Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
35 snips
Aug 31, 2022 • 40min
#294 — Status Games
Will Storr, an award-winning writer featured in The Guardian and The New Yorker, delves into the fascinating realm of status and its pivotal role in human dynamics. He explores the taboo surrounding status, our intrinsic quest for social connection, and the complexities of navigating multiple status games. They discuss how status influences identity, success, and even health, as well as its ramifications in social media and politics. Storr also addresses the psychological struggles of belief systems and the consequences of humiliation in our status-driven lives.
19 snips
Aug 25, 2022 • 44min
#293 — What I Really Think About Trump and Media Bias
The podcast dives into the fallout surrounding comments on Trump and Biden, highlighting the risks of selective editing. It examines a controversial comparison between Trump and Osama bin Laden, emphasizing the need for context in discussions. The speaker critiques Trump's character and its threats to democracy, while exploring media biases, particularly regarding the Hunter Biden laptop story. Additionally, it tackles the challenges of expressing unconventional views in today's polarized landscape, stressing the importance of integrity in political discourse.
111 snips
Aug 14, 2022 • 2h
#292 — How Much Does the Future Matter?
William MacAskill, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and co-founder of the Center for Effective Altruism, dives deep into the philosophy of effective altruism and longtermism. He discusses our ethical responsibilities to future generations and the existential risks we face. The conversation tackles the challenges of short-termism in politics, the complex relationship between doing good and feeling good, and the potential dangers of unaligned AI. MacAskill emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making to safeguard the future of humanity.
825 snips
Jul 28, 2022 • 1h 4min
#291 — Where is Happiness?
Arthur C. Brooks, a social scientist and Harvard professor, dives deep into the essence of happiness. He explores the impact of social comparison and the importance of redefining self-worth. The conversation weaves through the complexities of intelligence, love, and compassion, touching on experiences with the Dalai Lama. Brooks emphasizes the need to transcend identity and ego in pursuit of true fulfillment, while also examining the intricacies of faith and belief in our lives. It's a thought-provoking journey into what makes life genuinely rewarding.
18 snips
Jul 21, 2022 • 48min
#290 — What Went Wrong?
Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and a pioneer in internet technology, joins to discuss the evolution of the internet and its culture. He shares insights on ad-based monetization, the transformative journey from Web 1 to Web 3, and the mysteries surrounding Bitcoin and Satoshi Nakamoto. Andreessen critiques institutional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how technology can reorder power in society. Their conversation uncovers the intertwining of innovation, skepticism, and the future of cryptocurrency.
1,350 snips
Jul 18, 2022 • 39min
#289 — Time Management for Mortals
Discover the unique approach to time management that emphasizes embracing our limitations instead of striving for relentless efficiency. Insights from Oliver Burkeman encourage listeners to prioritize what truly matters and make conscious decisions about their time. The discussion delves into the philosophical and psychological challenges of navigating life's endless possibilities. This mindset shift aims to foster personal growth and fulfillment by aligning our daily choices with our core values.
48 snips
Jul 14, 2022 • 54min
#288 — The End of Global Order
In this discussion, Peter Zeihan, a geopolitical strategist, and Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, dissect the implications of deglobalization and demographic decline. They explore how these factors create differing futures for global powers like China and the U.S. The conversation also touches on the war in Ukraine and its impacts, as well as the aging population's challenges. Listeners gain insight into how these trends reshape economic dynamics and geopolitics in an increasingly tumultuous world.
78 snips
Jul 5, 2022 • 50min
#287 — Why Wealth Matters
Morgan Housel, a Partner at Collaborative Fund and former columnist, delves into the psychology of money and investing. He discusses how personal history shapes our views on economic risk and the distinction between being rich and truly wealthy. Housel highlights the problem of social comparison and its impact on happiness. The conversation explores the role of luck, the power of compounding, and the importance of saving and investing wisely, revealing that genuine financial freedom is a crucial pillar of life satisfaction.
43 snips
Jun 28, 2022 • 42min
#286 — The Paradox of Psychedelics
Dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and their potential to expand consciousness beyond the confines of the mind. Explore how these substances offer immediate insights, contrasting with the gradual journey of meditation. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness, shaping attention and awareness, and learn how cultural pressures affect our pursuit of meaning. Delve into the ethical dimensions of meditation, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, forgiveness, and genuine presence in everyday life.
23 snips
Jun 24, 2022 • 47min
#285 — American Division
David French, a Senior Editor at The Dispatch and author of *Divided We Fall*, joins the discussion on America's growing divisions. He shares his unique perspective as a former military officer and the challenges of navigating political grievances. The conversation highlights the parallels between today's polarization and sectarian violence, the surprising support for Trump among evangelicals, and the dangers of online activism. French also reflects on the ideological transformations within the Republican Party and the moral complexities of gun ownership.
