Making Sense with Sam Harris • Waking Up with Sam Harris

In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris examines the apparent disconnect between President Biden's public image and internal accounts of his cognitive capabilities. The discussion explores how Biden's team manages public perception of his mental state, including their handling of media access and information control, while highlighting specific instances that suggest a pattern of non-transparency.

The episode delves into the dynamics within Biden's inner circle, particularly the role of loyalty among key advisors and their approach to managing dissenting voices. Jake Tapper discusses his "Jar Jar Binks theory" about power dynamics in leadership, and introduces the potential significance of unreleased "H.E.R. Tapes" that might offer additional insights into the President's cognitive state. The discussion also addresses how media coverage of these issues has been shaped by various political considerations.

In this episode of Making Sense, physicist David Deutsch challenges conventional interpretations of quantum theory. Rather than viewing quantum mechanics as merely a computational tool, Deutsch presents the case for the Many-Worlds interpretation, which suggests that our universe is one of countless parallel universes where different versions of reality play out simultaneously.

The discussion explores how the Many-Worlds interpretation addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality and existence. Deutsch explains why he believes this framework eliminates the need for concepts like wavefunction collapse and shares his journey from initial skepticism to accepting this interpretation of quantum mechanics. The conversation examines how this perspective changes our understanding of possibility and reality, as it positions our world as just one of many equally real universes in the multiverse.

In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris examines Donald Trump's complex relationship with Israel and Jewish Americans during his presidency. Harris analyzes Trump's pro-Israel policies, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, while also discussing his interactions with far-right groups and his response to anti-Semitic figures like David Duke.

The discussion explores how anti-Semitism manifested during the Trump administration across different ideological spectrums. Harris addresses the contrast between Jewish Americans who felt protected by Trump's policies and those who were concerned about his connections to far-right groups. The conversation also covers how the administration's approach to right-wing anti-Semitism, combined with other factors, affected the political landscape for Jewish Americans.

In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris and Rutger Bregman discuss the state of global progress and the potential for positive societal change. Bregman shares his transition from academia to journalism and explains his perspective on humanity's current position at a crucial historical juncture—a time that could lead to either significant advancement or decline.

The conversation explores how wealth and inequality affect social progress, touching on the role of philanthropy and the need for tax reform. Bregman presents his vision for a movement that would elevate "doing good" to a high-status pursuit, encouraging talented individuals to address global challenges rather than focus solely on accumulating private wealth. The discussion also examines different approaches to creating positive change, from billionaire philanthropy to systematic policy reforms.

In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris and Scott Barry Kaufman examine the growing trend of what Kaufman terms the "victimhood pandemic" - a social phenomenon where individuals compete for moral status through claims of victimhood. Their discussion explores how this manifests across the political spectrum and its potential impact on society's collective resilience.

The conversation delves into the "dark triad" personality traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, particularly as they appear in leadership positions. Kaufman shares his research on self-esteem and confidence, explaining the difference between healthy self-esteem based on genuine achievement and narcissistic confidence that can undermine effective leadership. The discussion includes insights from Kaufman's new book about developing an empowerment mindset.

In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris and Douglas Murray examine the erosion of public trust in expertise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss how platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast have contributed to the spread of misinformation by giving equal weight to expert and non-expert voices, and how personal beliefs increasingly override evidence-based expertise in public discourse.

The conversation then shifts to an analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on the military strategies and ideological factors at play. Harris and Murray explore Hamas's approach to civilian casualties, the Israeli military response, and the challenges of addressing conflicts where conventional diplomatic approaches may prove ineffective. They also discuss how media coverage and public commentary have shaped perceptions of the ongoing situation.

In this episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris podcast, Sam Harris and guest Jaron Lowenstein reflect on the evolving role of religion and community in an increasingly secular society. Harris emphasizes responsible parenting in the digital age, advocating for strict limits on children's social media exposure. The discussion explores the ethical obligations of influential podcast hosts like Joe Rogan to fact-check guests and provide authoritative voices rather than fringe enthusiasts for high-stakes topics like public health.

Harris also examines the accountability of public figures like Elon Musk and Kanye West in amplifying potentially harmful rhetoric related to conspiracy theories and voter fraud. Harris is critical of the mainstream media's perceived failure to adequately challenge former President Donald Trump's rhetoric regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results and its threat to electoral integrity.

In this episode from the Making Sense with Sam Harris podcast, Harris provides a nuanced examination of mindfulness and the concept of self. He distinguishes between dualistic mindfulness, which aims to reduce anxiety, and non-dual mindfulness, which reveals the illusion of a separate self.

Harris also dives into the nature of consciousness and the self, arguing that the sense of self as a separate entity is illusory and that direct experience transcends this illusion. Additionally, he explores determinism, free will, and their implications for compassion and responsibility. Throughout the discussion, Harris emphasizes the paradox of meditation as a practice realizing that ultimately, there is no one doing it.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau draws sharp contrasts between the Obama and Trump administrations' ethics and adherence to democratic norms. Favreau recounts how Obama's presidency, though imperfect, aimed for competence and public service. By contrast, he argues Trump's chaotic tenure prioritized self-enrichment over governance, eroding democratic institutions and due process.

Favreau details troubling examples of corruption under Trump, from unethical business dealings to disregard for asylum procedures. He warns that this assault on norms, if left unchecked, may permanently undermine public trust. Listeners will gain insight into the pivotal role ethical leadership plays in preserving democratic values amidst the shifting political landscape.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Sam and author Tom Holland explore the complex origins and legacy of Christianity. They trace how this faith system absorbed diverse traditions, from Hebrew scripture to Greek philosophy and Persian dualism, and examine the crucial role of the Roman Empire in disseminating its teachings.

The conversation delves into the paradox of crucifixion, a symbol of failure that became a sacred emblem reshaping ethical views. Sam and Tom also discuss Christianity's profound influence on Western secular morality, contrasting its ethics emphasizing moral value in weakness and suffering with the ancient celebration of strength and power.

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris offers a stern critique of Donald Trump's economic and political impact. Harris warns that Trump's trade policies and reliance on unqualified advisors could spark global economic disaster and erode America's democratic standing.

Harris also takes aim at Elon Musk's leadership of Twitter, accusing the billionaire of enabling right-wing extremism and misinformation on the platform. To counter Musk's negative influence, Harris proposes boycotting Tesla to pressure the company's board into curbing Musk's social media conduct.

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris and Annaka Harris explore the nature of consciousness and its potential role as a fundamental aspect of reality. They question the assumption that subjective experience arises solely from the brain's complexity. Theories from modern physics, such as the holographic principle and ideas about space-time's non-fundamentality, are discussed as potential avenues for expanding our understanding of consciousness beyond the human perspective.

The conversation examines how insights from meditation and physics concepts of reality as fluid and interconnected may parallel and inform each other. The hosts ponder whether adopting new frameworks from scientific inquiry could extend our grasp of causality, the essence of space and time, and the way we experience the world around us.

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris and author Jonah Goldberg analyze the Republican Party's shift under Trump's influence. They examine how Trump's loyalists prioritize his agenda over democratic norms, often overlooking his undemocratic actions.

Goldberg warns that Trump could erode internal checks and balances in a potential second term, surrounded by loyalists enacting his will. The conversation touches on how Trump's "America First" policy strained global alliances and undermined U.S. moral standing. They also discuss the growing influence of anti-democratic figures who advocate abandoning democratic principles.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, historian Niall Ferguson compares President Trump's domestic and foreign policies to those of past leaders like FDR and Nixon. Ferguson examines Trump's efforts to shrink the federal government as a reversal of the New Deal, while his cautious dealings with major rivals like China mirrored Nixon's foreign policy realism.

The conversation delves into Trump's influence on US allies and adversaries, with Europe unsettled by his stance on Ukraine, Russia emboldened, and China eyeing opportunities in perceived American disunity. Ferguson also explores the motivations behind Trump's foreign policy, including his view of alliances as peripheral to US economic and technological power—a shift officials like Harris deem concerning as China's manufacturing prowess grows.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Katherine Stewart investigates the anti-democratic forces threatening U.S. democracy. She explores the Christian nationalist movement, which aims to establish a theocracy based on reactionary biblical laws. Stewart also examines the New Right, an authoritarian faction inspired by Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt that hopes to replace democracy with oligarchal rule.

The two movements have unified through initiatives like Project 2025, backed by wealthy oligarchs seeking to crush liberalism and maintain economic power. Stewart and Harris analyze the money, misinformation campaigns, and right-wing media narratives fueling these anti-democratic agendas. Their discussion sheds light on the disturbing tactics undermining democratic norms in America.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, journalists Helen Lewis and Sam Harris examine how the modern digital landscape, namely social media and partisan news outlets, contributes to political polarization and ideological echo chambers. They explore how these phenomena influence journalism, public discourse, and trust in institutions.

The discussion covers the challenges journalists face in maintaining impartiality when covering polarizing subjects and the difficulty of restoring faith in media and institutions amid perceived biases and misinformation. Lewis and Harris also analyze how memorable but oversimplified claims and narratives often overshadow the nuances of complex topics, allowing myths to solidify before being refuted.

In this episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris podcast, Sam Harris and businessman Rick Caruso analyze the failures of leadership and disaster preparedness that worsened the damage from recent California wildfires. They discuss the lack of brush clearance, mismanagement of resources like fire hydrants, and inadequate emergency response protocols that left neighborhoods vulnerable.

Harris and Caruso also explore the challenges of rebuilding and recovery, touching on topics like sustainable urban planning, toxic environmental hazards, and the growing divide between the wealthy and the rest of the population in terms of access to essential services during crises. They contemplate whether the wildfires could serve as a catalyst for political renewal and increased civic engagement from affluent residents who often opt for tax cuts over improved public infrastructure.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Harris explores how the practice of meditation can profoundly impact one's thoughts and sense of self. He shares insights on the impermanent nature of thoughts and the illusion of a continuous ego. Harris argues that meditation reveals these thoughts as fleeting and separate from our core consciousness, allowing us to detach from harmful mental patterns and reduce unnecessary suffering.

The episode delves into how meditation alters our relationship with thoughts, preventing us from being consumed by negativity. By recognizing thoughts as temporary events, Harris claims we can release negative mindsets, restore focus amid modern distractions, and ultimately gain greater emotional freedom and self-regulation.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Sam Harris examines the current geopolitical instability challenging liberal democracies worldwide. He highlights the grave threat that Donald Trump's baseless claims of election fraud and potential return to power pose to American democracy, as well as the significance of the January 6th Capitol attack.

Harris also explores the nature of meditation and being present. He encourages listeners to focus on living in the present moment rather than being consumed by thoughts of the past or future, and he shares his resolution to live each day as if it could be his last to clarify priorities for the new year.

In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris and Matthew Yglesias discuss the Democratic Party's approach to identity politics and how it impacts progressive thinking. They critique the party's intense focus on race and ethnic identity, suggesting it contradicts fundamental American values of treating people as individuals.

Harris argues that the excessive emphasis on privilege and oppression has compromised the Democratic Party's ability to address issues like crime and police brutality sensibly. He and Yglesias ponder the potential outcomes should Trump return to the presidency, and the long-term effects of divisive identity politics on both sides of the political spectrum.

On this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Harris announces changes to his content platform to enhance the user experience and maintain editorial independence. The discussion centers on the importance of expertise amidst a deluge of misinformation.

Harris cautions against dismissing intellectual authorities and "doing your own research" online. He calls out figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading conspiracies about COVID-19 vaccines. Harris also critiques public figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who he argues have fueled polarization and misinformation through social media, degrading public discourse.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences discusses his company's groundbreaking efforts to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth through advanced genetic engineering tools. Lamm explains Colossal's rigorous approach, which involves analyzing ancient genomes and making precise edits to the DNA of living organisms like the Asian elephant, the mammoth's closest living relative.

Beyond the process and challenges of de-extinction, the conversation explores the broader implications of Colossal's work. Lamm highlights how innovations in genome editing and AI guidance could lead to breakthroughs in human health, anti-aging treatments, conservation efforts, and ecosystem restoration. While the science progresses, ethical debates around "playing God" and ecological impacts remain.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore shares his expertise on Russian and Middle Eastern history. He highlights the immense religious significance of Jerusalem's Temple Mount and how differing theological narratives surrounding this sacred site contribute to geopolitical volatility.

Montefiore examines the rise of religious fundamentalism as a powerful force shaping global politics, contrasting with expectations of secularization. He suggests the world is shifting away from the post-WWII era of relative stability and liberal democratic ascendance, entering a new pattern of multipolarity amidst a crisis within democracies. The discussion explores how the modern digital landscape propagates religious fervor that holds sway over secular commitments.

On this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Christine Rosen shares insights on the cognitive and societal impacts of technological change. The discussion explores the implications of handwriting's decline on memory, focus, and embodied cognition. Rosen and Harris also delve into the double-edged nature of digital tools—providing efficiency yet diminishing sensory experiences—and the role of social media in fueling misinformation, polarization, and the erosion of shared reality.

The conversation further examines how digital technology destabilizes traditional journalism, politics, and trust in institutions. Rosen advocates for reviving local coverage, fact-checking influential voices, and exploring new models like Substack for high-quality, independent reporting—underscoring the importance of reliable media in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, the host explores the role of cultural issues and the Democratic Party's messaging in shaping voter sentiment for the 2024 presidential election. Harris argues that the party's stance on transgender identity and embrace of identity politics alienated sections of the electorate, while its perceived failure to address core issues like inflation and immigration further eroded support among swing voters.

Harris also scrutinizes the Democrats' campaign strategy, including the lack of a robust primary process and Biden's decision to run for re-election. The discussion then pivots to the risks a potential second Trump term could pose to American democracy and its institutions, drawing attention to Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud and the implications for the nation's global standing.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, the discussion centers around potential presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and their contrasting approaches.

Former supporters like Mark Cuban share insights into Trump's resilient appeal to his base, perceived as a disruptor against a failing system. However, his character flaws and transactional leadership, lacking strategic depth, raise concerns about preserving U.S. interests.

The talk then shifts to Harris, exploring her efforts to connect across divides, concrete policy proposals on key issues like immigration, and a diplomatic, nuanced foreign policy stance. As Cuban weighs the merits of both candidates, the episode offers a balanced look at the upcoming presidential election.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Sam Harris and Nate Silver delve into the implications of America's declining trust in institutions like the media, businesses, and higher education. They examine the rise of new influential elites, particularly in Silicon Valley, and how this has contributed to a cultural divide between analytical risk-takers and more traditional, risk-averse establishments.

Drawing insights from Silver's book "On the Edge," the discussion also explores how different groups approach risk and uncertainty, and how individualism's growing dominance impacts sectors like politics and finance. With the 2024 election just around the corner, they touch upon the challenges of forecasting and the potential for a Trump victory given his history of undermining democratic institutions.

What is life? In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris and guest Sara Imari Walker take a fresh look at this age-old question from a physics and information-theoretic perspective. They critically examine traditional definitions of life and explore potentially expanding the concept to non-biological substrates such as technology.

Walker explains her "substrate-agnostic" view of life as information that can exist independently of its physical medium. The conversation delves into theories on the origins and evolution of life itself, including assembly theory, which defines complexity in terms of hierarchical construction steps, and constructor theory, which focuses on processes enabling objects' existence, with knowledge as a key "constructor."

In this Making Sense episode, Rahm Emanuel, U.S. ambassador to Japan, provides insight into U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region. He details efforts to strengthen alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines to counter China's assertiveness. Emanuel also reflects on the enduring U.S.-Japan friendship, from its origins after WWII to its vital strategic role today.

The conversation also explores the "woke" challenges facing the Democratic Party. Emanuel and host Sam Harris express concerns that fringe ideologies and stances could alienate moderate voters. They discuss the need for centrist voices to reject extremism and better connect with the political middle ground.

In this episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris podcast, Yuval Noah Harari examines how societies balance truth and fiction within information networks to maintain order and facilitate cooperation. He contrasts how democracies and dictatorships manage information flow, with the former being more decentralized and the latter enabling greater centralized control.

Harari addresses challenges posed by social media algorithms, suggesting platforms be treated as publishers with measures to counteract misinformation. He then applies this framework to analyze threats to U.S. democracy, including the loss of trust in institutions and rise of conspiracy theories, as well as how ideological narratives influence global conflicts.

In "AI Utopia" from the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris and Nick Bostrom reflect on the surprising emergence of sophisticated language models in AI before achieving general superintelligence. They explore the challenges of developing advanced AI systems without proper isolation, or "air-gapping," and the ongoing concerns about AI alignment and the moral status of digital minds.

Bostrom shares his continuing worries about mishandling superintelligence, while Harris expresses puzzlement at prominent AI experts dismissing potential risks. They also discuss the philosophical implications of a fully automated, "solved world" and the unease of having all problems comprehensively solved, challenging society to redefine purpose and meaning.

In this episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris podcast, Barton Gellman shares insights from tabletop exercises simulating an authoritarian presidency. The exercises explored alarming scenarios of abusing federal power, such as weaponizing government agencies against political opponents and suppressing protests with military force.

Gellman also delves into the legal ambiguities surrounding states' ability to challenge federal overreach. The conversation highlights how new laws in some states allow partisan officials to interfere with election certification, threatening chaos if candidates refuse to accept defeat. With the expected narrow margins in swing states, Gellman emphasizes the need to prepare for potential post-election turmoil.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Sam Harris analyzes the implications of political violence and its impact on democratic norms and societal stability. He examines the influence of right-wing media figures like Tucker Carlson, highlighting concerns about the erosion of truth and shared reality. Harris also explores the problematic role of social media algorithms in amplifying divisive content and fostering extremism.

Additionally, he delves into the perceived decline of institutions and the normalization of inflammatory rhetoric in public discourse. Throughout the discussion, Harris emphasizes the importance of upholding institutional integrity and responsible public dialogue for restoring confidence in American democracy.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins presents his theory of the genome as an evolutionary record, or "palimpsest," comprising a series of adaptations accumulated by ancestral organisms over time. The discussion covers how natural selection optimizes organisms' traits through incremental refinement, and how this process, occurring over vast timescales, leads to transformative adaptations.

Dawkins and Harris also explore humanity's unique dependence on material culture for survival, unlike most animals with innate survival skills. They examine potential ethical concerns surrounding genetic enhancements in humans, analogous to historical animal domestication, while considering risks and unintended consequences.

In this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Harris and guest Stephen Bonnell examine political discourse in the modern information landscape. Bonnell, known for engaging perspectives across the political spectrum—from conservatives to far-right figures—discusses his approach to prompting dialogue and responsibly challenging controversial ideologies.

The conversation delves into profound divides surrounding key events like the 2020 election and January 6th Capitol attack. As partisan realities diverge, Harris and Bonnell explore the widening rift between conservatives embracing tactics that contravene democratic norms and liberals hardening against Trumpism's populist nationalism. They navigate how curated online experiences and the fragmented media environment foster misinformation, entrench biases, and undermine shared truth.

Dive into the turbulent waters of geopolitics and democracy with Sam Harris and guest Bret Stephens in the latest episode of "Making Sense with Sam Harris." In this discussion, the focus turns to the ramifications of America's shifting stance on global leadership. As Republican admiration for autocratic figures such as Vladimir Putin grows, Harris and Stephens explore the moral and political implications of this changing paradigm. They highlight the concerning trend within American politics, accompanied by a critical examination of media figures like Tucker Carlson, and ponder the repercussions for democratic values and international order.

Navigating from American politics to the complexities of the Middle East, the podcast also delves into the contentious topic of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the ongoing strife in Gaza. The thorny issues of settler colonialism, anti-Semitism, and the challenging but necessary pursuit of a two-state solution are unpacked, offering listeners a multifaceted view of this enduring conflict. The conversation then pivots to a future-forward look at the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, speculating on its potential impact on America's moral leadership and the effects of President Joe Biden's age on his candidacy. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current and future state of America's role in a rapidly changing world order.

Dive into the nuanced dialogue on distinguishing between criticism and prejudice within the latest episode of "Making Sense with Sam Harris," featuring conversations with speakers Rory Stewart and Humza Yousaf. The episode dissects the delicate line between criticizing the ideology of Islam and harboring bigotry towards its followers. Sam Harris voices concerns about the term 'Islamophobia' stifling legitimate debate by equating ideological critique with racism. Rory Stewart, however, emphasizes the integral role of beliefs in personal identity, suggesting that criticism can indirectly color perceptions of those who hold these beliefs.

The episode further explores the internal diversity of Islamic interpretation and the challenges associated with reform and extremist views. While Stewart reflects on the varying degrees of beliefs encountered during his time in Muslim-majority countries, Harris sheds light on the contentious issue of apostasy within the religion. Through their discussion, the speakers examine the fear and danger faced by Muslims contemplating leaving their faith, revealing the profound need for greater understanding and reform in the freedom of belief and expression. Each speaker's personal experiences contribute to a rich, multifaceted portrait of the global Muslim community.

In this episode of "Making Sense with Sam Harris," guest Peter Zeihan weighs in on the profound changes rippling through global geopolitics and America's evolving position on the world stage. The conversation delves into the aftermath of the Bretton Woods system's collapse and traces how U.S. foreign policy and military strategies have shifted, signaling a move away from the once-dominant Pax Americana. The dialogue covers the current state of U.S. naval power and its implications for global security, touching on incidents like the challenges in the Red Sea, as well as how Europe's demographic issues and reliance on Russian energy sources compound its vulnerability in today's geopolitical arena.

Adding to the dissection of international affairs, the podcast discusses the frightening prospects of nuclear conflict, with Harris and Zeihan touching upon the delicate and often strained relations between the U.S. and other nuclear-capable nations like North Korea, Iran, and Russia. They evaluate the potential repercussions of Russia's instability and its global nuclear risks. In stark contrast, "Making Sense with Sam Harris" examines the unique aspects of America's economic and demographic framework, highlighting its comparative advantages in resilience during global turbulence. Zeihan accentuates the significance of U.S. energy independence and favorable demographic trends as key factors distinguishing the U.S. from other world powers, setting the stage for future strategic adaptations.

In a thought-provoking episode of "Making Sense with Sam Harris," speaker John Gray delves into the current state of intellectual freedoms, challenging the notion that liberal societies are immune to the authoritarian strains that once plagued totalitarian regimes. He shines a light on how entities like American universities and artistic institutions, historically beacons of free expression, now enforce restrictive measures eerily reminiscent of autocratic censorship. Gray's discourse extends to the legislative measures that may be necessary to safeguard the academic sphere from this insidious threat, emphasizing the erosion of intellectual diversity in present times.

Equally compelling is Gray's skepticism towards the idea that technological advancements lead to a shared moral compass. With a keen eye on subjects like modern drone warfare and its unregulated proliferation, he argues that these advancements do not usher in universal ethical standards or controls, instead heightening global security risks. He boldly scrutinizes the resilience of antiquated prejudices like antisemitism within seemingly progressive frameworks and questions the idealistic view of "humanity" as a coherent collective. Gray's notion of "moral entropy" warns that, unlike scientific progress, political and ethical advancements are fragile, and history may very well regress without conscious efforts to nurture and protect our most cherished societal gains.

Dive into complex social questions in the latest episode of "Making Sense with Sam Harris," where host Sam Harris engages with guests Rory Stewart and Coleman Hughes on the sensitive nexus of race, policy, and ideology. Searching for the nuance in heated debates, the trio skin deep into how crime statistics intersect with police practices and racial dynamics in America's urban landscapes. Hughes shares NYPD data alongside personal reflections to discuss the ripple effects of crime rates on communities and law enforcement, touching on hard truths about public perception and police vigilance.

The podcast goes beyond simple statistical analysis, as the speakers tackle topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, academia's ideological leanings, and the battle for colorblindness in public policy. They critically examine the divergence between academic jargon and the lived experience of marginalized groups, drawing on the seldom-agreed-upon term "Latinx" as a case study. The conversation also questions the ideological underpinnings of university policies, while Hughes stands firm on the prospects and challenges of a colorblind society—countering the identity politics that have gained traction in contemporary discourse. Join Sam Harris and his guests as they explore these weighty issues, unrestrained by easy answers or ideological simplicity.