Making Sense with Sam Harris

Sam Harris speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman about Scott’s new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. They discuss victimhood culture, narcissism and psychopathy, the personality traits of successful individuals, the dark triad of personality traits, how victimhood culture presents on the Left vs. the Right, free speech, self-esteem and meaning in the age of AI, the replication crisis, the personality traits of MAGA conservatives, IQ, psychedelics, 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.   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.  

Douglas Murray, a noted author and political commentator, joins to discuss his new book on democracy and the complexities of modern conflict. They delve into the origins and implications of jihadism, the moral asymmetries in the Israel-Hamas situation, and the dangers of misinformation. Murray reflects on his experiences with conspiracy theories, the increasing skepticism towards expert insights, and how ideologies can lead to moral depravity. The conversation provides a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary societal challenges.

Join Jaron Lowenstein, Sam Harris’s manager and business partner, as they delve into pressing topics. They examine the quest for community in a world growing distant from religion. Should parents lie about Santa Claus? The duo explores that moral dilemma. They also discuss the fallout from Donald Trump's tariff decisions and Douglas Murray's controversial appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast. Finally, the conversation touches on the complexities of maintaining friendships and the fine line between free speech and accountability in media.

Dan Harris, an esteemed journalist and author of '10% Happier', engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Sam Harris. They explore how meditation helped Sam navigate the chaos of the LA fires and discuss the ethics surrounding gun ownership in a tumultuous society. Their conversation touches on compassion in politics, challenging the idea of hating others, and the complex interplay of free will and determinism. With insights on mindfulness and the transformation of the Waking Up app, the discourse highlights the path to emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for Barack Obama and co-founder of Crooked Media, joins to dissect the current state of American politics. He discusses the wrongful deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and critiques the Trump administration's approach to human rights. The conversation shifts to voter rationalizations concerning political corruption and how Democrats can regain momentum. Favreau also shares insights on AOC, Bernie Sanders, and the challenges President Biden faces, pondering whether we can ever return to 'normal' politics.

Tom Holland, a historian and author famous for his insights on ancient Rome and Christianity, discusses his book, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World. He examines how Christianity shaped modern moral systems and influenced societal values. The conversation dives into the significance of the crucifixion and its cultural ramifications, while also comparing ancient philosophies with contemporary ethical perspectives. Holland elaborates on the interplay between Christianity and Islam, highlighting the complexities of moral frameworks that emerged from these religions.

The discussion dives into the current economic turmoil and the repercussions of political decisions like tariffs. Integrity in political discourse is challenged, as loyalty often overshadows truth-telling. Misinformation and its historical connections to authoritarianism are examined, revealing how lies disrupt society's grasp of reality. Additionally, the influence of social media figures is scrutinized, highlighting the dangers of their ideologies and the growing public acceptance of falsehoods. The conversation is both timely and thought-provoking.

In a fascinating discussion, Annaka Harris, creator of the audio documentary series Lights On, delves into the mysteries of consciousness and its potential foundational role in the universe. Sam and Annaka explore the hard problem of consciousness and what split-brain patients reveal about our perception. They challenge common notions of space and causality, contemplating consciousness as integral to reality. The conversation intertwines scientific insights and meditative practices, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of existence.

Jonah Goldberg, a conservative journalist known for his sharp political insights, engages in a critical discussion about Trump and his influence on American politics. They dissect the recklessness of Trump's policies, including tariffs and foreign relations with Ukraine. Goldberg raises alarms about the political loyalty and moral implications of Trump’s supporters. They also explore the ominous influence of fringe thinkers on mainstream politics and the alarming dynamics that could shape a potential Trump 2.0.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and commentator on global politics, joins the conversation to dissect the current geopolitical climate under Trump. They analyze Trump's handling of the Ukraine crisis and how it shifts Europe’s view of America. The duo delves into the chaotic nature of Trump's appointees, the economic fallout from his policies, and China’s perspective on U.S. political upheaval. They ponder whether democracy can endure the turbulence of Trump 2.0 and touch upon free speech debates surrounding figures like Elon Musk.