Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

In a thought-provoking conversation, Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and founder of Plato's Academy Centre, explores Stoicism's relevance today. He discusses the therapeutic roots of cognitive behavioral therapy in ancient philosophy, emphasizing emotion regulation and self-reflection. Topics include techniques for reframing experiences, coping with the pitfalls of social media, and the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Socrates. Robertson highlights the intersection of ancient practices with modern mental health approaches, offering insights for a meaningful life.

Current events take center stage as they dissect Biden's alleged cover-up, drawing tantalizing parallels with Trump's controversies. The ethics of journalism are scrutinized, particularly regarding timely news versus book deals. They also navigate the contentious Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging a deeper understanding of civilian casualties and the complex narratives involved. Lastly, the discussion touches on the erosion of political integrity and the challenges facing the working class, highlighting the shifting dynamics within American democracy.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and author, dives into his latest book, exploring Biden's health and the media's failure to address it. He discusses the impact of family dynamics on Biden's decisions and the controversies surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop. Tapper also touches on the challenges of political loyalty, accountability, and the growing media bias in covering political scandals. With insights from his moderating experiences, he lays bare the complexities of leadership in a charged political climate.

David Deutsch, a visiting professor of physics at Oxford, dives deep into the mind-bending world of quantum mechanics. He unpacks the many-worlds interpretation and the implications of constructor theory for future technologies. The conversation veers into the ethics of AI and the challenges of developing artificial general intelligence. Deutsch also tackles complex topics like the historical roots of antisemitism and the need for constructive discussions around Israel, revealing how science and societal issues are intricately connected.

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.