Making Sense with Sam Harris

Cass Sunstein, a renowned legal scholar and Harvard Law professor, joins the conversation to delve into the intricacies of habituation and its ripple effects on happiness and relationships. They explore how people become desensitized to both positive and negative experiences, impacting their lives and society. The discussion touches on midlife crises, the value of experiences over material possessions, and the emotional significance of small acts of kindness. Sunstein also shares insights on misinformation, political polarization, and the challenges of maintaining robust free speech.

Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief foreign affairs correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, dives deep into the complexities of the War in Ukraine. He highlights the miscalculations of Russia and the remarkable transformation of the Ukrainian military. Discussions cover Russian propaganda, Zelensky's leadership, and the moral dilemmas surrounding the conflict. Trofimov also addresses the role of the Orthodox Church, the challenges posed by misinformation, and the implications of this war on global politics.

Bret Stephens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist for the New York Times, engages in a deep dialogue about America's diminishing global influence. He highlights the dangers of American isolationism and discusses the ethical imperative to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. The conversation delves into the complexities of Israel's political landscape, including criticisms related to Palestine and the war in Gaza. Stephens also touches on the implications of Trump's potential reelection and the challenges facing U.S. immigration policy.

Rory Stewart, a former British politician and diplomat known for his insights into international affairs, joins the conversation to tackle whether Islam uniquely threatens open societies. They discuss the shifting perceptions of Muslims post-9/11 and the rise of Islamophobia, alongside the complexities of addressing Islamic ideologies without fostering bigotry. Stewart emphasizes the necessity for nuanced language that distinguishes between violent extremism and the diverse, compassionate practices within Islam. Their dialogue advocates for critical yet empathetic discourse.

In this discussion, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan delves into the unraveling world order, highlighting America's declining influence and the shift towards isolationism. He analyzes the implications of Houthi terrorism, the conflict in the Middle East, and the precarious future of Israel. Zeihan also addresses Europe's economic struggles and demographic challenges, particularly with a shrinking workforce. The conversation touches on nuclear risks, the status of U.S. debt, and why Trump may not secure a win in the upcoming election.

In this engaging discussion, John Gray, an esteemed author and philosopher known for his insights on political thought, shares his views on moral and political progress. He explores the challenges to freedom of thought in our society, questioning the efficacy of liberalism in the face of modern authoritarianism. Gray delves into the limitations of rights as safeguards of freedom and critiques the relationship between technological advancements and ethical regression, emphasizing the complexities of our moral landscape. A thought-provoking dialogue on progress and its discontents!

Coleman Hughes, a writer and musician renowned for his views on race politics, joins Sam Harris to explore contentious topics surrounding race and social justice. They debate the merits and drawbacks of colorblindness, dissect the complexities of race and crime, and reflect on the societal impacts of major events like the death of George Floyd. Coleman shares personal anecdotes that bridge race and class discussions, urging for a more holistic dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s society.

Rory Stewart, a writer and former British politician now at GiveDirectly, dives deep into the fraying world order. The conversation uncovers the failures of military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, revealing cultural misunderstandings and the moral dilemmas of nation-building. They dissect the catastrophic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications, while also tackling the rise of populism, the influence of social media, and the future of NATO and Brexit. Stewart’s insights highlight the complexities of governance amidst chaos.

Five myths about the Israel and Gaza conflict are debunked, revealing the cultural clash with Islamic extremism. Complex moral dilemmas of warfare, especially concerning civilian casualties, are discussed. The podcast highlights the disturbing trend of using children in jihadist violence and critiques the indoctrination involved. It also examines the contrasting narratives of Hamas and Israel, emphasizing the challenges to achieving peace. Finally, the discussions on religious doctrines reveal stark differences in how human life is valued across various societies.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'The Constitution of Knowledge,' joins independent journalist Josh Szeps for a deep dive into the challenges facing our reality-based community. They discuss how societal fragmentation and media evolution impact truth dissemination. The conversation touches on the decline of moral intelligence, the role of independent journalism, and the urgent need for diverse viewpoints. They also highlight the dangers posed by misinformation and the ethical dilemmas in today’s sensationalized media landscape.