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#661 - Sam Harris - How To Take Control Of Your Mind

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Jul 31, 2023

Guest

Sam Harris

Sam Harris, a best-selling author and neuroscientist, discusses how to control your mind amidst chaos. He shares insights on life after leaving Twitter, the psychological benefits of stepping back from social media, and the importance of living in the present. Delving into happiness, he examines the hedonic treadmill and the need for meaningful self-talk. Harris critiques modern male role models and explores the philosophical ties between stoicism and Buddhism. He emphasizes the significance of presence and mindfulness for a fulfilling life.

03:08:31

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insights

INSIGHT

Shifting Pendulum

Sam Harris feels the pendulum has swung back from peak wokeness.
He is less bothered by certain attacks, though this might be an illusion.

insights

INSIGHT

RFK Jr.'s Appeal

RFK Jr.'s popularity stems from his appeal to the contrarian, conspiracy-minded echo chamber.
This "religion of suspicion" thrives on distrust, making it hard to parse truth.

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ADVICE

Inner Dialogue

Notice how you talk to yourself and compare it to how you'd talk to a friend.
Learn to talk to yourself with the same compassion and support.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Reflections on Life After Twitter

01:46 • 18min

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Embracing Impermanence: The Key to True Happiness

20:03 • 6min

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The Anticipation of Happiness and the Hedonic Treadmill

25:52 • 2min

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Navigating Influences: Public Figures and Masculinity

28:11 • 10min

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The Power of Public Intellectual Discourse

38:03 • 3min

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Navigating Secular Journeys and Public Discourse

40:35 • 13min

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Navigating Truths and Conspiracy in Political Discourse

53:25 • 2min

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Exploring Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation in the Digital Age

55:37 • 5min

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The Power of Presence

01:00:36 • 24min

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Transformative Self-Talk

01:24:25 • 28min

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Stoicism, Buddhism, and the Quest for Meaning

01:52:10 • 18min

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Hitchens and the Current Cultural Discourse

02:10:07 • 16min

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Navigating Existential Threats

02:26:37 • 24min

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Navigating the Podcasting Landscape

02:50:50 • 18min

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Reflections on Passion and Podcasting

03:08:32 • 5min

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#1409

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Gender, Race and Identity

Douglas Murray

In this book, Douglas Murray investigates the dangers of 'woke' culture and the rise of identity politics. He examines the most controversial issues of the current era, including sexuality, gender, technology, and race, and critiques the Marxist foundations of modern social justice movements. Murray argues that modern attitudes towards these issues have been distorted by a sense of victimhood and the negative impact of political correctness. The book is divided into sections dealing with different forms of identity politics and includes interludes on the impact of technology and the need to relearn the ability to forgive in an increasingly online culture. Murray's work has received both praise and criticism, with some reviewers appreciating his bravery and others criticizing his approach as provocative and divisive.

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1984

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

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Why Buddhism is True

The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

Robert Wright

In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.

#406

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The Status Game

Will Storr

Sam Harris is a best selling author, moral philosopher, neuroscientist and a podcaster.

The entire world seems to be at each other's throats and finding peace in the chaos is becoming increasingly difficult. But there are tools at our disposal to improve the quality of our lives. As Sam says on this episode, “Wisdom is a matter of making your mind your friend”.

Expect to learn what Sam’s life is like after Twitter, Sam’s reflections on his famous talk on death and the present moment, how to live a life full of meaning, how to take your mindfulness off the cushion and into the real world, Sam's thoughts on Tucker Carlson's Twitter move, his opinion on Andrew Tate, RFK Jr, Andrew Huberman and Jordan Peterson, whether have reached peak woke, Sam’s take on young Western men converting to Islam and much more...

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