Sam Harris: Transcending it all?
Added 2023-12-23 04:33:06 +0000 UTCHere is an advance release of a forthcoming Decoding on one Sam Harris. A polarising figure with fans and detractors, see how he fares when entered under the Guru microscope. Also featuring Chris Williamson! More detailed show notes will accompany the main release but here is the relevant source material:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=carZ3_02-Xg
Comments
I am looking forward to seeing if Sam would care play his “right to reply card” to chip in with his response to this episode. On the other hand, I can’t seem to get the ear worm phrase “Monkey Magic” out of my head after listening to this episode 🙉
Dee the Lobsterdancing Bananaland Dinosaur Monster
2024-02-12 03:12:58 +0000 UTCI don’t know I’d call it cowardice more than laziness and bias.
Christopher Kavanagh
2024-01-08 23:42:54 +0000 UTCSam, still a lesson is absolute cowardess around his friends. He's been doing the, I don't really know much about them bit since he got in shit for the bell curve and Molyneux guest spots. It's cowardice framed as deference.
Anonymous ethicist, not a serial killer at all, just asking questions.
2024-01-08 21:05:30 +0000 UTCGotta agree about Sam. His excusing of the destruction of Gaza is pretty horrible.
Rod Hodges
2024-01-07 11:42:21 +0000 UTCThe chat about 'needing' a father figure to give you guidance is an interesting one. I think I'm in a similar place to Chris, I had a fairly happy childhood, definitely had a strained relationship with my father at points, but generally we get on. As a result I have an extremely strong aversion to anything resembling a father figure lol. I'm much happier figuring things out for myself, sometimes to a fault. But at least I didn't get pilled by a cryptofascist!
Matt
2024-01-03 10:41:52 +0000 UTCApologies, I think this was totally on me! I went back and listened again from start to finish; no issues! Must have been Apple’s podcast player, which is awful with paid feeds (it never remembers the last place I was on) My bad!! 🫠
B.C.
2023-12-31 11:08:52 +0000 UTCI think designed to be irritating though 🫣
Laura Reinger
2023-12-28 04:26:54 +0000 UTCI respectfully disagree. I appreciate when Chris takes the time to do the little extras… even after all these years.
Kevin Nyberg
2023-12-28 04:24:47 +0000 UTCMy thoughts… Stop with the monkey magic interruptions it’s so grating 😅
Laura Reinger
2023-12-27 22:23:17 +0000 UTCI'm not totally sure, the old Sam episode still exists because it can be played from the listings page #15... I don't really know what your workflow is for uploading, or how any of your system works, but I figure you need to establish another url eg 'sam-harris-interview', and redirect the old content there... It might not be that simple tho, but I will need parasocial head pats to help more
Paul Sees
2023-12-27 09:35:44 +0000 UTCI live to serve!
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-27 08:03:25 +0000 UTCAfter more than a year (years?) of waiting I finally got the patron callout and it was worth the wait just to hear Chris mispronounce my name.
Matt Graham
2023-12-27 07:08:01 +0000 UTCI don't suppose you noted the time this happens?
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-27 02:44:23 +0000 UTCHow would I fix that?
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-27 02:43:11 +0000 UTChttps://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episodes/15#showEpisodes
Paul Sees
2023-12-26 12:59:37 +0000 UTCHey Chris, you've released this to https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episode/sam-harris ,which makes sense. But guess where you released the old Sam Harris episode? If you navigate the listing pages you'll still find the old Harris one, but the page it links to is the new Harris one... It did horrible things to my growing bot/database thing which assumes episode links are unique 😂
Paul Sees
2023-12-26 12:57:20 +0000 UTCI found myself wanking in the corner as Matt and Chris spitroasted Sam and gave Chris Williamson a kick in the dick while they’re at it
Maarten Wesselius
2023-12-26 10:16:45 +0000 UTCA few clips of the conversation are repeated twice in the episode? 🤔 The part about buddhism and its attitude towards “murder” and homosexuality. I don’t actually mind it, I listen to most episodes on repeat a lot anyway. 😂 It was a great decoding! I’m a Sam fan on the whole, but I listen to him through a slightly less fanatic lens because of DTG. They’ve improved my critical ear! ❤️
B.C.
2023-12-26 09:46:33 +0000 UTCHarris marris barris! Did you really have to do him again?! Boring!
Simon Patience
2023-12-26 07:40:07 +0000 UTC1.53:16 Chris unties the spiritual balloon knot and begins vibrating at the same natural frequency as the crystalline logos structure, radiating quantum packets of truth to our neuronal microtubules with his stacatto elocution. Fun!
Roscoe 112
2023-12-26 03:37:28 +0000 UTCOne of the fellows in my little atheist group does exactly what Sam does, only with Jewish texts e.g. the talmud and sayings, searches through them and finds the most awful things. Thereby finding, I guess, that Judaism is uniquely evil. Of course those things are there to be found. And fanatics (in this case fanatic Jews) quoting them can be found as well. I pointed out to the group leader that this is antisemitic, but we both ended up agreeing that the fellow is a bit of a wack job. This is by way of saying I completely agree with Matt's take on religious texts, people will find in them what they want to find. This includes atheist texts. I truly object to people, like Sam, not of the particular religion but ascribing to those of the religion a particular belief. The believers should be the only ones to speak for their beliefs! And even then there is so much opportunity for misinterpretation, even between speakers of the same language let alone different languages. In 2018, Palestinians in Gaza staged protests, known as the Great March of Return, on their side of the border fence, largely peaceful. Israel put snipers on the hill outside Gaza, those snipers held contests between themselves as to their accuracy in targeting the knees of the protesters. They killed hundreds and crippled thousands for non-violent protest. Did Sam notice? Did anyone? Sam's take on Islam, when it comes to Israel/Palestine, amounts to coverup and excuse for genocide, and contributing to the dehumanization, one of the noted steps towards a genocide. He doesn't of course explicitly call for genocide like multiple Israeli and some other western leaders. Somehow, the brutal attacks by Israel on Palestinians going back 8 decades at least are excused/downplayed but counterattacks, far less brutal, are examples of the uniquely savage nature of Israel's enemies. Pro-Israel fanatics are the exception but Hamas, it's attack Oct 7, is representative. The two of you (Matt and Chris) complained that Sam doesn't read up on a subject or interviewee before commenting. Maybe true, but I don't think it matters. There's reading, and reading with an open mind. Like the above anti-Semite, Sam would read but only find what he wants to find. While Sam doesn't explicitly call for genocide, his wide reach makes this kind of genocide smoothing over, and mixing blind racism with reasonable takes, insidious. Edit: I read the pro-Palestinian literature, and several times I've read some article someone passes on where the start of it sounds reasonable, then you get 5 or 6 long paragraphs, several pages in and suddenly you're in right-wing anti-semitic land. Now I check the source, if it's the British National party I pass. I tell you, those sounding reasonable while spreading hate (any kind, Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-black) are the worst.
Kat
2023-12-25 21:02:27 +0000 UTCAgreed I wouldn’t. But more referring to the exchange if I remember correctly Matt was asking if there was a difference in the quality or quantity of doctrines and I think used the example of condemnation of homosexuality in the bible. I agree there are probably countless suttas about sexual misconduct but as far as I’m aware there aren’t explicit examples like in the Quran or bible of prescribing death penalty for homosexual acts for example. So comparing) rules aimed at largely at monastics (eg refrain from all sexually activity as Chris mentioned) with generalised moral proclamations (homosexuality should be punished with death) seems not the best comparisson and answer to Matt’s question. Although I don’t deny there are weird things in the pali cannon
YellowDreams
2023-12-25 07:30:57 +0000 UTCConjoined lemon. That has stayed with me. Chris Williamson is certainly attempting an interesting repertoire of phrases. I really enjoyed this episode. As someone who has benefited from seeing the illusion of self constructed in thought (which is much quicker seen with CBT than meditation and requires no spirituality), it is always great to hear a discussion as to why this really will not save the universe. For a start nobody's personality changes and people with large egos maintain their large egos .... they just are more aware of them or create new spiritual missioary selves. As in Sam's case. People with relatively small egos, such as myself, seem to embrace normality and shed any guilt about not achieving anything. Good for individual mental health sometimes, but definate not always. Certainly not the answer to anything on the level of society. Just more people believing they have got something right. Yawn.
Nina Davies
2023-12-25 07:29:57 +0000 UTCThere is a lot more in Buddhist texts about sexual impropriety and while monastics are often the primary target, it’s also rather clear what they define as deviant. There is a lot of research on the topic and the typical finding is… don’t go looking for ancient texts if you want to find modern social mores.
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-25 04:33:45 +0000 UTCI could be wrong but I don’t think the way Chris characterised the sexual conduct stuff was very accurate. The pali cannon has rules relating to ordained monks that don’t permit sex not for lay people. As far as I know there aren’t any Buddhist teachings that single out homosexuality as immoral. Little unfair to compare rules for monks and the rules that explicitly call for death penalty for homosexuality in the bible for example as Matt was asking about.
YellowDreams
2023-12-25 02:00:02 +0000 UTCI have to say, the New Age music while Chris was explaining the illusory self was a nice touch.
Cesare, But Def Not A Borgia
2023-12-24 21:36:16 +0000 UTCCan officially say that this was a somewhat painful listen for a multitude of reasons particularly related to the lack of philosophical background on the podcast ( which is often the same core critique I have of Sam). But I know what I signed up for. Good episode!
Zack Katopodis
2023-12-24 21:14:26 +0000 UTCYou are not alone. I also need to get back in practice, and I feel bad for my students who think of reading as a chore because they never got to experience being lost in the world of a book.
Linda Sears
2023-12-24 19:48:48 +0000 UTCThanks! Will have a listen! I love reading to. But somehow I've lost my mojo lately 😕
Emma
2023-12-24 19:02:12 +0000 UTCGood point! That reminds me of one of the best critiques I have heard of religion. That it invents the problem so it can sell the solution. I don't think adults need a 'father' figure or a 'god' figure. I get by just fine with my human friends. Pity those lost young men can't just go see an actual clinical therapist. But sadly it can be cost prohibitive. 😕
Emma
2023-12-24 18:59:45 +0000 UTCAppreciate the feedback!
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-24 16:40:43 +0000 UTCThis is what we like to hear!
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-24 16:40:21 +0000 UTCIn response to what you were saying about whether young men need influencer gurus, my husband I were thinking that insecure males, particularly younger ones, might feel like they should have mentor/father figures either because they are featured so often in films and mythology and/or because the influencer gurus make them think they must have them. If a kid is feeling a little aimless and unsure about his life, the influencer guru can seize upon that anxiety and turn it into a true crisis in need of a remedy, which the influencer guru alone can supply.
Linda Sears
2023-12-24 16:35:12 +0000 UTCI laughed. but it was also a tiny bit distracting
Z
2023-12-24 16:17:14 +0000 UTCI heard this and thought there were some interesting ideas about reading deeply: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447?i=1000636759722. Reading novels and nonfiction books is one of the best pleasures I’ve known.
Linda Sears
2023-12-24 15:51:50 +0000 UTCGreat episode. As a Sam Harris fan and subscriber, I find your analysis fair and accurate. Thank you. Also, I can indeed see the back of my head, just like Sam
Andreas Singer
2023-12-24 13:19:27 +0000 UTCIm a Sam fan. Good and fair ep. I don’t like Sam’s recent takes on Israel or Lab Leak, and the interpersonal relationships stuff is nauseating, but find his opinions generally very well argued even if I disagree with some conclusions. The spiritual framing around stoicism and living in the moment I find quite enlightening and life enhancing (even if they aren’t his own ideas). Reckon it’s great content for the most part to be it there in the world, (unlike most of the other gurus covered) maybe even on par with DTG. 🙏
Chris Wishy
2023-12-24 12:32:54 +0000 UTCI guess I thought some of what you called a nice turn of phrase was more pseudo-profound bullshit. Like the phrase "not having enough bandwidth". But then, I'm not going to admit anything good about him.
Kat
2023-12-24 07:13:11 +0000 UTCLol just noticed the subtle synth pad under chris' illusion of self monolog. Nice
James P.
2023-12-24 05:27:10 +0000 UTCFunny to hear that your rebellious streak as a Northern Irishman was becoming interested in Buddhism. Make of that what you will.
elcid
2023-12-24 00:19:54 +0000 UTCOh man, ben waiting for this one and not disappointed.And pretty much confirmed my suspicions: Williamson is a complete wanker and Sam still desperately trying to not offend IDW dickheads.
LaserRange
2023-12-23 23:05:23 +0000 UTCKnowing even a smidgen about Andrew Tate I’d actually assume that he’s endorsing the hedonic treadmill rather than warning against it with that quote at 1:41:20
Jenson
2023-12-23 21:19:13 +0000 UTC55 mins in I just got a mix of silence and Chris saying "yeah". Funny, but probably needs editing!
Jonathan Southern
2023-12-23 19:45:55 +0000 UTCI was like.. well can't argue with that! xD
Max
2023-12-23 19:40:11 +0000 UTCI hate to agree with Sam, but I do actually think social media has fragmented my attention over the last few years and I've been thinking maybe I need to work on that next year as my ny thing. I used to be a huge reader. Even a few years ago I could read dense sciency books just for fun. But this year I am finding it hard to even get through a popular novel. So actually this was a good prompt.
Emma
2023-12-23 19:34:40 +0000 UTCI enjoyed that bit.
Emma
2023-12-23 19:24:41 +0000 UTCThe perfect antidote to waiting in an airport for 4 hours at 4 in the morning
Catherine Crute
2023-12-23 18:21:12 +0000 UTCCame for harris, stayed for monkey magic!
James P.
2023-12-23 18:05:19 +0000 UTCI'll have to avoid the sub reddit for a couple of months once this drops!
Allan Malcolm McPherson
2023-12-23 16:48:14 +0000 UTCMonkey Magic breakouts were AMAZING. You guys HAVE to do that with every silly song mention for all upcoming episodes
nazar dzoba
2023-12-23 16:10:35 +0000 UTCThank you for releasing this flight-length episode right before I fly home for the holidays!
Ali B
2023-12-23 14:54:32 +0000 UTCLooking forward to listening as essential downtime after the family circus gatherings that are this time of year.
Linda Sears
2023-12-23 14:13:55 +0000 UTCBorn from an egg on a mountain top The punkiest monkey that ever popped He knew every magic trick under the sun To tease the Gods And everyone and have some fun
john statham
2023-12-23 12:56:55 +0000 UTCCHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY THIS YEAR
Lee Kebum
2023-12-23 10:15:35 +0000 UTCI’m surprised that nobody has yet insinuated that CK is controlled opposition because he’s schilling Williamson’s viagra drink.
john statham
2023-12-23 09:11:29 +0000 UTCThank you for all the amazing content this week!
Ymirsdreams
2023-12-23 08:31:39 +0000 UTCGreat episode
Shane Partington
2023-12-23 08:19:48 +0000 UTCWe will fix it.
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-23 08:10:36 +0000 UTCOmg the pad sound at 1:53:50
Chris Clark
2023-12-23 07:55:22 +0000 UTCMonkey magic!
Sean Atkinson
2023-12-23 07:44:32 +0000 UTCThanks
Christopher Kavanagh
2023-12-23 07:37:43 +0000 UTCThanks! Matt drops out at around 55:20 and it's just Chris saying "Yep!" intermittently, which I think is a good choice. He returns after the next Harris clip, though
Stu ♥
2023-12-23 06:57:26 +0000 UTCThe initial Sam Harris episode brought me here and I’ve loved every episode since! Excited for this one.
Zack Katopodis
2023-12-23 06:06:49 +0000 UTCHell yeah!! Two hours left on my Christmas drive!
Floatgoat.
2023-12-23 06:01:13 +0000 UTCThat anonymous clip is sweet
Lillie
2023-12-23 05:53:18 +0000 UTCA feast of content this week.
TheSoilWillSaveUs
2023-12-23 05:46:34 +0000 UTCThanks for the Christmas present!!!!!!!!!!!!!♥️🎁🎄
Lillie
2023-12-23 04:34:24 +0000 UTC
