Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

Join Jaron Lowenstein, manager and business partner to Sam Harris, as they explore the complex political landscape, including Trump's ties to Israel and their impact on the Jewish community's safety. They dive into the troubling connections between Trump and anti-Semitism, alongside rampant political corruption. The conversation shifts to political predictions for the 2024 election, highlighting how campaign strategies could evolve. They also analyze the appeal of politicians like Pete Buttigieg and the crucial role of personal ethics in politics.

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his bestselling works, joins the discussion on moral ambition and societal change. They dive into the ethics of wealth, exploring the disparity between billionaire philanthropy and social responsibility. The conversation touches on the flaws of effective altruism and the need for a new moral vision to combat existential risks. Bregman also advocates for universal basic income as a transformative solution, emphasizing the importance of aligning career choices with meaningful societal contributions.

Sam Harris speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman about Scott’s new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. They discuss victimhood culture, narcissism and psychopathy, the personality traits of successful individuals, the dark triad of personality traits, how victimhood culture presents on the Left vs. the Right, free speech, self-esteem and meaning in the age of AI, the replication crisis, the personality traits of MAGA conservatives, IQ, psychedelics, and other topics. Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is among the top 1 percent of the most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is a professor at Columbia University and the director of the Center for Human Potential. He has authored eleven books, including Rise Above, Choose Growth, Transcend, Wired to Create, and Ungifted. Dr. Kaufman hosts The Psychology Podcast, which is widely considered one of the top psychology podcasts in the world. Dr. Kaufman received his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale University. In 2015, he was named one of “50 groundbreaking scientists who are changing the way we see the world” by Business Insider. Website: scottbarrykaufman.com X: @sbkaufman Share this episode: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/411-the-victimhood-pandemic   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.  

Douglas Murray, a journalist and bestselling author, discusses his new book, 'On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization.' He delves into the moral complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the dangers of extremist ideologies, and the rise of conspiracy culture in America. Murray reflects on his experience on Joe Rogan's podcast and critiques the media's portrayal of historical narratives. The conversation also touches on the psychological effects of violence and the impact of anti-Semitism in politics.

In this discussion, Jaron Lowenstein, Sam Harris's manager, dives into provocative themes like finding community sans religion and the ethics of parenting myths like Santa Claus. They dissect the fallout of Trump's tariff reversals and navigate tricky political relationships in today's climate. The conversation shifts to the complexities of free speech online and the responsibility of media figures. Lastly, they address the impact of misinformation during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for true expertise.

Dan Harris, author of the best-selling memoir *10% Happier* and host of the eponymous podcast, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sam Harris. They explore the emotional toll of natural disasters and the importance of mindfulness during chaos. The duo dives into contentious topics, including the ethics of gun ownership and the challenge of maintaining compassion in a polarized political landscape. They also discuss free will, its illusion, and how mindfulness can help navigate emotional responses in our lives.

Jon Favreau, a former head speechwriter for President Obama and co-founder of Crooked Media, joins the discussion. He delves into the current state of American politics, tackling topics like wrongful deportation under Trump and the impact of identity politics. They explore the appeal of progressive figures like AOC and Bernie Sanders and analyze Biden's challenges, particularly regarding immigration. The conversation raises questions about restoring 'normal' politics and the role technology, like Elon Musk's influence, plays in governance and public discourse.

In a thought-provoking discussion, historian Tom Holland dives into his book, Dominion, exploring the profound impact of Christianity on modern morality and society. He uncovers how historical interpretations of the crucifixion have shaped ethical frameworks. The conversation also examines the clash between Western norms and traditional Islam, the enduring relevance of ancient moral systems, and the tension between faith and secularism in today's world. Holland's insights illuminate the complexities of morality and the legacies that continue to influence contemporary culture.

Dive into a lively discussion on current economic issues, including tariffs and market skepticism. Explore the chaos and consequences of Trump's presidency through the lens of his controversial advisors. Discover the dangers of political deception and how lies can distort reality. The impact of social media on bigotry and misinformation takes center stage, particularly concerning influential figures like Elon Musk. Finally, navigate the tricky ethics of personal relationships in politics amidst global crises such as Ukraine and Israel.

In this intriguing discussion, Annaka Harris, a New York Times bestselling author and producer of 'Lights On', explores the profound mysteries of consciousness. She delves into the 'hard problem' of consciousness and its possible fundamental nature. Annaka shares insights on split-brain patients and their implications for our understanding of self. The conversation evolves into the complexities of space and time, drawing connections between quantum theory and meditative insights, suggesting that our basic perceptions of reality may be deeply flawed.