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
4 snips
Feb 5, 2021 • 55min
#234 — The Divided Mind
In this thought-provoking conversation, Iain McGilchrist, a renowned neuropsychiatrist and author, shares insights on brain lateralization. He delves into the distinct roles of the left and right hemispheres, revealing how the left often fabricates narratives to rationalize its knowledge gaps. They discuss the implications of this divide for consciousness and attention, and explore the intriguing idea that the brain may merely be a receiver of the mind. McGilchrist also touches on the societal dominance of the left hemisphere and its impact on our fragmented sense of self.
Feb 2, 2021 • 51min
#233 — The Groves of Misinformation
Zeynep Tufekci, an associate professor and opinion writer, dives into the chaotic world of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the early missteps of journalists and public health officials, the dynamics behind mask mandates, and the eroding trust in institutions. Tufekci highlights the complexities of public health messaging, the rise of alternative voices in media, and the need for reform in social media to combat misinformation. There's a pressing call for credible expertise to guide society through future crises.
8 snips
Jan 27, 2021 • 42min
#232 — Inequality and Revolution
In a thought-provoking discussion, Jack Goldstone, a sociologist and public policy expert, tackles the escalating social inequality and political instability in the U.S. They dive into the ramifications of wealth concentration on social mobility and the implications for community values. Goldstone critiques the reliance on philanthropy over taxation for addressing disparities. They also explore the intersection of local responsibilities with global citizenry and the long-term causes of revolution, advocating for systemic reforms like universal basic income to foster equity.
Jan 17, 2021 • 1h 14min
#231 — Crossing the Abyss
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and military strategist, joins former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell in a compelling discussion on the radicalization of the far Right. They explore the events of January 6, 2021, shedding light on the Capitol police's actions and the historical underpinnings of white supremacy in the U.S. Their conversation tackles the consequences of social media censorship, the complexities of free speech, and urgent measures needed to prevent violence amid rising extremist ideologies. Their insights reveal a deeply troubled political landscape.
Jan 11, 2021 • 41min
#230 — An Insurrection of Lies
The podcast dives into the Capitol insurrection, revealing how years of misinformation fueled the chaos. It highlights the contrasting behaviors of protestors and law enforcement, while pondering the implications for democracy and its global standing. There's a compelling discussion on the intersection of mindfulness and civic responsibility, advocating for active engagement rather than apathy. Lastly, it critically examines racial narratives in the post-insurrection landscape and the role of social media in shaping public perception and accountability.
Jan 6, 2021 • 30min
#229 — A Few Thoughts for a New Year
A new year brings reflection on personal challenges and global crises. The podcast delves into the dangerous effects of misinformation and societal division, likening them to cult-like factions. It emphasizes the need for principled individuals to build a saner future, addressing issues like wealth inequality and compassionate governance. Discussions also highlight the responsibilities of the wealthy in California regarding taxes and philanthropy. Additionally, the impact of the ad model on media accessibility is explored, promoting free access to philosophical lessons.
Dec 14, 2020 • 2h 15min
#228 — Doing Good
Will MacAskill, a philosopher and co-founder of Giving What We Can, dives into the effective altruism movement and how to maximize charitable giving. He discusses the ethics of philanthropy and the balance between wealth and generosity. The conversation critiques initiatives like the Play Pump, emphasizing the need for local insight. MacAskill also explores long-term giving, career choices that enhance altruism, and the significance of emotional connections in charitable actions, urging a systematic approach to doing good.
Dec 7, 2020 • 47min
#227 — Knowing the Mind
Stephen Laureys, a Belgian neuroscientist and expert in consciousness, joins Sam Harris to delve into the fascinating intersection of meditation and the mind. They explore the profound impact of mindfulness practices on emotional well-being and self-awareness. The conversation also navigates the hard problems of consciousness, the concept of a separate self, and how embracing mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. Together, they uncover how emotional intelligence can enrich education and the vital role of compassion in caregiving.
Dec 7, 2020 • 2min
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Delve into pressing global challenges like nuclear threats and the erosion of dialogue. The discussion tackles the implications of synthetic media and binary thinking. Explore how social censorship might affect truth and healthy discourse in our public lives. Tune in for thought-provoking insights on the state of society and the mind.
Nov 27, 2020 • 44min
#226 — The Price of Distraction
Adam Gazzaley, a neuroscientist and professor at UCSF, discusses the profound effects of technology on our brain and attention. He explores how multitasking fragments our focus and leads to increased anxiety. Gazzaley highlights the paradox of boredom in the digital age and shares strategies to reclaim sustained attention. The conversation also dives into neuroplasticity, emphasizing how our choices shape our brains and personal growth. The potential of video games as tools for mental training and future brain-machine interfaces adds a fascinating twist.
