JRE #1241 – Sam Harris

This podcast dives deep into the complexities of free speech, censorship, and the evolving digital landscape. Joe Rogan and Sam Harris discuss the challenges of navigating these issues in the age of social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter. They explore the impact of algorithms, user behavior, and the power of outrage in shaping online discourse. Underlying themes delve into the importance of critical thinking, personal responsibility, and the need for nuanced discussions on sensitive topics.

Major Topics:

• Joe Rogan’s Interview with Jack Dorsey:

  1. Rogan’s intention was to have a conversation about Dorsey’s role in running Twitter and Square.
  2. Rogan faced criticism for allegedly giving Dorsey “softball questions” and not pressing him hard enough on censorship issues.
  3. The controversy highlighted the public’s perception of censorship on social media and the potential for conflicts of interest when a platform’s CEO is interviewed by someone they sponsor.
  4. Rogan’s subsequent podcast with Dorsey will address specific instances of censorship and feature an expert from Twitter’s moderation team.

• Sam Harris’s Approach to Podcasting:

  1. Harris streams his podcast live, allowing for spontaneous conversations and avoiding the need for editing.
  2. He believes this approach fosters authenticity and avoids the potential for misinterpretations or edits that could be perceived as censorship.
  3. He acknowledges that his decision to stream live creates a different dynamic than Rogan’s approach, which involves pre-recording and editing.
  4. Harris’s approach leads to more immediate feedback, particularly on YouTube, where his content is streamed live and where comments are more readily available.

• The Role of Video and Comments:

  1. Rogan initially viewed video as a side effect of his podcast, but it has become a significant component, attracting a growing audience.
  2. The availability of comments on YouTube fosters a more open forum for debate, with less censorship than on platforms like Twitter or Facebook.
  3. This creates a space where individuals can more easily express controversial opinions, which can be both beneficial and detrimental to open discourse.
  4. Rogan avoids engaging with the comments section on YouTube, acknowledging the potential for negativity and the difficulties of navigating online discourse.

• The Impact of Sponsorship and Advertising:

  1. Rogan’s podcast is sponsored by the Cash App, a company owned by Jack Dorsey, which has led to accusations of a conflict of interest.
  2. Rogan believes that his relationship with advertisers should not influence the content of his podcast, arguing that he has a wide range of potential advertisers.
  3. He prioritizes the integrity of his podcast over financial gains, stating that he has lost sponsors in the past and would not hesitate to do so again.
  4. Rogan’s commitment to free speech and his willingness to challenge guests, even those who sponsor his podcast, raises important questions about the ethics of advertising in podcasting.

• The Patreon Controversy and Alternative Business Models:

  1. Harris previously used Patreon to support his podcast but moved to his own website after the platform faced criticism for its handling of controversial content.
  2. He argues that the ad-supported model for podcasting creates a false sense of free content, leading to the expectation that all digital content should be free.
  3. He advocates for a more sustainable model, like the subscription-based model used by Netflix, where users pay for access to content.
  4. Harris has implemented a hybrid model for his podcast and meditation app, offering paid content while also providing free access to those who cannot afford it.

• The Challenges of Navigating Public Shaming and Cancellation Culture:

  1. Rogan and Harris discuss the phenomenon of public shaming, where individuals are often ostracized for past behavior, even if they have apologized or shown remorse.
  2. They argue that the lack of clear pathways for redemption and the relentless nature of online outrage make it difficult for individuals to regain their reputations.
  3. They address the hypocrisy of social justice movements, particularly on the left, who often advocate for the rehabilitation of criminals while demanding the permanent cancellation of those who have expressed controversial opinions.
  4. They emphasize the importance of context, nuance, and the need to acknowledge that people can change over time.

• The Role of Free Will and the Limits of Personal Responsibility:

  1. Harris argues that the concept of free will is flawed, suggesting that human behavior is a product of genetics, environment, and past experiences.
  2. He contends that this understanding can lead to a more forgiving and compassionate view of human behavior, acknowledging the complex interplay of factors that shape our actions.
  3. Harris advocates for a more nuanced understanding of human evil, recognizing that psychopathy, for example, is a neurological condition that can be mitigated through intervention.
  4. He believes that a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of human behavior can lead to more effective interventions and strategies for promoting positive change.

• The Importance of Mindfulness and Mental Training:

  1. Rogan and Harris emphasize the importance of mindfulness and mental training, particularly in the context of navigating the complexities of modern life and social media.
  2. They suggest that mindfulness practices can help individuals develop greater awareness of their own emotions and thought patterns, enabling them to regulate their responses to external stimuli.
  3. They argue that mindfulness can be taught to children at a young age, helping them develop healthy emotional regulation skills that can benefit them throughout life.
  4. They believe that mindfulness is essential for promoting empathy, understanding, and a more balanced approach to social discourse.

• The Role of Intuition in Social Interaction:

  1. Harris and Rogan discuss the importance of intuition in detecting potential danger or discomfort in social interactions, particularly in the context of self-defense.
  2. They acknowledge that our intuitions can be valuable, particularly when it comes to judging people who may be a threat, but also recognize the potential for bias and misinterpretation.
  3. They encourage individuals to be mindful of their intuitions and to use them as a guide, but to also be open to the possibility of being wrong and to consider other perspectives.
  4. They suggest that our intuitions can be shaped by our past experiences, cultural biases, and other factors, making it crucial to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate them objectively.

• The Dangers of Microaggressions and the Erosion of Free Speech:

  1. Harris and Rogan discuss the phenomenon of microaggressions, which they view as a problematic development in social justice discourse.
  2. They argue that the concept of microaggressions is often used to police speech and to silence dissenting opinions, even when those opinions are not motivated by malice.
  3. They express concern about the trend of using social media to document and expose past behavior, potentially leading to the cancellation of individuals for actions that occurred years ago.
  4. They believe that the pursuit of social justice should not come at the expense of free speech, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and constructive debate.

• The Importance of Redemption and the Need for Forgiveness:

  1. Rogan and Harris emphasize the importance of redemption and the need for forgiveness, particularly in cases where individuals have expressed controversial opinions or committed harmful acts.
  2. They argue that people can change and that they should be given opportunities to apologize, learn from their mistakes, and demonstrate that they are different people now.
  3. They believe that the relentless pursuit of cancellation and the lack of clear pathways for redemption can create a culture of fear and stifle open discourse.
  4. They advocate for a more forgiving and compassionate approach, allowing individuals to demonstrate their growth and to contribute positively to society.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Twitter has destroyed journalism.” – Sam Harris highlights the impact of Twitter on journalism, arguing that the platform’s rapid-fire nature encourages hasty and often inaccurate reporting.
• “You get what you pay for.” – Harris emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of content and the need to move away from the ad-supported model, which he believes fosters an expectation of free content.
• “People have been anchored to the ad-subsidized model more or less everywhere and they expect everything for free.” – Harris critiques the ad-supported model, arguing that it has created an expectation of free content, hindering the development of sustainable business models in the digital space.
• “Outrage seems to be more in season than it’s ever been in my lifetime.” – Harris observes the pervasiveness of outrage in the modern age, highlighting the role of social media in amplifying and encouraging it.
• “The moment we really understand human evil at the level of the brain, the moment we understand psychopathy, we will feel very differently about that species of human evil.” – Harris explores the potential for a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of human behavior to transform our understanding of evil and to develop more effective interventions.