Making Sense with Sam Harris

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Harris talks with Ben Lamm, a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, focusing on the ambitious goal of de-extincting species like the woolly mammoth. Lamm explains the innovative use of AI and CRISPR technology in his company's efforts and contrasts these with the fictional portrayal in Jurassic Park. They delve into the potential ecological benefits of bringing back these species, the ethical implications, and how this work could impact human health and biodiversity.

Simon Sebag Montefiore, a renowned historian focused on Russian and Middle Eastern history, joins Sam Harris to discuss pressing geopolitical issues. They explore the unsettling parallels between history and today's events, especially post-9/11. Montefiore sheds light on the significance of Jerusalem and the interplay between faith and conflict. The conversation also addresses the fragility of liberal democracies in light of rising global antisemitism and internal crises, urging a deeper understanding of historical patterns and their contemporary relevance.

Christine Rosen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and columnist for Commentary Magazine, dives deep into the interplay between technology and culture. She discusses the decline of handwriting in schools and its cognitive implications. The conversation delves into the trade-offs of technology use, especially in information consumption. Rosen also examines the impact of social media on identity and trust, while calling for a revival of local journalism to combat misinformation. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's courage and the political landscape under Trump add further intrigue.

The podcast delves into the political fallout of the 2024 presidential election and the Democratic Party's missteps. It highlights the shifting dynamics of identity politics, especially regarding trans rights and voter sentiment. A critical examination of media credibility reveals concerns over political correctness distorting facts. The discussion also warns about the dangers to American democracy posed by misinformation and ethical erosion. Lastly, it explores how podcasting influences political discourse and raises questions about future engagement.

Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, joins the discussion on the 2024 presidential election. They delve into Trump's ethics, his political resilience, and the impact of figures like Elon Musk on public perception. Cuban offers insights on immigration policies, economic implications of taxation, and wealth inequality. The conversation also contrasts Harris's campaign strategies with Trump's, while examining the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy depending on the election outcome.

Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight and a prominent voice in data analysis and election forecasting, joins to discuss the cultural attitudes towards risk in American politics. They explore the erosion of trust in institutions and polarization driven by figures like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Silver sheds light on what people misunderstand about election forecasting and the significance of generational divides in voting. With a keen eye on 2024, he warns about misleading polls and potential public unrest over election outcomes.

Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, dives into the origin and definition of life. They challenge conventional concepts of life, exploring interesting questions about artificial life amidst a background of physics and biology. Discussions cover the Fermi paradox, the potential for extraterrestrial existence, and the evolution of complex structures through assembly theory. Walker also speaks on the philosophical implications of a 'block universe' and the infinite nature of prime numbers, highlighting the fascinating intersection of mathematics and existence.

Sam Harris speaks with Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor and U.S. ambassador to Japan, about the current political landscape. They delve into U.S.-China competition and Japan's intriguing economic situation. Emanuel shares insights on the Democratic Party's struggles and discusses immigration and the potential need for Vice President Harris to clarify her positions. The conversation touches on pressing Middle Eastern issues, including anti-Semitism, Israel’s global standing, and the prospect of renewed conflicts, providing a comprehensive view of modern geopolitics.

Yuval Noah Harari, a celebrated historian and author known for works like Sapiens, dives deep into the complexities of information networks and their impact on society. He discusses the fragile balance between democracy and dictatorship, the need for an 'information diet,' and the dangers of abandoning trust in institutions. Harari critiques social media algorithms and corporate responsibility, emphasizing the importance of transparency. The conversation also touches on the current political landscape and the challenges democracies face to maintain integrity and public trust.

Nick Bostrom, a philosopher and director at the Future of Humanity Institute, dives deep into the complexities of artificial intelligence. They tackle the risks associated with superintelligent AI, including alignment failures and governance issues. Bostrom explores the paradox of striving for a 'solved world' and the need for ethical considerations as technology evolves. The conversation shifts to the future of work, questioning how AI might redefine fulfillment and purpose in a life where traditional jobs become obsolete.