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
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.
110 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 49min
#355 — A Falling World
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.
30 snips
Feb 16, 2024 • 41min
#354 — Is Moral Progress a Fantasy?
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!
50 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 56min
#353 — Race & Reason
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.
46 snips
Feb 4, 2024 • 30min
#352 — Hubris & Chaos
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.
190 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 43min
#351 — 5 Myths about Israel and the War in Gaza
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.
58 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 43min
#350 — Sharing Reality
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.
52 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
#349 — Generosity, Cynicism, and the Future of Doing Good
Chris Anderson, Curator of TED and author of "Infectious Generosity," dives into the complexities of altruism in a skeptical digital age. He discusses the science behind generosity and the challenges of philanthropy amid wealth inequality. The conversation touches on the mixed motives behind giving and the importance of intentions in charitable actions. They also explore how technology shapes societal views on race and inclusion, advocating for understanding across divides, and the evolving landscape of podcast business models.
41 snips
Jan 5, 2024 • 40min
#348 — The Politics of Antisemitism
Rabbi David Wolpe, a Harvard Divinity School visiting scholar and former rabbi at Sinai Temple, discusses the complex landscape of antisemitism today. He examines the fallout from the October 7th events and how Israeli and diaspora Jews perceive each other. The conversation touches on the roots of antisemitism, the impact of conspiracy theories like Great Replacement Theory, and the varying responses from political factions. Wolpe also critiques the role of academic institutions in addressing these issues and the implications for civil discourse.
64 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 9min
#347 — Finding Sanity in 2024
Dive into the crisis of meaning that plagues modern society, where loneliness and political divides run rampant. Discover how mindfulness and self-awareness can pave the way to inner peace. The discussion also tackles the anticipated chaos of 2024, emphasizing the power of positivity amid uncertainty and misinformation. It's a journey into how embracing mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilling life, even in tumultuous times.
