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
18 snips
May 1, 2024 • 52min
#365 — Reality Check
David Wallace-Wells, a best-selling science writer and New York Times columnist, joins the conversation to unpack the fraught information landscape shaped by Covid. They delve into the realities of vaccine effectiveness and pandemic preparedness while contrasting the U.S. and Sweden’s strategies. Wallace-Wells offers insights into climate change, discussing the dire implications of 2-degree warming and the impact of air pollution. The dialogue also touches on market forces, political stagnation, and the broader societal consequences of these pressing issues.
35 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 28min
#364 — Facts & Values
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of moral truth and how it intertwines with human consciousness. The conversation highlights the importance of well-being as a foundation for morality. Explore the balance between personal happiness and global ethical responsibilities, particularly through the lens of gift-giving. Discover how scientific inquiry can bridge ethical imperatives with practical insights, advocating for a universal moral framework centered around human welfare.
153 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 52min
#363 — Knowledge Work
Cal Newport, a Georgetown professor and author of Slow Productivity, dives into the impacts of technology on our work lives. He discusses the concept of 'slow productivity,' emphasizing a balance in a fast-paced digital world. Newport reflects on social media's effects on mental health and advocates for smaller, community-focused networks. He draws insights from historical figures like Jane Austen to highlight quality over quantity in productivity, all while navigating the challenges of remote work and the evolving landscape of knowledge work.
56 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 54min
#362 — Six Months of War
Douglas Murray, an associate editor at The Spectator and a noted political author, joins independent journalist Josh Szeps for a deep dive into the war in Gaza. They discuss shifting public opinions and the potential expansion of the conflict, including fears surrounding Hezbollah and Iran. The conversation touches on the complexities of war reporting, moral dilemmas in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and rising right-wing sentiments in Europe. Their insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of international politics and the urgent need for clarity in understanding modern warfare.
73 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 25min
#361 — Sam Bankman-Fried & Effective Altruism
In this discussion, William MacAskill, an Oxford philosophy professor and a key figure in the Effective Altruism movement, delves into the fallout from the FTX collapse and its ethical implications for the community. They explore the complexities of 'earning to give' and the motivations behind Sam Bankman-Fried's actions. MacAskill reflects on how this scandal impacts personal beliefs and highlights the need for resilience within the movement. The conversation also questions the balance between ambition and ethical integrity in philanthropy and corporate behavior.
116 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 39min
#360 — We Really Don’t Have Free Will?
Robert Sapolsky, a renowned professor of biology and author, joins the discussion on the contentious notion of free will. They dive deep into the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of our beliefs about agency. Topics include the influence of epigenetics on behavior, the emergence of complex emotions from basic interactions, and the ethical implications of determinism in criminal justice. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider assumptions about personal responsibility and the neurological basis of morality.
103 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 31min
#359 — Getting Used to It
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.
21 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 36min
#358 — The War in Ukraine
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.
43 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 32min
#357 — America & World Order
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.
25 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 29min
#356 — Islam & Freedom
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.
