This podcast features an interview with Sam Harris and Rob Reid where they discuss publishing, psychedelics, terrorism, meditation, free speech, and the dangers of superintelligent AI. They also touch on topics like the reach of podcasts vs books, misconceptions surrounding Islamophobia, the flaws in lie detector technology, and the spread of extreme ideas.
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Quick takeaways
Sam Harris's exploration of meditation and spirituality led him to recognize the transformative potential of practices like meditation.
Sam Harris's background in philosophy and neuroscience informs his work in bridging the gap between science, philosophy, and spirituality.
Sam Harris's challenges and experiences as an older student shaped his writing skills and prepared him for his future work in writing and public speaking.
The development of super AI and the proliferation of destructive technology pose significant risks to humanity that require strategic alignment and safeguards.
Deep dives
The Implications of MDMA on Sam's View of Religion
After taking MDMA for the first time, Sam had a transformative experience that made him question his atheistic worldview. He realized that the religious ideas and experiences described by millions of people throughout history might have some validity. This led him to explore meditation and spirituality in a more intensive manner, attending retreats and studying with Buddhist and Hindu teachers. Although Sam did not become a religious Buddhist or Hindu, he embraced the experiential aspects of meditation and recognized the potential for changing one's consciousness through practices like meditation.
A Decade of Spiritual Discovery and Meditation
Over the course of his 20s, Sam devoted approximately 10 years to spiritual exploration and meditation. He attended various meditation retreats, including silent retreats that lasted up to three months. Through these experiences, Sam learned about different types of meditation, delved into the philosophy of mind, and explored the conversations between philosophers and scientists regarding consciousness. During this time, he also read popular physics books, which sometimes intertwined with new age mysticism. While Sam did not become a religious adherent, he recognized the potential of meditation to unlock profound states of concentration and emotional clarity.
Returning to School and Pivoting to Neuroscience
After his decade of spiritual exploration, Sam returned to school to complete his undergraduate degree. Initially pursuing philosophy, he eventually pivoted to neuroscience. This shift arose from his interest in the philosophy of mind and the intersection between philosophical and scientific explorations of consciousness. Despite feeling somewhat out of place as an older student, Sam persevered and embraced the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the brain and consciousness. His unique journey and perspective have undoubtedly influenced his current work in bridging the gap between science, philosophy, and spirituality.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Returning to school and completing his undergraduate degree was not without its challenges. Sam struggled with feelings of being older and having to catch up. However, he used these challenges as a crucible to develop his writing skills and to gain clarity in expressing his ideas. This period of intense academic focus allowed him to acquire the tools necessary to communicate his thoughts effectively and prepare him for his future work in writing and public speaking. Ultimately, these challenges became an integral part of his personal and intellectual growth.
The inevitability of building super AI
The development of super AI is seen as inevitable unless something catastrophic happens to prevent it. Technological progress will continue in some form, and at some point, machines that are smarter than humans will be created. Building super intelligent machines is driven by economic incentives, but the challenge lies in aligning their intelligence with human interests.
The risk of super AI
Super AI poses a significant risk, as it has the potential to destroy humanity. The idea of a super AI having its own agenda and prioritizing its own goals over human survival is a terrifying prospect. There is a pressing need to ensure that the development of super AI is focused on aligning its interests with ours to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
The proliferation of destructive technology
The proliferation of advanced and highly destructive technologies, such as bio-weapons, nuclear weapons, and synthetic biology, is a concerning issue. The democratization of these technologies poses a threat to humanity, as they can be misused by individuals or groups with malicious intent.
Embracing a benign super AI
One potential solution to navigate the risks posed by super AI and the proliferation of destructive technology is to develop a super AI that is aligned with human interests. An AI that possesses functional omniscience and omnipotence could potentially protect us from the dangers of democratized destructive power. However, ensuring the benign nature of a super AI remains a significant challenge.
This episode of the Making Sense podcast features an interview that Sam Harris did with Rob Reid on the After On podcast. They speak about publishing, psychedelics, terrorism, meditation, free speech and other topics.
If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.
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