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
Jul 3, 2020 • 58min
#209 — A Good Life
Scott Barry Kaufman, a humanistic psychologist and author of Transcend, joins the discussion to explore the depths of human well-being. He delves into the complexities of intelligence and creativity, challenging traditional psychological norms. The conversation critiques misconceptions about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and emphasizes authentic self-actualization over superficial success. They also explore the transformative roles of psychedelics and meditation, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of personal growth and fulfillment.
Jun 23, 2020 • 1h 5min
#208 — Existential Risk
Toby Ord, a philosopher at Oxford University focused on existential risks and effective altruism, dives deep into the future of humanity. He explores the moral biases shaping our views on distance and time, highlighting the psychology behind effective altruism. The conversation navigates the complexities of distinguishing natural threats from human-made ones, addressing dangers like nuclear war and pandemics. Ord reflects on the morality of altruism, balancing emotion with logic, and the essential responsibility we hold for future generations.
Jun 13, 2020 • 1h 53min
#207 — Can We Pull Back From The Brink?
Intriguing discussions unravel the complexities of social unrest and systemic racism in America. The impact of political expression amidst divided public opinion takes center stage. Law enforcement's role and the urgent need for accountability come under scrutiny. Protests are examined through the lens of misinformation and the historical context of race. Challenging common narratives, the podcast advocates for a fact-based approach to understanding police violence. Ultimately, it calls for rational dialogue to foster meaningful societal change.
May 26, 2020 • 45min
#206 — A Conversation with David Frum
In this discussion, political commentator David Frum, known for his insightful analysis of conservative politics, joins Sam Harris to dissect the evolving American political landscape. They delve into the implications of Trump's presidency and speculate on a possible second term. Frum highlights the increasing secularization of politics and the alarming rise of conspiracies linked to Covid-19. They also tackle voter suppression and the role of media in shaping public perceptions, making for a timely and thought-provoking conversation.
May 22, 2020 • 59min
#205 — The Failure of Meritocracy
In a thought-provoking discussion, Daniel Markovits, a Yale law professor and author of The Meritocracy Trap, explores the pitfalls of meritocracy. He argues that instead of fostering equal opportunity, it entrenches societal inequalities, creating a new caste system. The conversation delves into the impact of the education system on wealth disparity and the challenges faced by the shrinking middle class. Markovits also critiques the elite's reluctance to support wealth redistribution, emphasizing the need for fair taxation and shared responsibility in addressing systemic inequalities.
May 18, 2020 • 1h 6min
#204 — A Conversation with Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist known for his insights on moral psychology and political polarization, joins Sam Harris for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle the roots of American political division and the decline of public discourse, stressing the need for ideological diversity. Haidt also shares concerns about social media's impact on Generation Z's mental health and explores the potential for psychedelics and practices like meditation to enhance personal well-being and foster deeper connections in society.
May 13, 2020 • 1h 8min
#203 — A Conversation with Caitlin Flanagan
Caitlin Flanagan, a renowned writer for The Atlantic, speaks candidly about her personal battle with cancer and the emotional turmoil it brings. She reflects on the nuances of public apologies and the complexities of forgiveness in today’s society. Discussing the #MeToo movement, Flanagan explores modern feminism and its implications. The conversation also touches on navigating health challenges during the pandemic, encouraging a deeper understanding of human connections amid public discourse and personal hardships.
May 11, 2020 • 38min
#202 — A Conversation with Andrew Yang
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, joins the conversation to explore the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the middle class. He advocates for universal basic income to address job losses and systemic inefficiencies. The discussion also touches on the disconnect in political leadership, concerns about President Biden's age, and growing wealth inequality exacerbated by recent economic changes. With insights into the dynamics of US-China relations and the need for improved digital infrastructure, Yang offers a thought-provoking vision for the future.
May 1, 2020 • 1h 9min
#201 — A Conversation with Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari, a historian and acclaimed author of works like Sapiens, joins for a compelling dialogue on the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. They dissect failures in global leadership and the rise of nationalism versus globalism. The conversation highlights the perils of misinformation in shaping public trust and how technology influences beliefs. Harari also reflects on the evolving understanding of death, the implications of wealth inequality, and the essential need for personal connections in turbulent times.
19 snips
Apr 29, 2020 • 33min
#200 — Creatures of Habit
In this engaging talk, James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," shares his expertise on habit formation. He discusses the critical difference between building good habits and breaking bad ones, emphasizing the role of our environment. Clear explores the conflict between immediate gratification and long-term benefits, introducing concepts like the 'remembering self' and 'experiencing self.' He advocates for prioritizing systems over goals and explains how small, consistent actions can lead to remarkable progress in all areas of life.
