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Despite having more information and communication tools than ever, our shared sense of truth seems to be eroding.
The lines between fact and fiction are increasingly blurred, critical thinking is disintegrating, and trust in institutions is declining.
Yet, during these moments of doubt and confusion, we must seek out good-faith dialogue anchored in intellectual rigor and fearless engagement with ideas that can guide us toward an existence with greater clarity, compassion, and wisdom.
In furtherance of this goal, I’m joined today by Sam Harris—a renowned neuroscientist, philosopher, and bestselling author who has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of human consciousness and the pursuit of moral truth. With a rare combination of scientific objectivity, spiritual insight, and verbal acuity, Sam has become one of the most compelling voices of our generation. As host of the hugely popular Making Sense Podcast and founder of the Waking Up meditation app, he continues to challenge us to confront the illusions that shape our perception of reality and to seek a deeper understanding of the nature of our minds.
Sam has extensively investigated the mysteries of consciousness, free will, and the self, revealing how the complex interplay of the brain, mind, and culture shapes our subjective world experience. By cultivating mindfulness, reason, and a willingness to question our most cherished beliefs, we can steer a course through the maelstrom and navigate turbulent times to find wisdom.
“Consciousness is the one thing that can’t be an illusion.”
– SAM HARRIS
Today, we explore the erosion of critical thinking and the spread of misinformation in society, and how these trends fuel polarization, damage trust in institutions, and threaten our ability to tackle collective challenges. Sam shares his concerns about religious dogmatism, harmful incentives amplifying conspiracy theories, and the loss of public discourse. He emphasizes the urgent need for more rational, open-minded dialogue in an increasingly divided world.
We also discuss Sam’s journey of spiritual exploration, which led him to study meditation and mindfulness. He shares insights from his experiences with silent meditation retreats and psychedelics, as well as his thoughts on the nature of the ego and consciousness, and whether AI will have consciousness or some facsimile of it.
Throughout the conversation, Sam brings an appreciable combination of intellectualism, emotional depth, and eloquence, challenging us to question our assumptions, confront our biases, and seek a deeper understanding of the human experience.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sam’s work or new to his ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world with enhanced understanding and insight.
Enjoy!
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- Connect With Sam: Website | Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook
- Podcast: Making Sense
- Book: Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion
- Book: Making Sense: Conversations on Consciousness, Morality, and the Future of Humanity
- Book: The End of Faith
- Book: Letter to a Christian Nation
- Book: The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values
- Meditation App: Waking Up
- Lifehacker: Eight Meditation Apps That Are Cheaper (and Better) Than Headspace and Calm
- Wirecutter: The Best Meditation Apps
- The Minimalists: Waking Up: Sam Harris Discusses the Benefits of Mindfulness
- The New Republic: I Thought I Hated the New Atheists. Then I Read Sam Harris’s New Book.
- Observer: Sam Harris’ Strategy for Supporting His Work Is Smart (and It’s Working)
- The Talks: Mindfulness is Being Divorced From Its Real Potential
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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