Interesting Times with Ross Douthat ‘Making Sense With Sam Harris’ and Ross Douthat
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Jan 1, 2026 
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author, dives deep into provocative discussions with Sam Harris about religion and politics. They explore the existence of God, the limits of consciousness, and the potential impacts of AI on human purpose. Douthat critiques modern social conservatism while examining why Christians supported Trump. The duo also debates religion's role in moral progress versus secular ethics, and even touches on the intriguing topic of demonology. This conversation challenges beliefs and pushes the boundaries of understanding.
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Human Obsolescence As A Cultural Bottleneck
- Ross warns of a 21st-century sense of human obsolescence driven by digital culture and AI pressures.
- He calls this a cultural evolutionary bottleneck threatening relationships, reproduction, and social resilience.
Prepare Personal Resilience For AI Times
- Ross urges people to prepare now for technological and cultural disruptions by making their humanity resilient.
- He suggests thinking decades ahead about relationships, friendships, and cultural participation to withstand change.
Abundance Requires Cultural Education, Not Doom
- Sam argues abundance need not destroy purpose because elites already model long leisure and find meaning.
- He frames the challenge as cultural and educational: teach people how to use leisure well.
