NEUROSCIENTIST EXPLAINS The #1 Reason Why People Suffer IN LIFE | Sam Harris & Lewis Howes

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Thank you for watching this powerful interview with Sam Harris!
Check out the show notes here: www.lewishowes.com/824
Sam Harris is a New York Times best-selling author, podcast host, and creator of the Waking Up Course. His books include The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, Waking Up, and Islam and the Future of Tolerance (with Maajid Nawaz). The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics-neuroscience, moral philosophy, religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality-but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam shares that when he experiences emotions like anger to sadness, he becomes interested in the emotion. He observes his body’s reaction and tries to distance himself from his feelings. So get ready to learn how mindfulness can end suffering on Episode 824.
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Lewis Howes' New Book - The Mask of Masculinity
lewishowes.com/man
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Lewis Howes is a NY Times Bestselling author, entrepreneur, and former professional Arena League football player. He hosts The School of Greatness, a talk show distributed as a podcast. Learn and hear the stories of various successful people around the world, become inspired, motivated and educated with the SCHOOL OF GREATNESS. lewishowes.com/book
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[@shakespearemonologue]

Great interview thanks!

[@lewishowes]

You are welcome!

[@serbeef7974]

Holy fuck, when Sam Harris speaks about there's no centre to consciousness and there's only experience it clicked!! Thanks for the awesome podcast :)

[@MrSJSEE]

My thoughts exactly Lewis. Great questions.

[@klumaverik]

@Larry Myers lol

[@jackdarby2168]

@@serbeef7974 no mate consciousness is fake word for what we all accepted as soul. And we all have souls mate. They give shape to everything include the body

[@JimSting]

Sam is somewhat unique in that he combines philosophy and neuroscience, achieving results that either on their own cannot. Exactly what 21st century humanity needs.

[@Awerback]

I’m so glad Sam exists

[@rayzor5289]

Yes, thank Allah for him

[@joshboston2323]

Ray zor-thank allah for everything.

[@Nytequiller]

But Sam doesn't exist ;)

[@klumaverik]

@@Nytequiller I'm so glad the atoms that are currently labelled as sam harris are in the arrangement they are in right now.

[@klumaverik]

About Sam and his dad, I had the exact same epiphany when I had children and was astonished to realize how horrible it would be to leave my kids like that. It really changed my relationship with my father after that.

[@LawrenceAugust_]

Sam Harris AKA Zen Stiller

[@JustT0m752]

I can't believe I haven't heard that before. Hilarious!

[@tanseygreen291]

Yawn

[@jasongravely7217]

tanseygreen *bigger yawn

[@liamc7097]

Dude. Bravo.

[@ybyby3rdday]

@@knobfieldfox You referring to that interview with that obnoxious woman?

[@stevebonella1]

The mental clarity of this man is astounding. Terrific stuff.

[@toasternfriends3329]

Out of curiosity, is this the first time you've seen or heard Sam Harris?

[@day0walker]

Tell us what's in your bag...Ya bastard!

[@freeinquiry1373]

Seriously. Each of his books will make anyone smarter. His ability to articulate complex concepts in such distilled language is a high level art. 🙌

[@aleksandaratan]

you've mistaken clarity with mambojambo

[@arpitthakur45]

@@aleksandaratan you are not at fault...your mind chooses to believe that....

[@SevenRemedies]

There should be a lesson at school called mindfullness.. Peace .. 🌞

[@MasterSimpkins]

I like that Sam has opened up a lot recently about his personal life and its effects on him

[@KurtGodel432]

Shit hit the fan haha.

[@amirkhan355]

Sam Harris is a walking testimony to the philosophy of not lying, striving to deliver the truth, and that makes his message extremely powerful. I know I can always listen to him and learn something fundamental about the nature of reality. Thanks for sharing this.

[@rationalmystic5]

You know that you have lived a good life when you have had Sam Harris sitting three feet away from you talking about life . what a great podcast . thank you Mr Howes and deep gratitude Mr Harris. Lots of love and goodwill to you . take care sir.

[@sammysam2615]

We suffer more in our imagination then in life itself

[@dawnhansen7886]

100 % agree ❕

[@danieljakubik3428]

Correct! Excellent life observation and wisdom!

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 💎🤍science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically, psalms16:24 k,j 👻💎🤍👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪

[@kittuojha]

but then life itself is lived in imagination mostly. consciousness itself is an evolutionary illusion created by brain (probably).

[@CJ0101]

Your first point is good. I was about to say the same thing. Namely, that the totality of what we refer to as 'our' 'life, ' is a story; and, being a story, it is interpreted in the brain and by thinking and imagination. By describing consciousness as an evolutionary illusion, do you.mean that it's function is to perpetuate the survival of the organism?

[@torshops]

also props to the interviewer.. he got Sam to talk about things a little outside his comfort zone it seemed

[@diabl2master]

The perpetual contrived smile was annoying though

[@StuartFerguson55]

@@diabl2master ikr, and those orange lockers behind him! Yuck! I could barely listen to what they were saying I was so focused on them!

[@acruzp]

@@StuartFerguson55 "when the wise man points a the moon..." you know the rest

[@gpguy2749]

I don’t think Sam could ever be out of his comfort zone.

[@FacelessProjects]

What a fantastic conversation. Thank you Lewis Howes, Sam Harris is as close to an idol as I have.

[@kaliyoagho4590]

Completely relate to you!

[@vividhkothari1]

"The thing we actually want is a good enough excuse to totally relax in a present moment." That's a very unique insightful comment that I haven't heard before. That's very interesting. And more I think about it, more I find it to be true. I just want things that will give me an excuse to be in present THEN.

[@andresarias4836]

I actually loved those questions. I had never seen Sam get so personal before.

[@diabl2master]

Yeah, he pulled out some great questions in the 2nd half.

[@callistomoon461]

Imagine a world where everyone is as advanced as Sam Harris.

[@Julian-we6qg]

Imagine that world's Sam Harris

[@ryanrobin12]

@@Julian-we6qg mind blown

[@Nytequiller]

@@Julian-we6qg so Sam Harris? jk

[@adamk9700]

I’ve often wondered this as well. To me Sam has always been a glimpse of what the human Intellect and mindset of the future can be

[@FighterFlash]

You mean AI?

[@hairyclamakabushsenior2870]

23:55 “Concentration is intrinsically pleasurable” 24:20 “its really just the concentration, it doesn’t matter what your focused on”

[@JPinto-bs9hf]

you're **

[@JPinto-bs9hf]

You keep working on your English bud, leave the thinking to those of us with larger brains.

[@hairyclamakabushsenior2870]

@@JPinto-bs9hf it’s a common mistake, Pinto..lol but I’m glad you found one reason to be proud this month... something tells me you desperately need affirmation. I sense you didn’t get enough from mom.

[@hairyclamakabushsenior2870]

@@JPinto-bs9hf do you write on your job resume “Homophone Master”, under skills ? I’d like to know

[@hairyclamakabushsenior2870]

@@JPinto-bs9hf would you mind checking my last entry for proper use of a homophone? your gifts should be seen every moment (☝️check that one, too)

[@bitarezaee6152]

I have found this interview much much more useful than the one in Impact Theory. He didn't allow the guest to talk and discuss...thanks for listening patiently

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 🤍💎science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically,psalms16:24 k,j 👻🤍💎👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪🌪🌪

[@EthanSchwandtTheMindMapGuy]

Loving all the Sam Harris content! Perfect timing for me :)

[@rationalmystic5]

Same here man. Perfect timing for Sam Harris to come on this podcast. Needed it in my life.

[@lewishowes]

Appreciate you!

[@colinmcneil4563]

How are things working out now?

[@pvsk10]

Sam Harris is the modern day guru we all need

[@blue-eyeswhitejesus2925]

Sam is the Three Eyed Raven now

[@stomachhurts2044]

It’s fkn insane how he woke me up to this after years of random practice and drugs from reading his book.. and now he explains how I’m not fkn crazy and I’m just at that exact stage he’s talking about.. I love u Sam

[@katapinesxc6477]

I can relate to that!

[@Four_Eyes]

You killed it Lewis... minimal interruptions and "mhmms" while asking thoughtful questions that really pulled some fresh content out of Sam.

[@NathanSmutz]

I recall someone saying that, in meditation, the part of your brain that processes your body's positioning shuts down, causing that one-with-everything feeling. That, and you generate a lot of dopamine.

[@adamk9700]

Just finished the interview, and as someone who, like Sam, doesn’t have or pretend to know the concise answer to everything asked of me or my input, i can relate to the long pause of processing a direct or standard question. I liked this interview, and the interviewer seems like a good guy but the problem with asking someone who’s incredibly thoughtful and introspective to have a succinct answer to truncated questions is a little like asking the emperor how his dinner tasted. That being said, I admire Lewis for seeking a conversation with someone who is a profound thought leader, and the humble process of being eager to soak up valuable insights.

[@raz0rcarich99]

This comment is the embodiment of so many internet memes, I don't know where to start loooooool

[@zendan37]

The ascetic Gautama gave us the psychology of happiness when he said "Nirvana is the extinction of dukkha." People have been searching for the meaning of dukkha ever since. In his book on the "The Buddha Dr M Carrithers researches the meaning and finds it to be "all aspects of our experience" which unfortunately rules out all the good experiences. Memories of our experiences are stored in our brain. They cannot affect anything until we recall them by thinking about them. Dukkha is "thinking" [all conscious mental activity].

[@CJ0101]

Memories are also stored in the body.

[@gabrielekennedy7587]

Thank you, love Sam Harris. One of our best living thinkers.

[@artmurilloTX]

It was so awesome seeing Sam's authenticity, openness, and frankly, patience throughout this entire interview. Its great to know that wise, intelligent people dont have be arrogant or come across as jerks. Great interview, it makes me like Sam Harris on a more personal level. Makes me want to keep reading his material.

[@travisbickle8008]

i would recommend his Waking Up APP

[@munirbadini2340]

Sam i listen always

[@user-xv4gu9eb2p]

Ive literally seen every piece of Sam Harris footage, and this is the one of the best, for me, in my opinion. The interviewer asked things other people just don't ask, and it revealed a different, slightly vulnerable and cute side of Sam. Sam can get a little robotic and was leading me to believe his intellect was at the expense of some other qualities that I saw in abundance in this interview. Good stuff. Refreshing.

[@richardpfeifer2190]

It’s fun to watch a truly brilliant intellectual trying to describe consciousness. In its deepest level. Cool how Sam eases into it, with mindfulness then on, into the mystical, where it can’t be described. Love it!

[@xDMrGarrison]

I love hearing Sam talk about how adorable his kids are :D

[@ReedStiles]

Fantastic podcast! Appreciated the lack of identity politics, race relations, and Trump. It seems like Sam gets thrown into those discussions too often when his bigger value is discussing topics like this!

[@jacobsl3499]

I think his perspectives on politics are pretty interesting to (and by definition they will be more provoking). However, I also agree that it is within philosophy and science of brain and mind that his genius really shines.

[@3rdKingdomPsychadellica]

Of course! Thats his field. The fact that EVERYTHING has been politicized is responsible for people focusing on his personal politics which are all logically sound, but not his area of expertise...

[@dalecouch1995]

Way to go, Sam! The only love worth having is the kind you give away! So great how you rationally dealt with this question. Lewis reminds me of a kid, and some of his questions do as well. Nothing wrong with that....but a lot of distance between the two men by experience and values. But it makes me happy to be in the world with both of them!

[@lindagriffiths8926]

Last question: Answer:- smile and go! Your essence Love is around you, is you! Nothing is ever! Ever lost... Beautiful!!! 🙏

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 💎🤍science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically psalms16:24 k,j 👻💎🤍👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪🌪🌪

[@Nytequiller]

This is fantastic, I remember listening to Sam 2 years ago and realizing I don't exist in the way I think I do at all. It's bizarre, I'm glad to pick up such amazing insights at such a young age!

[@jbc365gym]

how old are you?

[@Nytequiller]

@@jbc365gym 22, when I found Sam I was 19

[@Petersorg]

Sam totally deserved 2 vídeos! I wouldn't complain if there was a third one.

[@applebitefool]

I want Sam Harris to interview Maynard Keynan from Tool and discuss the Ego and Duality.

[@TheZGALa]

I agree with this so fucking much. "Lying is on the spectrum of violence. It is synonymous with a total break down of rational collaboration with another being. Lying to anyone is treating the other like some state of emergency that needs to be navigated around."

[@fhaf33z]

Wow this man is so profound, thank you for having him on Lewis! I liked that you were able to have Sam open up and share his personal life as well. I normally listen to these things on 2x speed but i had to come back and re-watch it again on normal. And I'm sure I'll be watching this again in the future as a reminder.

[@V.D.22]

I watch most stuff on 1.5x, but never Sam Harris. The information is just too intense, always. I even rewind 15-30 seconds many times just to understand better.

[@forrestsamnik1661]

Best Sam Harris interview ever! Kudos to you. You are an All Star

[@OfCourseICan]

Sam Harris: the NO BS guru! This Man has changed my life, and his book "Free Will" should be compulsory reading!

[@mike110111]

Oh my word. He summarises so clearly all the insight I've developed from years of meditation (over a decade) and then says, "oh, and that's just level 1. In level 2....". I watched it slack jawed.

[@user-wj2zv1vd8y]

Lewis Howes is an excellent host. He asks few good questions and then lets his guest speak.

[@lewishowes]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@adrianaramirez5217]

In regards to determinism vs free will. It would be great to have Sam Harris, joe rogan, and Firas zahabi share their thoughts. There is an episode where joe rogan and firas mention Sam Harris discussing this topic. Also, the part of honesty, joe rogan put it perfectly, "Honest conflict Has more social value than dishonest harmony" Great interview!

[@zibtihaj3213]

He gets me every time - Sam Harris is the man

[@lewishowes]

🧡

[@YAHdozinda]

Whoever wants to be great, let them serve others.....

[@Dinkys999]

Great to hear Sam in such a causal conversation.

[@lewishowes]

Yes!

[@torshops]

First time Ive realized that Sam is becoming someone I want to listen to in this field as well... hes just as legit as most of these other guru types.. but hes using a language that suits the time we are in... we dont want to be told something, since the internet will debunk it anyway... we want learn how to experience the truth... other people like this is Shinzen Young... also a scientifically minded meditation teacher...

[@adamfstewart81]

Shinzen is awesome!

[@Julian-we6qg]

Until you listen to Leo Gura

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 🤍💎science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically,psalms16:24 k,j 👻🤍💎👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪

[@mekupfer]

Oh, Sam Harris is amazing! thank you for this interview!

[@for_frodo91]

You have to live on purpose, intentionally, if you don't want to be miserable, scared, anxious or whatever troubles you. If you are troubled. And if you are troubled in any degree I salute you, really. For me it means that you refuse to go through life not being aware of it. And this practice is a good take on getting your stuff to improve. If you are "for real" about it.

[@lewishowes]

💯

[@mhoshaw-pimpleton9271]

A lot of buddhist philosophy in Sam's outlook.. thanks for the good interview. he kept it rooling, no need to shoot question after question, he keeps it

[@torshops]

Mindfulness goes beyond buddhism.. buddha was the guy that outlined this process.. but buddhism wouldnt be developed until long time later... these things Sam is talking about it is axiomatic in that anyone that develop the concentration and equanimity can easily confirm this for them selves

[@shanewelch3629]

Perfect timing for me in my life.

[@mc3230]

Sam Harris, one of the most descent human being in the world.

[@tessaflatt7026]

Great talk thanks!

[@budgreen100]

Great to hear Sam on your podcast....✊🏽

[@brianjoyce9040]

Sam imparts the info to the path for a better world.

[@juliusl5211]

Good job Lewis! I love the second half of your interview questions, thoughtful and personal. Thank you for being patient and not interrupting him. This is such a treat.

[@mercx007]

Thanks Lewis

[@roysb_2628]

Really enjoyable a conversation, TY

[@anneverna1792]

when i read a good book it is like a relief for my mind this is so helpful i forget everything else i love this content !

[@PlasticMachines]

Excellent questions for all of us to consider.

[@padmaseatmeditationspinals7777]

Thank you , appreciate this talk..

[@whowearereally6494]

Thank You!! No more excuses after hearing this!

[@h-0119]

Fantastic interview

[@louisagraham8957]

Awesome so true, so valuable

[@MrFireman164]

Love this guy!

[@meteor1237]

Great conversation! We all rush to get to "the end"; slow down. The new word for joy for others may be "compersion".

[@utualan]

Agree with all of this - I would say though that certain happy memories can be recalled & relived. We can continue to experience gratitude for positive aspects of our history and current situation.

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 🤍💎science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically psalms16:24 k,j 👻🤍💎👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪

[@3EBstudio]

Delivering the goods always

[@sonya_vegan_mindfullife]

Sam Harris is my favorite philosopher - and this was a special interview. Thank you, from South Africa

[@jackdarby2168]

He's not a Philosopher. He's a scientist 😂 very different things

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 💎🤍science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically psalms16:24 k,j 👻💎🤍👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪🌪🌪

[@jackdarby2168]

Is Ben Shapiro a Philosopher? The only reason why we don't call him such is because it feels wrong to words were they are not due. He calls identities a "Consequentialist", which is admission that one has given up or really never really understood anything at all. Philosophy i.e thought is done for it's own sake not for the sake of anything else.

[@rickjamez4987]

Yes sir!!!!

[@einsteindarwin8756]

Incredible! Just the point I needed to fall asleep tonight. Thank you.

[@Wingedmagician]

Love the idea of emotional intensity as an alarm for mindfulness. Where was that on the Waking Up lessons!?

[@jessicastrat9376]

Rob Vel it was in a podcast of his with Joseph Goldstein, and he gets into an interesting discussion about it. But yes, it’s not on his app

[@rehanaabdella9675]

I don’t how I get here, it is an amazing interview, inspiring! Thank you

[@cookiemuncheryumyum]

Fantastic interviewer and fantastic answers.

[@klumaverik]

Great interview. My first impression was that the questions wouldnt be very meaty but the conversation ended up being very fulfilling.

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 💎🤍science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically psalms16:24 k,j 👻💎🤍👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪🌪🌪

[@sathsah1593]

Knowledgeable Neuroscientist... mentioned things to pounder. very relevant Lewis your intro into your podcast is so lovely- it immediately shows your soul.. Great guy u are..

[@lewishowes]

Appreciate you! 🙏

[@aarontorres9975]

love this!

[@juneellainebullock6746]

Great show I don’t lie or steal never have also I was a hospice nurse and helping people cross over is a wonderful thing my loved ones passing I can not handle it at all

[@robertbcardoza]

The analogy doesn’t break down. You thought you were seeing an argument in the mirror, but when you realize it is a mirror and turn to see the people, they aren’t even at the same table. It was a trick of perspective. The thing you were watching, while real, is not at all like what you thought it was.

[@jmang5953]

Give up the search for happiness. That's sounds relaxing. Nice job

[@alone15151]

Love his comment about becoming interested in the feeling you are having. This helps stop one from acting on feelings such as anger. But what he's saying is very ancient eastern philosophy. Thich Nhat Hahn was saying it long before him.

[@taneterankh]

Sam is one of the most interesting, hilarious and deep thinking people I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Thanks for the video!!💯👍🏾

[@mjharisankar1]

Great interview

[@robertdickie7769]

Toward the end of the interview....3 lessons for life Sam? How vague, tepid and disappointing were your responses. I can't lie - I would have thought a man with your capacities would me more clear and insightful....and be so much more aware and conscious of the principle of deferred gratification.

[@vajraheart6052]

Great ending summary just before the ´greatness’ Q from Lewis and also Sam’s response on incentivized society’s. 🙏

[@AboutCreativity1]

Very good, ´´Now is forever´´

[@AB-hi6ru]

Ty

[@brettbelcher4726]

Go Sam, go!

[@matthieub3973]

Lewis: What's your favorite color? Sam: The phraseology of this question implies some sort of center where the self identifies itself at the most basic level with...

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌪👻jesus christ referenced living waters 🤍💎science described water memory 🌊👨‍🎓existence reflecting psychologically,psalms16:24 k,j 👻🤍💎👨‍🎓💖🗽🌪

[@nathanbackflip]

mind blown

[@isaac3252]

"Real greatness is meeting worthy goals as elegantly as possible"

[@deepaknambisan3251]

The best interview I’ve seen Sam Harris give. Absolutely fantastic and thought-provoking. Wonderful interviewer btw. Bravo.

[@lewishowes]

Thank you so much! 🧡

[@JacobMichael]

idk why but I literally live for the moments that Lewis takes notes with his fountain pen. listening to sam harris really is like sitting next to a fire hydrant pouring out a monsoon of insight. xD

[@kenadams5504]

The resturant illusion analogy is very effective .

[@hairyclamakabushsenior2870]

24:55 the fundamental insight of consciousness

[@TheZGALa]

I so appreciate this conversation. I am fascinated by honesty, lies, truth. I wrote a book last year, and published it this year, called 47 truths, exploring the transitory nature of truth, and the steady nature of honesty...

[@AboutCreativity1]

Very good, ´´center´´

[@jasonjackson3114]

"...you reach a point... that experience that I had on MDMA didn't even improve the experience" Yep. Mindfulness meditation. It's a must do. .

[@Smile-mt7xj]

Krishnamurti believed that the root of suffering and anxiety is identifications which I agreed with! The more we eliminate identifications, the better we ’ll feel within.. Try to keep it simple, are you everything YOU do!? identifications cause expectations and this leads more to anxiety etc.

[@stephenridley1153]

Neatly stacked books!

[@soffer]

12:58 Unite with the object of desire for 1 second, and if it persisted it would be terrible