Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

Delve into the rise of political violence, sparked by the tragic murder of a state representative, and its chilling effect on civil discourse. Explore the nuclear threat posed by Iran, with the complexities of U.S. foreign policy highlighted. Hear thoughts on civil unrest and the implications of political decisions on public perception. The discussion also touches on luck versus belief in survival, contrasting ethics, and the absurdities surrounding divine interventions. Finally, a creative look at communication in content creation rounds off the riveting discussion.

Daniel Kokotajlo, the Executive Director at the AI Futures Project and a former governance researcher at OpenAI, joins Sam Harris to dive into the impending era of superintelligent AI. They explore what an intelligence explosion might look like and the dangers of AI's deceptive behaviors, particularly in large language models. Discussions on the alignment problem emphasize the need for AI systems to resonate with human values. They also touch upon the economic implications of AI advancements and the potential for government regulation in shaping the future of technology.

Dive into a lively discussion about the fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, highlighting the implications of their influence on governance. Delve into the evolving role of religion in modern life, touching on themes of faith, loneliness, and community. Explore Jordan Peterson's significant impact on young men's perspectives, paired with a rapid-fire Q&A on hope and uncertainty. Reflect on societal changes, political challenges, and the complexities of personal development, including the nuances of aging and health choices.

Congressman Ritchie Torres, the first openly LGBTQ elected official from the Bronx, joins the discussion on the future of the Democratic Party. He shares how his upbringing in public housing shaped his political passion. The conversation dives into the influence of far-left ideologies, governance challenges, and the rise of antisemitism. Torres discusses the importance of free speech on campuses, the impact of AI on job markets, and potential Democratic candidates for 2028, urging a pivot towards constructive governance over mere messaging.

In this discussion, Sam Harris talks with Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and Stoicism expert. They explore the relationship between Stoicism and modern psychotherapy, highlighting how ancient wisdom can help manage negative emotions. Donald shares insights on Marcus Aurelius and the complexities of familial relationships, emphasizing the psychological pitfalls of social media. They also touch on reflective thinking and practical techniques for navigating personal challenges in today's world, blending ancient philosophy with contemporary life.

Dive into a riveting discussion on the political landscape, examining Biden's strategies and competency alongside critiques of Trump. The conversation touches on the urgent need for accountability in leadership amid rising political corruption. Ethical dilemmas in journalism are explored, questioning the balance between book deals and timely reporting. Furthermore, they analyze Israel's actions in Gaza, debating moral complexities and the impact of media portrayal on public perception.

In this engaging discussion, Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and bestselling author, delves into his latest book about President Biden's decline and the media's failure to address his health issues. He critiques Biden's handling of criticism and explores the impacts of family dynamics on political choices, including the controversial 2020 debate against Trump. Tapper also addresses the complex relationship between congressional authority and public accountability, shedding light on the Democratic Party's internal challenges and the implications for democracy.

David Deutsch, a visiting professor of physics at Oxford, dives into the fascinating realms of quantum mechanics and constructor theory. He delves into the implications of the many-worlds interpretation and the philosophical questions surrounding quantum reality. The conversation shifts to the pressing issue of AI, where Deutsch addresses the potential risks of artificial general intelligence and its ethical dilemmas. He also tackles the historical roots of anti-Semitism and the complex dynamics of morality in technology, especially in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Joining Sam is Jaron Lowenstein, his manager and business partner, who dives into pressing current events. They discuss the safety of U.S. Jews during Trump's presidency, raising alarms about free speech and due process. The duo critiques Trump's foreign policy and corruption scandals, probing how family interests sway international relations. They also explore the shifting dynamics of wokeness in the Democratic Party and the importance of political authenticity, particularly in the campaigns of figures like Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom.

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author of bestsellers like Utopia for Realists, dives into pressing global issues. He critiques wealth inequality and emphasizes the need for moral ambition to drive societal change. Bregman discusses the role of altruism in philanthropy, arguing that empathy often falls short. He explores universal basic income and its potential to reshape work in an age of automation. Additionally, he champions innovative charity models that empower individuals to tackle humanitarian challenges, advocating for a more aspirational approach to giving.