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
Oct 28, 2020 • 1h 5min
#222 — A Pandemic of Incompetence
Nicholas Christakis, a physician and sociologist at Yale and author of "Apollo's Arrow," dives into the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He explores the breakdown of trust in institutions and how political interference corrupted scientific integrity. Christakis discusses mortality metrics, questioning whether deaths were over-reported, and emphasizes the need for better public health communication. He also reflects on the future of universities, long-term social changes, and the critical importance of preparedness for pandemics.
Oct 22, 2020 • 47min
#221 — Success, Failure, & the Common Good
Michael Sandel, a renowned political philosopher from Harvard, chats about the troubling facets of meritocracy. He explores how higher education shapes societal hierarchies, calling it a modern caste system. Sandel critiques the myth of the self-made man, emphasizing that luck plays a crucial role in success. The conversation urges a rethinking of how we value human achievement and addresses the ethics of our tax system. It’s a compelling discussion on fairness, expertise, and the intertwining of wealth and societal worth.
Oct 17, 2020 • 48min
#220 - The Information Apocalypse
Nina Schick, an author and tech broadcaster with deep expertise in AI's societal impact, joins the conversation to tackle the alarming rise of misinformation. They delve into the perilous world of deep fakes and how technology shapes political cynicism. Schick highlights Russia's historical use of disinformation tactics and discusses the urgent need for resilience in the face of misinformation, particularly during elections. The chat also explores the ethical concerns surrounding synthetic media and the implications for democracy in our digital age.
Oct 8, 2020 • 48min
#219 — The Power of Compassion
James R. Doty, a neurosurgery professor at Stanford and author of "Into the Magic Shop," discusses the power of compassion as a transformative force in life. He shares insights from his challenging childhood and the significance of self-compassion and empathy. The conversation touches on the balance between emotion and duty in surgery and the complexities of healthcare in the U.S. Doty also recounts a memorable encounter with the Dalai Lama, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections in an increasingly disconnected world.
12 snips
Sep 24, 2020 • 47min
#218 — Welcome to the Cult Factory
In this engaging conversation, Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist and key voice in 'The Social Dilemma,' sheds light on the troubling impact of social media on society. He discusses the alarming rise in teen depression, political polarization, and the fragility of democracy due to misinformation. Harris highlights how technology exploits human vulnerabilities and encourages unethical business practices. They also tackle the crucial issue of responsibility in the digital age, questioning how we can reclaim a healthier relationship with technology.
Sep 17, 2020 • 1h 12min
#217 — The New Religion of Anti-Racism
John McWhorter, a linguistics professor and writer, delves into the evolving landscape of race and anti-racism in America. He discusses the shifting definitions of racism and the pitfalls of identity politics. The conversation touches on the double standards faced by the Black community and critiques the current approaches to addressing racial disparities. McWhorter also highlights the challenges of police violence narratives and the quest for colorblindness in a racially divided society. His insights aim for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues.
Sep 3, 2020 • 51min
#216 — A Conversation with Graeme Wood
Graeme Wood, a writer for The Atlantic and author of 'The Way of the Strangers,' dives into the unraveling social order in the U.S. He discusses the rise of violence and distrust in the media, drawing parallels with global events. The conversation takes a sharp turn as they dissect police encounters, the risks of vigilantism, and the impact of deep fakes on public perception. They also explore the complex nature of political rhetoric and gun violence, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of race and public safety.
Aug 21, 2020 • 49min
#215 — A Conversation with David Miliband
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former British Foreign Secretary, shares insights from his humanitarian work. He addresses the growing crisis of refugees and the ethical responsibilities of wealthier nations. Miliband navigates the complexities of U.S. military interventions, emphasizing the need for political solutions. He discusses the balance between nationalism and global responsibilities, while advocating for collaborative efforts to tackle existential threats like climate change. A thought-provoking glimpse into global humanitarian challenges.
Aug 13, 2020 • 46min
#214 — A Conversation with Siddhartha Mukherjee
Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist and acclaimed writer known for "The Emperor of All Maladies," joins the discussion to dissect the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He critiques the bureaucratic failures and delays in testing that hampered effective action. Mukherjee discusses the significance of asymptomatic spread and the political contamination of public health messaging. He also dives into the long-term consequences of the virus and highlights the importance of preparing for future pandemics, emphasizing the lessons learned from this crisis.
Aug 4, 2020 • 2h 14min
#213 — The Worst Epidemic
Gabriel Dance, the Deputy Investigations Editor at the New York Times, dives into the harrowing epidemic of child sexual abuse. He discusses the dangers of terms like 'child pornography' and the urgent failures of tech companies and governments to address the crisis. The conversation highlights the critical role of organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the ethical dilemmas of privacy versus child protection, and the rising threat of online exploitation, with a strong call for collective responsibility in combating these issues.
