185 Sam Harris Consciousness Free Will Psychedelics Ai Ufos And Meaning
Table of Contents
At a Glance
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The Importance of Being Present - “you can’t enjoy those moments the way they should be enjoyed, the way you dreamed you would enjoy them when they arrive.” The host emphasizes the need to be present in the moment and let go of distractions.
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Becoming vs. Being - “You can only be happy. You can not become happy.” Sam Harris makes a point about the illusion that our future happiness is tied to becoming something or achieving certain things, when in fact it’s just a state of being.
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The Illusion of Control - “You’re constantly stepping over the thing that you think you’re seeking but in the act of seeking it.” The host highlights how we often create an illusion of control by seeking something that is actually within our reach.
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Attention and Change - “real attention solves the condition in a way that becomes a very different place from which to then make any further change.” Sam Harris notes how paying close attention can fundamentally shift one’s perspective, making it easier to make positive changes.
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The Paradox of Happiness - “You can’t actually become happy. You can only be happy.” The host quotes Harris on the paradox that our happiness is not something we need to achieve but rather a state of being.
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The Value of Being Present with Sam Harris - “I’ve experienced many of those things, the sense that I’ve arrived.” The host reflects on how talking to Sam Harris has been an experience that’s made them feel present and connected.
What to Do
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Focus on being happy rather than becoming happy - This piece of advice is rooted in the idea that happiness is not something we achieve, but rather it’s an inherent part of our present moment experience. By focusing on being happy now, rather than waiting for a future state, we can cultivate greater joy and fulfillment in life.
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Let go of the illusion that your well-being is somewhere else - This advice encourages us to recognize that our sense of well-being is not dependent on external circumstances or future events. By letting go of this illusion, we can focus on cultivating a deeper sense of inner peace and contentment.
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Real attention solves the condition in any domain - This piece of advice suggests that by cultivating greater awareness and attention in our daily lives, we can address any challenges or conditions that may be present. By focusing on the present moment, we can tap into a deeper sense of wisdom and clarity.
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The paradox of becoming vs being - his advice highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between becoming something (e.g., achieving a goal) and simply being in the present moment. By embracing our inherent nature, rather than constantly striving for something more, we can experience greater peace and fulfillment.
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The power of gratitude and appreciation - This advice encourages us to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. By focusing on what we already have, rather than constantly desiring more, we can tap into a deeper sense of joy and contentment.
What to Get
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Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris - Amazon
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The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values by Sam Harris - Amazon
Summary
The podcast episode features a conversation between two individuals, one of whom is Sam Harris, a well-known author and podcaster. The conversation starts with a reflection on the fleeting nature of life’s moments, particularly when it comes to experiences like being on the beach together. One of the speakers mentions that unless you have a mind that can truly focus on the present moment, you might miss out on enjoying these experiences as they should be.
The conversation then delves into the idea that our perception of happiness is often predicated on future achievements or experiences. The speakers discuss how this creates an illusion that we need to “become” happy rather than simply being happy in the present moment. They also touch on the theme of “becoming,” which can include furthering one’s education, getting in shape, or achieving other goals. However, they suggest that real attention and awareness can solve the root causes of dissatisfaction, making further change unnecessary.
One of the speakers shares a personal experience of feeling like they’ve finally arrived at a place where they’re truly present and aware. They mention that this sense of arrival is often tied to the idea of manifesting one’s desires or achieving certain goals. The conversation also touches on the theme of free will, with the speaker mentioning that they feel like they’re not entirely in control of their life.
The episode ends with a quote from Sam Harris’ book “Free Will,” which reminds listeners that they are not controlling external events and are instead a part of those events themselves. This thought-provoking conversation encourages listeners to cultivate awareness and presence in the midst of life’s chaos, rather than getting caught up in future goals or achievements.
