#2148 - Gad Saad

At a Glance

• The Power of Tenure - “If I didn’t have the protection of tenure, I’d be gone long ago. Now, that doesn’t mean that I still haven’t suffered many consequences”. Saad discusses the importance of tenure in academia, particularly for those with controversial opinions, emphasizing the protection it offers against cancel culture and other professional risks.

• Personal Experience with Anti-Semitism - “So now after October 7th, it almost became impossible for me to go on campus… you have death to Jews and free Palestine… Many of them know who you are”. Saad shares his personal experiences with anti-Semitism, especially following the events of October 7th, highlighting the real-world dangers and hostility he faces.

• Historical Context of Jewish Persecution - “When we left that day, it was from Beirut to Copenhagen, Copenhagen to Montreal. As we cleared the airspace of Lebanon… my mother pulls out a pendulum with the Star of David, puts it around me… Forty-five years later, I better not wear a Star of David in Montreal, Canada”. This anecdote connects Saad’s past experiences fleeing persecution in Lebanon with the current resurgence of anti-Semitism, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Jewish safety and identity.

• Critique of Modern Academia and Social Media - “The blatant, just out in the open anti-Semitism that we see today is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Like roaches coming out of the woodwork”. Saad criticizes the pervasive anti-Semitism he observes, exacerbated by social media and the ideological environment in academia, highlighting the alarming normalization of hate speech and bigotry.

What to Do

• Embrace Life as a Playground - Approach challenges and opportunities with a sense of playfulness and curiosity.

• Find a Partner Who Shares Your Sense of Humor - Having someone who engages with you on the same level of humor can significantly predict a successful relationship.

• Develop Empathy by Seeing Others as They Were as Children - Understand that people may have faced difficult circumstances to develop a more compassionate view of their behaviors.

• Find Happiness in Simple Things - Focus on what you have rather than what you lack to find joy and purpose, even in difficult circumstances.

• Avoid Unnecessary Conflict - Resolve conflicts within yourself and avoid external conflicts that do not serve a constructive purpose.

• Be Open to Changing Your Opinions - Admit when you are wrong and be open to changing your ideas, which leads to respect and personal growth.

• Engage in Continuous Learning - Conversations with people who know more than you can be incredibly enriching, as there is always something new to discover.

What to Get

• “The Sad Truth About Happiness: Eight Secrets for Leading a Good Life” – Gad Saad** https://amzn.to/4aYq1HD

• “The Parasitic Mind” – Gad Saad** https://amzn.to/4b30uwL

Summary

In this lively and engaging conversation, Joe Rogan and his guest, Gad Saad, kick things off by celebrating Saad’s milestone of appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience for the tenth time. They joke about the significance of this achievement, with Saad humorously suggesting that it should be the top item on his CV, which he explains is an extensive 47-page document detailing his academic accomplishments. The conversation quickly shifts to Saad’s new book on happiness, “The Sad Truth About Happiness: Eight Secrets for Leading a Good Life,” set to release on May 14th. Joe marvels at Saad’s ability to remain productive and avoid cancellation despite his controversial positions, likening him to the “Teflon Don” because nothing seems to stick.

The discussion then delves into the academic world’s perception of popular media, with Saad recounting a story from 2017 when he was criticized by a Stanford professor for appearing on Joe Rogan’s show. The professor dismissed the idea of making research “sexy” enough for a podcast, but Saad defended his approach, arguing that reaching a broader audience through platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast is more impactful than publishing papers read by only a handful of people. Joe agrees, highlighting the importance of disseminating knowledge and how his podcast has become a significant platform for intellectual discussions. They both acknowledge the changing patterns in academia and media, with more professors now seeking to appear on popular shows to share their work.

The conversation takes a personal turn as they discuss the impact of fame and online interactions. Joe shares his strategy for handling fame by staying true to himself and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Saad mentions the negativity he faces online but notes that in-person interactions are overwhelmingly positive. They both agree that online communication often leads to misunderstandings and heightened anxiety, contrasting it with the more genuine and respectful interactions in real life. Saad also touches on the importance of social networks for happiness and longevity, prompting Joe to reflect on his long-lasting friendships with fellow comedians and how these relationships have remained stable over the years. The conversation is peppered with humor, mutual respect, and insightful observations, making it a captivating exchange for listeners.