conversation explores the crisis of misinformation and the erosion of critical thinking in society. Sam shares his journey of understanding consciousness through meditation and psychedelics, and how recognizing the illusion of the self can lead to profound inner freedom.

We discuss the importance of reason, science, AI, and open conversations to navigate the challenges of our time and build a more rational, cooperative future.

Sam's insights are thought-provoking and timely. This is a conversation not to be missed. Enjoy!

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