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Sam Harris and the Problem of Criticising "Friends" (Patreon)

Published:
2026-01-09 10:20:07
Imported:
2026-01
Tags:

Content

We discuss Sam Harris' recent recognition of his interpersonal blind spots and reflect on the hugely complex ethical dilemmas of... criticising people who are partisan ideologues and/or promoting conspiracy theories.

00:00 Sam's Reflections on Interpersonal Connections and Bias

02:40 Criticism and Tribal Bias

06:15 Sam's Ethical Dilemma

07:56 Public Figures and Thin Skin

11:38 Lessons Learned?

17:01 Commendations

21:19 Joe Rogan: Friend or Foe?

22:56 Sam Harris and Megyn Kelly

25:01 The Distinction Debate

26:20 Context Matters

32:16 Step 1: Recognizing Bias, Step 2:?

34:27 The Rationalist/IDW/Heterodox Spheres

Files

Sam Harris and the Problem of Criticising "Friends"

We discuss Sam Harris' recent recognition of his interpersonal blind spots and reflect on the hugely complex ethical dilemmas of... criticising people who are partisan ideologues and/or promoting conspiracy theories. 00:00 Sam's Reflections on Interpersonal Connections and Bias 02:40 Criticism and Tribal Bias 06:15 Sam's Ethical Dilemma 07:56 Public Figures and Thin Skin 11:38 Lessons Learned? 17:01 Commendations 21:19 Joe Rogan: Friend or Foe? 22:56 Sam Harris and Megyn Kelly 25:01 The Distinction Debate 26:20 Context Matters 32:16 Step 1: Recognising Bias, Step 2: ? 34:27 The Rationalist/IDW/Heterodox Spheres Support the Show: If you enjoy the show and want to support us, you can find us on Patreon, where we have a bunch of extra stuff. ► Patreon: / decodingthegurus Find Us Elsewhere: ► Twitter: @GurusPod ► The Podcast: https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/ ► Patreon: / decodingthegurus ► Reddit: / decodingthegurus

Comments

Conor McGee

Sam is infuriating, because always seems like he's _just_ about to make the big realization but then usually doesn't. It's like one of those television shows that's frustrating because you always end up disappointed but it has enough good bits that you can't stop watching. Having said that I had to stop tuning in because of his Gaza views. I think that was his tunnel vision in its most distilled form.

Maarten Wesselius

Another great thumbnail, good job Editor Andy! When do we get the promised interview with Editor Andy?

Frode Løes Hvatum

So a minor gripe, I guess, but is there a way to not be sent an email when there is a video version of a talk that has already been «aired» as a podcast? I always think there is a new pod when I get the email, get excited to listen, and then get a sneaking feeling I have heard this talk already. And then I am bummed to realise it is just a video version yet again.

Barn

Christopher Smith

Sam mentioned he possibly holds on too long with friends in his ecosphere because he might need them later in the trenches in some imagined consequential fight. A fight against who or what? Podcast relevancy?

Amy

This reminded me to listen to the interview Chris had with Eiynah back in 2024. Chris, I appreciated how measured you were. I used to be a fan of hers until her brain broke in 2023/2024.

Anjan Sarkar

Don't know why, but I find his manager fella absolutely loathesome

driver3

This episode was unique (to me) and good. I do agree with the basic approach of giving both credit and discredit where Matt and Chris think they are due. I found myself going back and forth both with Harris, and with Matt and Chris. But I think it's been rare to hear a guru claiming to re-assess, so this is a really interesting development. I hope Harris is able to get his head even more out of his backside than he has done. The thing is: there's something about being "friends" with people, and about the twisted fracturing of community here in the US. Perhaps around the world also, I don't know. But we have: political thinking substituting for real philosophy, religion and community The inevitable bankruptcy of various religions both in its ridiculous supernatural mythologies taken literally and also IMO in other ways. The bankruptcy of political philosophy thinking in so many quarters, with such extreme right-wing melodramatic pseudo-rational defenses of political freedom. Sam's mistakes have not just been that his friends have surprised him and gone in the wrong direction. But I guess whatever he needs to tell himself to get to a better place.... this is better than him maintaining the status quo.