Sam Harris (Beyond Belief 2007)

Sam Harris discussing religion in the modern world.

[@realveral5383]

We need the new generation of Sam Harris, the world needs a mind like his.

[@nyar369]

I never leave comments. BUT Hitchens and Sam Harris have freed me from a bondage I can scarcely describe. I didn't think that they had anything new to add to atheism beyond Camus or Sartre, so I never listened. But as Harris points out here, atheism isn't really the point. It's more about honesty... and, for me, bravery.

[@khangfrey9736]

So you have woken up! Good. See "Ceaser's Messiah" on KZbin, and then get the book. Mormonism, Islam and the New Testament are proven false, frauds, and dystrophic thought belief.

[@avedic]

+Scott Vanderpool Very well said my internet friend. Indeed, it does take courage to recognize what you've recognized.

[@avedic]

+Khang Fre Y Sadly, it seems you have yet to wake up. You apparently just traded in one ideology for another...assuming your profile photo is in any way shape or form an accurate depiction of your ethical and intellectual character.

[@AnnPorterCourtTherapist]

+scott vanderpool == congratulations and welcome to the new world of freedom

[@danashane]

"We, as scientists are in the truth business. We are not in the useful delusion business."

[@gospeljoy5713]

Fascinating how the word science is used. I guess I see the original Scientist as well the original Mathematician. Someone way beyond brilliant. Where earthly things are like tiny items. I am left with woe is me for I am undone.

[@jamesdonop445]

Sam is still going strong after a decade… 👍

[@BGHmariam]

This was in 2007. A decade is 10 years..

[@BadMannerKorea]

@@BGHmariamYeah and 15 years is AFTER 10 years. Can you read? If something occurred at 12:15 PM, yet I said it occurred AFTER 12, it would still be correct.

[@BGHmariam]

@@BadMannerKorea 🤦🏾‍♂️... no kidding, Einstein. I'll let it go..lol

[@BadMannerKorea]

@@BGHmariam You don’t have a choice but to let it go because your original comment made no sense, just a mere sad attempt to correct someone when you can’t read. Nice try.

[@BGHmariam]

@@BadMannerKorea .. just dont use a phrasing you dont fully understand the meaning of. You look like a fool. 100 years is also after 10 years, but you still wouldn't say "after a decade" just because one is greater than the other. The use of decade, century, millenia, etc., to describe passages of time has particular usage in the English language, and you my friend are using it improperly. Anyways, you can heed and go research this, or live in your ignorant bliss. Eitherways, i've spent too much on this already. CIAO! 👋🏽

[@akshatverma8683]

The composure of the speaker in the face of shrill truculence on part of a few questioners is truly worth emulation. Also, the speech strongly evoked questioners of varying perspectives to bring their view to the fore.

[@ashvarma1]

Sam Harris is the greatest 💐❤️🌎🇺🇸

[@Reerrpad5515]

Thank you for posting this!

[@paullever2085]

Poor Sam, how does he keep so calm dealing with a level of stupidity which is on display from some audience members.

[@Scorpio391]

Fuck he was scalding with those words to Scott Atran

[@zayyarphone]

The total sum of brainpower in that room is enormous.

[@alcamistsmith6785]

"I think therefore I am an Atheists"

[@Orkiperson]

The issue with discussing ethics from this perspective is that it is (as with any workable logic system) an axiomatic system. As soon as this point is made, a religious believer (or rather worryingly, many philosophers) will jump on this as a hole in your argument without acknowledging that their own proposed morality system or belief system must be, by definition, axiomatic also.

[@jestermoon]

Take A Moment Sam, my friend Your work is needed today 2023. Why do we bring color beliefs and cultural differences into commonplace language? We are not a great ape If we drop the nomenclature and then we might be able to start talking. Love will always win out 🏆 We must keep fighting the good fight. Brother's and Sister's Comrades (see Hitch) Stay Safe Stay Free 🌐

[@ukaisukaok]

haha, I've been watching too much of these! I say we forget theism and atheism and just become one. LETS ALL PRAY TO THE TEAPOT!

[@NealBromfield]

i agree with what u say, and reading it just provoked an idea. u speak about it being a net minus, but perhaps it should be a bend towards the normal. if free information and free expression is vibrant in a society experiencing two cultures one can suspect that what would result is a blending of both cultures (hopefully the best of both without the rest).

[@prazad001]

Be alert for any threats coming from another human group. No religion will be sustainable in long term as emotions start to play apart as soon as fear n desire come into be the dominant part of the thinking.. Then the ego n the desire to control one way or the other. As a Bhuddist I always believe to conquer my own demons n master the emotions n be profound and be the change

[@jadagod]

@Aeschylus that's a very good point

[@swedensy]

Sam i going Christopher Hitches footsteps, good work.

[@gospeljoy5713]

A sovereign God directing your life.

[@ndindamule3134]

👌👏🤟

[@eliehasteiner3167]

haha "Religion has made bad reasoning into an artform." Riiight?

[@d2ncii8G]

+Elieha Steiner Haha it was so well put

[@AlexGordonMusic]

Lol let’s not talk like a cult “Congratulations. You’re unconstrained by bronze aged bullshit” It’s not equivalent to a baht mitzvah

[@travisbickle8008]

from 51:00 to 51:40 .. had no idea if George Bush Jr. attended this lecture, interesting

[@tomcotter4299]

"Functionally Empiricists in many WAAHHYZZ." 😂

[@itsjustameme]

But what they fail to see is that you can never get an ought from Christianity either. Even if Christianity is 100% true it can only ever amount to an "is" - not an "ought". Or at least I have never heard a Christian successfully argue this point. So the obvious question if you are not concerned with happiness might as well be why you ought to do as God commands. Surely it is an equal playing field for the Christian at best.

[@Kento_nanami_the_2nd]

From a biological standpoint/practical standpoint multiculturalism is inevitable and necessary. Organisms like us become stronger because of the interactions we have with other organisms to fend off actual dangers. Theoretically information and free expression are ideal, but practically the issue of multiculturalism is far more complex and immediate. I would not force multiculturalism on anyone but I would share the information of the severe consequences that may follow without it.

[@ebudworth]

36:45 paraphrasing: "people will not drink bleach unless suicidal". This hits a bit differently in a post 2020 world.

[@randypuckett9622]

Faith in God is man's greatest privilege

[@skochems3146]

Eat your vegetables or Phylis will get you!

[@eddymetal]

Wtf is Johnny Sins doing there? 4:57

[@kevin41780]

Eddy Metal lmao

[@TheJohnBuffalo]

can anyone please point me to the point in one of these conferences where Lawrence Krauss asks Sam Harris about his "favoritism" of eastern teachings, and Sam gives a good concise explanation about the sophistication of eastern teachings, views on consciousness, etc. thanks in advance!

[@kirathekillernote2173]

Beyond Belief 2006

[@somewhitepunk]

Philis diller?

[@jameystone2650]

We need the term Atheist about as much as we need the term "Round Earther".

[@SamuliTuomola_stt]

Oh I did, it was an honest question, although badly worded.

[@HumanValor]

Atheism is only a response. As soon as there is no theism or theology (rather the adherence to religion), I won’t have to think of myself as an atheist. But I do agree with Sam, in the same way I would say that feminism is a great way to divide people into unnecessary factions. Not all women think alike, even those that support the women’s rights movement. And feminist is a word that doesn’t have a clear cut meaning, and atheist doesn’t either.

[@gamesbok]

Can you name any of these girls?

[@AlexGordonMusic]

gamesbok pat churchland? Yea, she's a pretty famous philosopher.

[@jiberish001]

Are you implying that Sam did actually mean what some people only think he means? Are you aware that what some say he means isn't even what he really said, AND that he has clearly stated that those people have a distorted view of what he said? So how can you say that he means what wasn't said, especially after clearly stating that he doesn't? If I told you that what you wrote was nonsense, but stressed that it doesn't mean you're nonsense, would you still think that I think that you're nonsense?

[@Neeboopsh]

"demand special punishment for the TARGET of a group they dont want to offend" rather.

[@SamuliTuomola_stt]

All the christians in america, I would like to ask from you, how much do you pay in taxes for being a member of the church? In finland we pay 1.3%/year, that's hundreds of euros/dollars, thousands in a decade, would you pay that just to be a part of something you don't really believe in but sort of tolerate as part of social obligation in your community?

[@jiberish001]

"Some critics have interpreted the second sentence of this passage to mean that I advocate simply killing religious people for their beliefs. Granted, I made the job of misinterpreting me easier than it might have been, but such a reading remains a frank distortion of my views." -Sam Harris You sir, are a liar! You know about what I just posted. We've been talking about it for the last 3 days. You KNOW that he says that he did NOT mean that.

[@gospeljoy5713]

Christian martyrs are those are willing to die alone for their faith.

[@versioncity1]

Thou shalt have a cuppa each day to purify ones soul and share ones pot with any stranger who asks for refreshment. Thus spake the teapot.

[@peterdembowy4459]

Whenever I meet someone who tells me they are religious, I immediately laugh. People who hold such beliefs should be publicly ridiculed.

[@fisterB]

Beatrice Golomb is amazing.

[@SmackWaterJack001]

fisterB - she's an idiot.

[@SmackWaterJack001]

fisterB - she had her ass handed to her...

[@minbari73]

Jim Jefferies quote,

[@RUSS-pj5mw]

We new atheists have got our books out ?

[@gospeljoy5713]

Why doesn't sam realize the belief in a complete perfect being that removes negativity from life drives christianity.

[@bunny_smith]

Finally, @ :37, a woman.

[@RUSS-pj5mw]

So many soundbites and caricurtures .

[@SamuliTuomola_stt]

Never been a churchgoer but was baptized christian (evangelic lutheran) and I'd probably still be one just for sake of tradition if it didn't cost me anything. So, was just wondering how big of an effect does taxation play in congregation sizes. In nordic countries the numbers have been dropping steadily ever since online secession was made possible and I'm guessing the monetary reasons play at least as big of a part in it as does ideological ones.

[@agrh8914]

"Truths are for philosophers. I stick to facts. Verifiable. Truth is not a physical property of anything and therefore does not exist." You're comparing apples and apples. "Truth" is not objective, it is interjective; a relationship between belief and reality. A "fact" is a belief which has enough evidence or reason in reality to be considered "true". And for the record, science IS a philosophy or rather a subset of philosophy, which is why it was once called Natural Philosophy. Good grief.

[@tangentcreative1]

We don't have to pay anything if you can't or don't want to. Now the government more than makes up for it and spends it less wisely. What's your point? Why are you even going if you dont want to or believe. It's not a social obligation for me? I want to go.

[@RUSS-pj5mw]

Just ludicrous most extreme examples

[@itsjustameme]

One approach sometimes used to try to falsify Sam Harris that WLC has also used and that you also see here is for people to ask "what's so good about happiness anyway - what is the superior purpose in spreading happiness?" Do these people have no critical filter? If ever we had a higher purpose than surely this is it.

[@salohcin1013]

37:00 is the worst voice I’ve ever heard in my life.

[@garyskinner2422]

Try the voice of god it's even worse

[@salohcin1013]

@@garyskinner2422 LOLOLOL

[@jamesmayer5043]

Sam or any other 'authority' on ethics : must first define who our form of life are, basic barbarians or refined sophisticates, then proceed on those basis with the relating ethics to their appropriate ethics connoted to that life-form. Not all humans are refined and not all are barbarians, therefore they operate on different levels of ethics. This distinguishing should clarify the argument on who and why one should follow what kind of ethics. Consequently, the most influential levels of civilized development will determine the quality of ethics followed by the most influential and powerful strata of societies.

[@lfzadra]

All definitions of meaning are within the axiomatic abstract core we build in order to find truths about reality. Such things are accepted because they are self-evident, and not used to prove themselves, but other truths. God is the superstition you assume true in order to prove that your God is real, because it is not self-evident to others. A completely useless, redundant exercise.

[@Bombtrack411]

Ooooh. I'm reaaaally scared. I hope you realize that threatening people with Hell fire is HURTING your cause, not helping it. I hope you enjoy creating atheists.

[@jiberish001]

Okay... So that's your opinion of him. What's the point of telling me that opinion without justifying it to me? You must realize that without giving me a good reason to have that opinion, it is pointless. If you can demonstrate the circles he talks in, I would like to know them. As far as the 'same arguments' goes, it doesn't surprise me because what atheists argue against has not changed. New evidence never presents itself from the theist's side. If you have some I'd love to hear/see it.

[@ukaisukaok]

Ateaism. Get it. A-tea-ism? lol. (:

[@gospeljoy5713]

Changed lives is the proof of christianity.

[@krejzyvorld]

7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

[@spencer871]

Quoting the bible to support a biblical worldview...seems legit. All you're doing is proving that Christianity is the opposite of ethical, and I would rather go to hell having lived eternally as a good man and wagered wrongly than do what you do and spread intolerance.

[@TBrewer64]

Bible quotes aren't proof. The Bible is the claim, not the proof.

[@krejzyvorld]

THE INCREDIBLY USELESS BLAH - BLAH OF SAM HARRIS WILL STOP SOON. What remains are the powerful, unchanging, moral, judging, life-giving Words of God. Revelation 21 : 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

[@ultramagnetic3556]

krejzyvorld fuck your dumb imaginary god

[@RM-rn1nf]

Cus the book written by Iron Age peasants says so......

[@matthewsnell4770]

He's still smashing it mate. How's your god?

[@jewbanqora5159]

Jesus is evil and morally bankrupt he sanctions slavery, how stupid are you to follow such garbage?

[@andrewedwards6946]

To the thirsty I will give water without cost. Millions die from drinking polluted water. Let’s admit it - god, if he exists - is just a fraud.

[@MrRob1967]

Beyond Belief is a good name for these conferences. Sam Harris' ignorance and stupidity is indeed "Beyond Belief."

[@ultramagnetic3556]

MrRob1967 shut the fuck up you dumb piece of shit

[@SmackWaterJack001]

MrRob1967 - CONGRATULATIONS, YOURE AN IDIOT...

[@kevinireland8020]

May Hitchens' razor bleed you of your ignorance.

[@andrewedwards6946]

An intelligent and fair-minded Christian would readily acknowledge SH’s intellect and articulation.

[@clarkelaidlaw1678]

Well just prove that any of the 7,000 plus gods that have been proposed by humans over time in hundreds of different languages and in hundreds of different languages is real and and we rational folk will no longer need to withhold belief..thousands of years go by...yet still no evidence whatsoever.

[@krejzyvorld]

THE INCREDIBLY USELESS BLAH - BLAH OF SAM HARRIS WILL STOP SOON!

[@lebojay]

It’s been 8 years. How’s he doing?