If You Feel Like Your Life Sucks - Watch This | Sam Harris

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Chris and Sam Harris discuss the tension between ambition and having gratitude for the life you currently have. How does Sam Harris recommend we practice more gratitude? What does Sam Harris do to practise gratitude? What is Sam Harris’ advice for those who are struggling with tragedy?
#samharris #mentalstrength #mindset
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[@jaredmello]

That is a powerful framing by Sam to help our gratitude. “How many people would feel like they hit the lottery if they could trade places with you?”

[@WardofSquid]

That's incredibly powerful. It's so easy in this "Loneliness Economy" to be perpetually envying others. We need to think differently

[@jasonlarsen3515]

Dude hid in his house for 2 years

[@jaredmello]

@@jasonlarsen3515 doesn’t make what he said less true

[@minakoa7178]

@@jasonlarsen3515as he should have

[@Ryosuke1208]

@@jasonlarsen3515 Like everyone in pandemic?

[@christopher2215]

The example Sam uses about rushing and missing the beauty right in front of him is the point I try to stress to my friends and family. Slow down, take a moment and enjoy. It was something I learned from my father before he died. He was careful to take moments and just enjoy those around him.

[@JD..........]

Good luck w that. Boomers seem to think, if you're not rushing around doing things like mad, you're probably lazy.

[@markkennedy9767]

This is exactly the issue is foremost in my life now. Getting that balance right

[@Mrst3lios89]

Well there is a limit to how much time one should take to enjoy the moment so they aren’t wrong most of the times. Enjoying most of these moments don’t have to take a long time.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Life is just a series of moments, be a shame to miss them 💔

[@lievenyperman9363]

In the Book 'the Island' by Aldous Huxley, the society on the Island trained birds to shout 'attention' and 'here and now, boys' to constantly remind people to pay attention to what is happening in the present moment and not be constantly distracted by thoughts of the past and the future. It's a powerful and important message which can not be repeated too often.

[@mindofown]

As a 30 yr Mental Health Clinician, I think Sam nails it on this ability to appreciate the present moment

[@MimosaAudiobooks]

The Present Moment Is the Cosmic Connection when the workaday world becomes overwhelming. It simply Is.❤

[@keepcreationprocess]

IDIOT THAT YOU ARE it is NOT about appreciation ---- the present moment. I REALLY REALLY feel for your unlucky clients ----- they must be almost dead disappeared and in broken jobs and relationships at this moment with bad advice LIKE THIS !

[@jonathanperry7012]

You are the present moment

[@DanielBro42]

@@jonathanperry7012 that's some deepak chopra shit man

[@Nicoladen1]

Ever since internalizing much of Sams wisdom I'm living proof that life is fun no matter the circumstances. It is fundamentally a question of attention rather than success. A question of being rather than doing.

[@keepcreationprocess]

LIFE is not fun - it is precious and miraculous

[@freem8son86]

@@keepcreationprocessand fun as well

[@keepcreationprocess]

@@freem8son86 you mean ironic - but not fun - babies are fun...

[@FreedomBreeze24]

Nope.. it’s FUN

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Harris has such skill in navigation and explanation of his own thoughts and ideas. Such a clarity of explanation too. No 'big fancy' words - just pure content 👌

[@jamesmcinnis208]

I understand his explanation, but find it unnecessarily convoluted - the opposite of clarity. ETA: If you're comparing him to Jordan Peterson, then yes, he's a breath of fresh air.

[@carycimino7699]

A fantastic story teller. A natural pedagogue and kind soul.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

@@jamesmcinnis208 don't think I mentioned JP dude - i used to have the same respect for him - I think all the fame has sent him a bit over the edge though the past couple of years. Hopefully he recovers and gets back to his old self.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@mrtambourineman6107 I know you didn't mention JP. That's why I said "if." I agree that something is off with him recently, and share your hope that it gets resolved.

[@Jon-mn3wm]

I thought this too.. about both Peterson and Harris. Except.. once I started reading psychology and philosophy books I see it everywhere. All of them basically over explain, and over provide examples to justify what they are saying about a completely non-factual phenomena (how you feel and how you are motivated to act being on opposite ends of the spectrum, their topic is the line that connects them). Peterson makes it worse by coming at it from a non-physical explanation of narrative/stories with sprinkles of psychology. Where as Harris is pretty much purely behavioral with a sprinkle of psychology.

[@madsha131]

Damn, Sam’s thoughts on guns must have changed since he decided to bring them to the interview.

[@heyiplaybassguitar]

underrated comment 😂 man's been training!

[@chuckcarmichael7835]

Wearing a black short-sleeve always adds to the Navy Seal physique

[@user-zx4ds8mt9b]

He got big guns for a peaceful dude

[@buddhisadakelum8478]

We

[@greghicks5960]

😂

[@pbala1468]

This aspect ratio makes it feel cinematic! A refreshing experience. Well done Chris and team.

[@thewakakeboarder]

Agreed... excellent recording

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

That, and the picture quality

[@mactireliath2356]

Yeah, I was low key waiting for Trent Reznor to finish the set. In a good way!

[@AceHighway]

It’s also the massive amount of haze in the room

[@v1kt0u5]

Well, I don't think so, because we actually see a smaller image that doesn't fill the proportion of most screens. Aside from that, the overall quality is of course great!

[@patmull1]

This may be one of the most important conversations I have ever seen on the internet. Despite recent dramas, Sam Harris is still a living legend and I'm so glad I can live at the same time with him, Peterson, or even mentioned Huberman and Attiya!

[@theknowlodge8294]

Absolutely agree

[@oodlesofnoodles4660]

And yet all of what Harris has said here has been said before, many thousands of years ago, by several of the ancient Stoics. Most notably Seneca in his _Letters from a Stoic._

[@righteousshift482]

I would leave Peterson out of that equation. He makes some adroit points about psychology but his grounding is lacking in the realms of philosophy, politics, and economics. He won't be remembered in 10 years other than as a cultural zeitgeist data point. Harris is great and a far more robust logician than Peterson. His arguments around religion are well constructed and thoughtfully articulated. I love him for that. I think some of his political policy ideas are a little primitive but overall Harris is a boss. Great podcasts if you haven't had the chance to listen to them.

[@righteousshift482]

@@oodlesofnoodles4660 Seneca also a boss. It's funny isn't it these classical thinkers were noting such refined aspects of human nature. Now we turn on the TV and see someone like Trump saying _"I know all the big words."_ Fk me what a contrast!

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

@@righteousshift482good lord why do intellectuals drone on and on about their vast nuanced critiques whilst building nothing themselves. What a waste.

[@KiwikimNZ]

I do not want for anything, I am exactly where I am meant to be. Acceptance of what is, what has been and looking forward with excitement instead of fear, I can live in this moment in peace and gratitude. I am so blessed. ❤

[@benedictquek]

I also had this "awakening" same as you. Life is so much simpler and clearer now, when you don't have to take your fears and emotions too seriously.

[@ChezGiven]

This looks amazing Chris! Can’t wait for full episode. I thought this clip was very well selected, showing clear understanding of the modern psychological issues we all face . Big love, from a fellow Geordie who is very proud of you!

[@nightmoose]

Are you guys having this conversation on the set of The Mummy?

[@kenmcnutt2]

Gratitude and ambition are two of the things that I've always lacked the most.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

We've all been saying that about you, so snap out of it.

[@kenmcnutt2]

@@jamesmcinnis208 There's nothing to snap out of. That's the way I feel based on evidence, but thanks for trying. I'm sure you mean well.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@@kenmcnutt2 It was an attempt at playful humor, but I can see that's also not included in the vocabulary.

[@kenmcnutt2]

@@jamesmcinnis208 It was mostly honest with a little humor sprinkled in. Really though, the original point was just being honest with myself, and at least ten people feel similar enough to agree. Think about the type of person that would want to click on this video. It's not because they were feeling perfectly.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@@kenmcnutt2 Your assumption works for you, I guess, and that's all that matters.

[@guitartolearn]

Great clip. Half because Sam makes great points. But Also because Chris is relaxed and really listening. Wish he was always this relaxed.

[@moehassani]

This production quality and Sam Harris’ voice! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@jasonleech1254]

These are some of the wisest words I’ve ever heard.

[@Lizaskz]

Such a beautiful delivery, thank you

[@stevegovea1]

About 2 minutes in, I agree completely. I'm fortunate and blessed to retire at 41 years old from the military. There are times I still think it's rough, but then I realize I have all the time I want with my sons...that's priceless.

[@shanecle]

This one of the greatest talks from your podcast. I am not the biggest fan of Sam Harris, but his talk here is so good. I came to these same conclusions years ago after reading Meditations, Paradise Lost, the Bible, the works of David Hawkins.

[@aidan4891]

Getting through this podcast and its definitely one of the best ive heard in a while. Very illuminating

[@johnsondeng]

I love this combo. Dr Sam Harris' insight on consciousness on Andrew Huberman's podcast was phenomenal and I'm so glad to see him have a different, more philosophical conversation with Chris. Can't wait for the full talk.

[@chrisbraden8207]

“ Doctor “ Sam ?!?!? 🤣🤪🤣🤪😎🤪🤣🤪

[@dawnfmEnthusiast]

@@chrisbraden8207 lmfao yeah. Huberman is the real deal.

[@andrelucas8950]

⁠@@chrisbraden8207 he has a PhD. Do you have the same response to other non-medical PhDs being called ‘doctor’? E.g. ‘Dr Jordan Peterson’?

[@notu1529]

In every moment of existence, there is always something that can be meaningful and for us to be grateful for. This reminds me of The Myth of Sisyphus

[@gregorywilkinson5731]

This production is awesome. Makes it feel so cinematic.

[@skotski]

Visually beautiful setting for a discussion. Nice production. It’s great that you both can appear so comfortable and natural in it.

[@michaelthompson2458]

He is so wonderful, and I can fully appreciate what he's talking about...Basically, real Self-Actualization.

[@nickvogel]

I don't always agree with everything Sam says but as a human being I relate to how he wrestles with ideas.

[@benedictquek]

We are all on a journey of self-discovery. Sam, too, is still learning. In the meantime, remember to be kind.

[@AnderWestgaard]

Thank you for the wisdom Sam. The more I can lean into God and the present moment as a gift, the better life can be even through tribulation.

[@neilsjmcmahon]

Beautifully said, beautifully lit and beautifully shot 🙏🏻

[@jazzmastaj]

Sams posture throughout this podcast was fantastic.

[@KirkpatrickSounds]

Resonated a lot with what Sam was saying here. Great podcast.

[@117Industries]

I love the way Sam put this

[@andykidd99]

Kudos to you for letting your guests speak and not interrupting like most do

[@joebaileyco]

Substance and style, this podcast killed. Amazing job.

[@LieselInTheWoods]

Looking forward to this episode! Before the Waking Up app I thought I was trapped in my skull. Moments of recognizing that there is no 'I' to be trapped has giving me so much more space. Hard to explain, but such a game changer.

[@alexcope8142]

explain why david goggins is a good role model or not?

[@jxeh1442]

Agreed entirely. Feels like a complete brain re-wiring which truly is liberating.

[@heyiplaybassguitar]

Yes! Been using Waking Up app for just over a year now. What a difference! Amazing way to get into guided meditations and mindfulness. Highly recommend for anyone who feels trapped in their skulls - regardless of what you think of Sam Harris and his opinions, it is an extremely helpful and insightful tool. And for anyone worried, he steers clear of hot topics and keeps things relevant to meditation. No politics, no heated debates - just excellent resources (and guest speaker topics) for those trying to look inward and learn more about the nature of their own minds.

[@mischiefner]

The dislike count on any clip of Sam is becoming funny. No matter how valuable, wholesome or generally good message he tries to convey, there will be people who just don't get it because of their distorted vision by politics. I would like a ticket to another planet please...

[@digitalnevada77]

Did you forget what he said? How extremely ignorant he is? He said “Hunter Biden could’ve have the corpses of children in his basement, I would not have cared… because it wouldn’t compare to the corruption of Donald Trump”. He also can’t take responsibility or admit fault in that he was SOOO wrong over Covid. Instead he doubles down, picturing this scene where there’s a virus so deadly that babies would be dying that people would be horrified and wouldn’t have ANY doubts, skepticism, or even questions about vaccine safety. So yes, he threw all “wise and ooh intelligent” words out the window when he really revealed who he is. He’s a malignant prick and authoritarian wanna-be.

[@SampsonAndBeasley]

The man is now a shill and a tool. (He was just an arrogant tool before Covid.) He has been contemptibly atheistic (in that he hates the religious), even when he knew the truth of the divine. It’s tragedy so many thought he was so wise for so long.

[@jipgroenhart5755]

This was just wat i needed thanks❤

[@mike110111]

Very well said

[@Dapryor]

This is old school Sam I remember loving.

[@alibabaschultz352]

He hasnt reverted, only gotten better with age.

[@oodlesofnoodles4660]

More like old school Seneca. All that was talked about here (and in most other talks with Sam Harris) can be found in the writings of the ancient Stoics.

[@MrEismenTV]

@@alibabaschultz352 not at all

[@deanodog3667]

​@@oodlesofnoodles4660yeah, seneca was a fraud and charlatan though!

[@tonyfanfarone]

@@oodlesofnoodles4660are you saying that there is something bad about that? Maybe some aren’t schooled in the writings of the ancient stoics.

[@fukun5773]

Sam Harris is on of the top 5 podcast guests of 2023 in my book

[@tropicalqueen6520]

....recognise the beauty of your life moment to moment... Love this!

[@Nicoladen1]

Enjoyment comes from being, success comes from doing. All the success in the world won't mean a thing if you cannot be present in the moment to actually enjoy the fruits of your efforts. If all we do is strive, then we will forever be restless, until death that is. To be mentally strong one must be utterly aware of and unidentified with one's patterns of thought and behavior.

[@grademployment]

Okay, Sam is jacked. Good for him!

[@bigtree6992]

Such a powerful video

[@kerryannhayes1476]

I can already tell this is going to be one of the best episodes of MW. That 10 minute snippet was absolute gold 📣

[@aleksandry.7213]

I was very happy to see Sam in a more public space, I wish we saw him more often

[@MatthewPinson-vt1jg]

When your ego has been put in place over and over again, you will become YOU!

[@superdeluxesmell]

The loss of awareness that every human being suffers deeply during their life is one of the greatest problems facing the world today. Everyone thinks they’re the only one having a bad time. It has entirely eroded empathy and is leading to the decay of society.

[@dannymeske3821]

Be here now!

[@joshfredr7846]

so true.

[@RoadRunner217]

9:20 That shit was hilarious. Sam has this unique ability to just deliver the most dry and philosophical jabs. I bent over laughing hearing that.

[@charliewalker9443]

Great stuff

[@treywagnon7001]

He’s literally just saying appreciate the present it was super easy to understand

[@lovetownsend]

He ain't lying about his wife, have you seen her? Sam getting W's

[@CrextComic]

Happiness is but a moment, while change causes pain in the moment, but with meaning you can overcome such pain when needed. We all have our painful demons we must exorcist, like how Mr. Harris got his Trump derangement syndrome. Pride is the deadliest sins, as it is the most painful to overcome/change.

[@babysteps1]

love the 16x9

[@MRKDjarod]

Man am I looking forward to this episode. You’re ability to direct the conversation combined with Sam’s typically insightful and articulate responses.. I expect to have this episode running forward and back throughout the whole week.

[@markkennedy9767]

Is the full episode of this around. Sam's great.

[@robertblackwell8611]

Brilliant as always

[@eclectichead]

Thank you Sam Harris.

[@zibtihaj3213]

Profound

[@garethwood6882]

Jeezo! This guy could send a glass eye to sleep. I'll give the full interview a sweve!

[@ET_LWO]

Ad meter is great

[@ChrisWillx]

Hello you legends. Watch the full 3+ hour podcast with Sam now - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZLVi2aVZZdgjsk

[@AdamHenry21]

Chris, you are better than this guy. Please don’t give him access to your platform anymore. I would rather listen to what you have to say, someone with some life experience, than this ivory tower, weak little b!+

[@CONEHEADDK]

ASK him about Hunter's laptop aso? He's kinda smart, and very stooopid - yeah Ham Sarris..!!!!

[@wasdwasdedsf]

has he recovered from his crippling case of TDS yet?

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Great, I’ll be listening! 😊

[@k.d.rasmussen1205]

The fucking drop it already.

[@asundermom]

It's hard to feel gratitude when you don't know where you are getting your next meal or if you will have a place to live . When money is literally something you worry about.I am trying to be positive for what we have but it's hard.

[@lsmlsm2115]

That was genuinely moving.

[@markscholz1219]

Despite his secular stance, I concur with his practical wisdom that acknowledges a need for appreciating the present moment

[@shanecle]

Agreed. Sam Harris has turned me off him in recent years, but this talk here is great.

[@Joe_159]

This blew me away, thank you both

[@Redexn]

Sam looking yolked

[@AtMyHappyPlace]

After COVID and the last few years, can’t take a word this guy say’s seriously-he’s tarnished his reputation forever.

[@zan6585]

I'm glad that The Scarecrow let you guys use his hideout for the podast studio, production quality is top notch.

[@mochabear7159]

Sam’s mental health is so strong that he can’t even recognise his own biases.

[@Rex69Rutherford]

His ego is so strong.....

[@korbx]

What biases would that be, pray tell

[@Kinsman19]

The irony of this shit coming from you Trump cultists is so rich it gives one cavities.

[@paulodrca]

😀

[@ThePaulaon1]

​@@korbxYou and I both know that this guy won't be able to explain it.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Gratitude can be a habit.

[@gabikoyenov]

I love your podcast Chris. I've been listening for a while. I've got my own podcast now and it would would be a real dream if I can get to your level one day. Thanks for inspiring me!

[@clownhands]

I appreciate Sam, I’ve read his books, I’ve seen him live with Danny Kahneman, and I would not consider him a mentally strong person.

[@alibabaschultz352]

Why?

[@victorygarden556]

@@alibabaschultz352he doesn’t support democratic elections lawful transfer of power. He almost had an aneurysm when trump was in the news cycle.

[@wallacehowery6414]

Harris disrespected convict 45.

[@paulmckenna6247]

Wow

[@danrichards9823]

Sam Harris is amazing. When is the full podcast released?

[@ErnestRamaj]

Monday

[@twizlestick8120]

sam is the definition of mental strength breaking

[@Retotion]

this comment section still seething at Sam for breaking his audience's hivemind is better evidence of weak mental strength!

[@projectm8899]

very welll said@@Retotion

[@georgemulford2910]

@@Retotionwhat happened?

[@harryrylott5982]

Sam Harris - son of a westerns actor and tv producer - now working in the media

[@TheSinlessAssassin]

For a secular dude, he sure as hell sound spiritual. And I don't say that like it's a bad thing. I just find Sam's progression of thought over the years quite interesting.

[@p1m1d1]

He wrote a book subtitled A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

[@robertblackwell8611]

No progression here, not to say he hasn't progressed, but this has been a significant part of his work since he begun

[@nateo7045]

Sam experimented with MDMA and psychedelics as a teenager and took retreats to napal to study buddhists teachings in his early 20s. Spirituality has always been a part of his intellectual appetite.

[@txdmsk]

@@nateo7045 He probably experimented with drugs way too much.

[@BarrySometimes]

Love Sam. Looking forward to listening to this conversation in its totality come Monday. Thanks, Chris!

[@FreddotheWheelchairGuy]

You’ve no idea how much I’m looking forward to this podcast!! Sam has been quite literally part of my morning routine for years, with the waking up app. Two of the finest role models in cinematic exquisiteness- thanks Chris 👌

[@Dapryor]

Does the app help you start your day relaxed?

[@Zverre1]

Yes, but not in the way you might think. It helps you to be cool with whatever state you are in and the side effect of that is that you often times become relaxed (if were not before). It sort of similar to falling sleep. If you dont try so hard you will more likely fll asleep

[@davidblake8612]

Hydration drink! That's water mate. Good clip.

[@kmac540]

Please tell me that you talk about how Trump somewhat (trying to be kind) owned the real estate inside Sam’s head? Waking Up - and a lot of the content Sam has produced is great and I’m forever grateful for how he has positively impacted my life but I would love to hear it discussed.

[@motorhead48067]

Watch Harris talk about Trump on the Lex Friedman podcast a few months ago if you want a recent defense of his views there. Criticizing a President of the United States who refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power and tries to steal an election is not letting them “have real estate in your head.” There’s basically nothing on Earth more worthy of criticism than a President trying to subvert the will of the people so as to illegitimately retain his power.

[@victorygarden556]

That’s the issue. He was great on other stuff and suddenly he doesn’t support lawful transfer of power or democratic elections. You should throw out his lessons unless you see someone who isn’t an authoritarian despot saying that same lesson.

[@Hormoz.]

Dude, relax. Dude is owning real estate in prison right now. Maybe pray for his ass virginity a lil bit.

[@user-fr8hx4pn6g]

All you have is a present moment there is no past there is no future just FOCUS tomorrow you might be dead.

[@picklejooselova]

lol at the ad

[@dessertstorm7476]

extracting pleasure in the moment sounds great but to me it kind of feels like "settling for less", what about the motivation that comes from dissatisfaction?

[@cozyslor]

Before I go to sleep, and after taking an edible or toking, I consciously decide to enjoy the moment of relaxation on my pillow just prior to falling asleep.

[@bobs4115]

Yep, like I tell my wife......to be a middleclass American in 2023 is to be as affluent as the top one tenth of one percent of people ever to walk this earth.....that's a good start on the road to happiness, so let's not complain too much

[@benedictquek]

Positive words are just over compensation. You wouldn't need so much strength if you didn’t take on so many challenges. The reason we need so much over compensation is because we are hardwired with fear and negativity. The only honest solution is to ignore the meaningless fear and anxiety.

[@lou1s111]

The visuals on the pod is like a fkn movie. Very cool Chris, I wonder if the guests get intimidated

[@MusixPro4u]

Ben Stiller is jacked.

[@windermerewakeify]

Where is that pic of joker from??? This to shall pass 😊

[@tommieirl1]

Dear Dr. Harris, I have a question, if you'll ever read this. My brain's DMN(default mode network) is making over hours and I largely believe my (diagnosed) ADHD is the culprit. I meditate daily, twice for 15 min since about 6 months. It does alleviate stress and anxiety but I feel my DMN is too crazy and unable to really calm down, especially during meditation. To combat this I tried LSD which seemed to have a positive effect and made me very calm and present during 'intoxication'. I'm considering micro-dosing it but want to rule out my other options first. What I'm wondering is, could it be for the DMN to be so active that it'll render meditation almost useless? I wish you would talk about ADHD sometime as I'm not sure if all advice works the same for people with ADHD. I followed dozens of the recommended 'brain-science-rules' but found them to not always be as effective for my dopamine-craving brain. Are psychedelics a meditation booster, so to speak or should I just double down on meditation and have a little more faith? I have a psychologist that has helped me tremendously with CBT. Of course, I'll keep doing this as well, but I already finished these two mental healthcare recommended books TWICE: Build Your Confidence With CBT - Manja de Neef and A Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness by Ernst Bohlmeijer, Monique Hulsbergen. I'm considering doing them all over again as I keep learning new things, but you've somewhat convinced me to lean harder toward meditation as it would be more straight to the 'source'. TLDR: If the DMN is too high and full of monkey-chatter as the monks call it, does meditation have any effect? Should I just tire my brain down to the point and take anything I can? What's your take on ADHD, how to tackle the lack of dopamine in meditation? Thank you for reading. Anyone that's not Dr. Harris, I'm accepting all advice and would love to hear it!

[@swirlingchi]

Look into your caffeine consumption, if any. If so, consider refraining for at least 3 months

[@tommieirl1]

I don't drink caffeine, as I'm aware it messes with medication big time. Thanks though, that's solid advice. @@swirlingchi

[@wallacehowery6414]

Lower your screen time, and try to get frequent high intensity excercise (60 minutes a day, 5 times a week).

[@georgemulford2910]

Also ADHD is not real

[@natef1315]

The fact that the man that had a literal mental breakdown on Twitter on more than one occasion, is now speaking about "mental strength" is the Chefs Kiss of Irony

[@lordraw8520]

Oh look... a trump supporter. 🤮

[@ThePaulaon1]

Your being hysterical.

[@natef1315]

@@ThePaulaon1 And accurate

[@jasongravely7217]

It’s amazing how many people comment on Sam Harris without employing what he’s talking about. They aren’t his ideas. Your dislike for him blinds you from any truth he has to offer. Who is the person trying to fight against him, or his wisdom or his political views? You’re missing out on peace vs gossip. Knowing vs assuming. You deny that but I believe it’s true.

[@jamesmcgladdery6164]

Find mental resilience and sustainable happiness by awareness of how different life could be and accepting the present… Some stoic advice for dealing with the suffering everyone is inevitably going to face in life… But what about it’s affect on making decisions for positive change? I hope the full conversation presents the counter to this narrative. The continuation of this idea, to the point that one fully “transcends” life’s challenges and your human response to situations in this way runs the risk of keeping you still. You would be absorbed in a spiritual comfort blanket. What about ambition? What about risk? What would happen if you never made any changes in life because you apply this Buddhist maxim beyond your own mortality? You might appreciated the safety of you home as a child but you move on to find a new family and agency in the world (this would be Jordan Peterson’s rhetoric on the matter). It is sage advice, but I’d argue it isn’t the foundation for strength or happiness, it is tool for peacefulness when needed.

[@nateo7045]

The two aren't mutually exclusive. They're both valid, but one is less pronounced in the public domain which is why I feel Sam feels the need to offer it. Both are no doubt difficult and essential parts to living a satisfied life. Love JP and SH to bits.

[@Zverre1]

See your point but I would argue the opposite is true. For example: what keeps a person non-productive and unhappy are arguably things like procrastination, addictions, unability to change bahaviours etc. Why do people procrastinate? At its core its a way of avoiding unpleasant feelings such as anxiety and boredom. How do you untangle or free yourself from unpleasant feelings? Mindfulness. So just because you learn how to be mindful doesnt mean you prefer to use your time to do nothing. Its more likely you free yourself to do more important and/or difficult stuff. Does that make sense? Have you practiced meditation?

[@TheBestMcG]

@@nateo7045 I was about to agree but I think it depends on time frame. They aren’t mutually exclusive as there are different scenarios to apply contentment with what one has, and another to pursue more. But in a single moment, or for a single decision I think the two lines of thinking are close to being mutually exclusive, hence why I suggest they’re tools rather than foundations - which I slightly different to what Sam suggests here and closer to what Erik Angner suggested on a recent episode.

[@TheBestMcG]

@@Zverre1 I think it depends on the situation and again comes back to how you use the tools of either mindfulness practices or action to change your circumstances. I do meditate and find it very fulfilling. It helps me search for an internal peace and transcendence (at least that’s what I try to do!). And I think we’d agree that such practice can bring clarity and foundation to then pursue an meaningful ambition. In the defence of action though, meditative practices can leave you procrastinating rather than taking action. You’re right that isn’t a guarantee, or preventative of action. But nevertheless it can be a risk. I’d still query if that’s what Sam says in this snippet - perhaps it’s the context (although Chris’ question at the start is about balance) but he infers that if given the choice people should lean towards being happy with what they have (which can be achieved through mindfulness) and that will bring them more happiness. It’s not wrong per se, and statistically speaking probably justified! I’m just not sure the equation for happiness (although I’d prefer to speak in terms of fulfilment and meaning) is that simple, especially for the type of audience that will be listening - curious to know how he’d balance the two perspectives.

[@Zverre1]

@@TheBestMcG I totally agree that you could use meditation as a procrastination/avoidance mechanism. Just like you could clean your house instead of writing that book or whatever. The general misunderstanding I think is that its either or. At around 5:05 in the video Sam gets at this. You can just be (mindfulness) and become (working ambitiously towards goals) at the same time. That´s where the magic is imo. But it takes time to learn how to do this and even more time to do it consistently. Im definitly not there yet:-). I also agree with you that the equation of happiness isn´t that simple. Like you say, meditation leans towards the peace of mind part of happiness. But I also think it can help you to make wiser choices around other things that brings different flavours of happiness, such as well being, euphoria and life satisfaction.

[@JustinsSoapbox]

8:59 - "'...look, that Bugatti over there is mine!...' At best, that's impermanent." 9:34 - "...you need another gear" To be fair to that Bugatti, though, it does have 7 gears.

[@pjg3953]

Difficult to enjoy the present moment if you're unlucky enough to experience torture in any form.

[@ritahogikyan8560]

Sam Harris I’d more than Amazing 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@HandiasTobil]

hitchen's dead, tyson's gone crazy, and dawkins' spineless. i guess harris will do.