The Science of Happiness: A Conversation with Laurie Santos (Episode

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  • Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
  • In this episode of the podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Laurie Santos about the scientific study of happiness.
    Their conversation includes:
    - people’s expectations about happiness
    - the experiencing self vs. the remembered self
    - framing effects
    - the importance of social connections
    - the effect of focusing on the happiness of others
    - introversion and extroversion
    - the influence of technology on social life
    - our relationship to time
    - the connection between happiness and ethics
    - hedonic adaptation
    - the power of mindfulness
    - resilience
    - the often illusory significance of reaching goals
    - and other topics
    Laurie Santos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Yale University. She hosts the popular podcast The Happiness Lab and she teaches the most popular course offered at Yale to date, titled The Science of Well-Being. Laurie is also the director of the Comparative Cognition Laboratory and the Canine Cognition Center at Yale. She received her A.B. in Psychology and Biology from Harvard University in 1997 and her Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard in 2003.
    Released: April 10, 2020
    Twitter:@lauriesantos
    Website: caplab.yale.edu/
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    For more information about Sam Harris: www.samharris.org

Комментарии • 440

  • @melisacook1191
    @melisacook1191 4 года назад +55

    I find that I’m happier when I’m not around other people and just with my family. Too many people want to complain about how horrible their life is and gossip about others it’s just draining to hear. I’m happy with my small circle of family and close friends.

    • @luciannebeans6679
      @luciannebeans6679 4 года назад +1

      Melisa Cook Amen.

    • @adish7275
      @adish7275 4 года назад

      Im with my family period. No close friends but work friends and im very happy. Is something wrong with me? I didnt even listen to the podcast.

    • @ImEverythingYouCrave
      @ImEverythingYouCrave 2 года назад

      I hate my family

    • @hrrh
      @hrrh 2 года назад

      Thank you for sharing :-) I'm wondering if other people complaining all the time bothers us or maybe it doesn't bother us because we're the one complaining all the time?. I'm also wondering if we just love being around our friends and or our family because we are attracted to the people that resonate most whether it's our family or friends or work and how that interweaves into our need for quiet Solace or our need for active Community or something in between cheers.

    • @keithhunt5328
      @keithhunt5328 21 день назад

      ​@@ImEverythingYouCravefind a new one

  • @mat7083
    @mat7083 4 года назад +80

    As long as Ben Stiller keeps posting content like this, I'm a happy man :)

    • @michaldunk4
      @michaldunk4 4 года назад

      Brandon Baza killed it 😂

  • @BrunoLuke
    @BrunoLuke Год назад +101

    I just sold a property in Portland and I'm thinking to put the cash in stocks, I know everyone is saying it's ripe enough, but Is this a good time to buy stocks? How long until a full recovery? How are other people in the same market raking in over $200k gains with months, I'm really just confused at this point

    • @DavidAntony-gq7id
      @DavidAntony-gq7id Год назад

      Yes, a good number of folks are raking in huge 6 figure gains in this downtrend, but such strategies are mostly successfully executed by folks with in-depth market knowledge.

    • @BrunoLuke
      @BrunoLuke Год назад

      @@DavidAntony-gq7id It all depends on how long you're willing to hold for, stocks might likely tank further, but making serious gains in this downtrend wouldn't be a problem if you're a pro.

    • @DavidAntony-gq7id
      @DavidAntony-gq7id Год назад

      @@BrunoLuke The reason I decided to work closely with a brokerage adviser ever since the market got really tensed and the pressure became so much(I should be retiring in 17months) so I've had a brokerage adviser guide me through the chaos, its been 9months and counting and I've made approx. 650K net from all of my holdings.

    • @BrunoLuke
      @BrunoLuke Год назад

      @@DavidAntony-gq7id Hi, please who is the expert assisting you and how do I reach out to them?

    • @DavidAntony-gq7id
      @DavidAntony-gq7id Год назад

      @@BrunoLuke My financial advisor, *MARTHA ALONSO HARA*, is a highly qualified and experienced professional in the financial market. She possesses a broad understanding of portfolio diversification and is recognized as an expert in this field.

  • @mikelicious33
    @mikelicious33 4 года назад +16

    Very insightful,
    I'd like to add that if making someone else feel good brings happiness into your life, then the inverse of this is also true, if you know someone who is unhappy, asking them to help you in a way that is tangible and that you know they are capable of doing, (like asking for help with a recipe, or with part of your finances, or for a language lesson) will show them the positive impact they have on the world and will bring value and meaning to their life, and you'll have someone to help you, it can be a win for both parties

  • @Seanonyoutube
    @Seanonyoutube 4 года назад +121

    Laurie: you can’t be happy without close social relationships.
    Me: alone in quarantine for 5 weeks; couldn’t be happier.

    • @erhardt1477
      @erhardt1477 4 года назад +3

      Sean
      Well...
      That maybe true for the time being ... and on the long run..?🤔

    • @Seanonyoutube
      @Seanonyoutube 4 года назад +3

      Erhardt the longer the better!

    • @nottypinoy
      @nottypinoy 4 года назад +2

      You have to love yourself FIRST before you can love anyone else. .same goes for the respect and honor.

    • @Xpistos510
      @Xpistos510 4 года назад +8

      I think that in your case the quarantine protected you from stressors that you weren’t particularly thriving under, thereby making the quarantine more of a vacation or retreat that was needed. Obviously some degree of privacy and solitude is good for the mind. However, I’m not convinced it’s a healthy long term solution. Family and friends are important insofar as the relationships are healthy and not too dysfunctional.

    • @Xpistos510
      @Xpistos510 4 года назад

      Jona Nathan it’s obviously good to love and respect oneself. I’m not necessarily convinced it’s important to love oneself FIRST or before family and children.

  • @frankmartinez8338
    @frankmartinez8338 4 года назад +2

    I just started her course The Science of Well-being two days ago! Now I see her here and can’t believe it! This is awesome!

  • @joshuabela5374
    @joshuabela5374 4 года назад +40

    You should bring Ham Sarris on the show. He's brilliant.

  • @dovydasvaskys1586
    @dovydasvaskys1586 4 года назад +5

    I think it would be amazing to hear a discussion between Sam and David Pearce on the topic of transhumanism, specifically the possibility and ethical imperative of genetically engineering well-being.

    • @hampTC
      @hampTC 4 года назад

      Yesss

  • @sethbishop6890
    @sethbishop6890 4 года назад +1

    I've been suffering with anxiety and panic attacks lately, I'll say tho, a certain level of suffering has really humbled me and I found a lot of comfort in the story of Christ. Its just so wholesome and hopeful and it makes me calm and pleased.

    • @elmoblatch9787
      @elmoblatch9787 4 года назад

      As long as you realize it's simply a "story" and not true, that's fine. There are many stories that are comforting.

    • @sethbishop6890
      @sethbishop6890 4 года назад

      @@elmoblatch9787 I actually believe in God and I accept that Jesus made that sacrifice it's perfectly verifiable that he was for real it's just a matter of belief really.

    • @sethbishop6890
      @sethbishop6890 4 года назад

      @Samuelson baker very nice. You intelligent gentleman.

  • @Human_Evolution-
    @Human_Evolution- 4 года назад +39

    Sam, let's get a Stoicism podcast. Like the one with William Irvine.

    • @Jmp153
      @Jmp153 4 года назад +3

      Human Evolution yes! That would be awesome

    • @TheCoffeeNut711
      @TheCoffeeNut711 4 года назад +1

      Stoicism is kinda dumb. Now, the butchered 21st century version entrepreneur boast about is different.

    • @Human_Evolution-
      @Human_Evolution- 4 года назад +4

      @@TheCoffeeNut711 Exactly how is Stoicism dumb?

    • @Google_Censored_Commenter
      @Google_Censored_Commenter 4 года назад +1

      He has a talk about stocism in his waking up app.

    • @Human_Evolution-
      @Human_Evolution- 4 года назад +1

      @@Google_Censored_Commenter Yeah, I mentioned it, "William Irvine."

  • @masongoss4615
    @masongoss4615 3 года назад +1

    An incredibly interesting discussion. If we could only realize the real benefits of our amazing potential for good; what a world that would be.

  • @jeffersonianideal
    @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +17

    An optimist can never be pleasantly surprised.

    • @jeffersonianideal
      @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +6

      @@ivokroon977
      A half-full glass can also become an empty glass. Likewise, a half-empty glass can become a full glass.

    • @pocnit
      @pocnit 4 года назад

      @@jeffersonianideal And an empty glass can fall down and break.

    • @gnawershreth
      @gnawershreth 4 года назад

      No, and it's funny how optimism is just widely celebrated to be honest. It's just as an extremist a view as pessimism is after all, it's just on the other end of the spectrum. Why not focus on being realists instead of always assuming everything will be good, or that nothing will?

    • @jeffersonianideal
      @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад

      @@gnawershreth
      For the answer to your question, I doubt you'll reread and reinterpret the OP. Then again, I might be pleasantly surprised.

  • @MrHarveyrex23
    @MrHarveyrex23 4 года назад +2

    in my case. I don’t need a constant active social life to be happy. Self isolation and alone time for myself makes me happy. I don’t need anyone else telling me what should make me happy. Individuals should decide for themselves what defines their happiness.

  • @Messi10947
    @Messi10947 2 года назад +1

    Wow hundred percent requests granted, no questions asked .
    Also I took prof. Laurie santos' course on Coursera during the lockdown in 2020. to say it was great is an understatement

  • @John_Longbow
    @John_Longbow 4 года назад +105

    Being introvert, living alone for years and struggling with anxiety and depression, it is buisness as usual these times. I am the only one?

    • @Muonium1
      @Muonium1 4 года назад +11

      I've lived alone for 15 years but don't currently have much issue with anxiety or depression. These "happiness" podcasts are always presumptuously extrovert chauvinist. Got bored and left after the first half.

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад

      I can show you guys the way....

    • @GDKLockout
      @GDKLockout 4 года назад +15

      I was like this, it turned out to be a diet problem. I gave up alcohol caffine, sugar and meat/dairy. Felt a lot better, bought some land and started growing food, after a few years i gave up my job and now grow food full time and run a little market stand for 7 months a year. Im popr, but i have friends, i host 2 bbqs a year and people come. More each year.
      But it all started with giving up alcohol and caffine, then experimenting with how foods effected my mood and anxiety.

    • @GDKLockout
      @GDKLockout 4 года назад +3

      @@Absolute.Virtue is there anyone nearby that needs help? Elderly you could do shopping for etc?
      Maybe try voulenteering for things?

    • @sethbishop6890
      @sethbishop6890 4 года назад +1

      @@hooliogoolio4446 I'm saying bro, do it!

  • @keithbertschin1213
    @keithbertschin1213 4 года назад +1

    I’m a bit of a loner but I’m happily married, no kids, no animals (I know, heartless beast!) we have extended family but I don’t surround myself with too many friends. I enjoy the people I meet and I am social with people but I just don’t seek it out as much as most. I’m guessing if my lifestyle choice doesn’t do for me then the worry derived from this podcast and the stress of the forced sociability it prescribes will! 😀

    • @elmoblatch9787
      @elmoblatch9787 4 года назад

      If you're happily married, you're not a true "loner."

    • @keithbertschin1213
      @keithbertschin1213 4 года назад

      Elmo Blatch I’m not alone but don’t surround myself with too many friends so to that extent I feel like a bit of a loner. It seems like a blanket statement that more social interaction is better for everyone. You sound like a nice guy, fancy a drink when all this is over?! 😂

  • @quidnick
    @quidnick 4 года назад +87

    "Extroverts live longer on average."
    Well. Guess I'll die.

    • @brianfinnegan664
      @brianfinnegan664 4 года назад

      Ye me too 😔

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад +3

      There's a way to turn that shit around bro's

    • @sethbishop6890
      @sethbishop6890 4 года назад

      @@hooliogoolio4446 keep going

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад

      @@sethbishop6890 First you have to UNDERSTAND the ASPECTS of introversion. Then you have to understand the FUNCTION of the MECHANISM that lead you to introversion in the first place. Then you have to understand the COUNTERINTUITIVE path OUT OF INTROVERSION.

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад

      @@sethbishop6890 This is a time honored process but is REAL

  • @Person-zt5nq
    @Person-zt5nq 4 года назад +1

    I'm under 40, and I remember being in high school, before everyone had cell phones, my closest friends would show up on weekends, and someone would let them in. Sometimes I'd be on the other side of the house (it was a big house) playing a video or something. Actually I had a similar etiquette in college. Close friend just shows up whenever. Halcyon days.

  • @halneufmille
    @halneufmille 4 года назад +12

    These "talking to strangers makes you happy" recommendations seem overly general. As an introvert, small talk with random strangers about the weather or their kids problems makes me miserable. But I greatly enjoy deep conversations with some people about our shared interests. They are just hard to come by.

    • @basse9914
      @basse9914 4 года назад +1

      YES right here, I feel the same way. I find it difficult to form relationships with people beyond surface level. That jump to that deep connection feels too far...

  • @jeffersonianideal
    @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +45

    Happiness is too elusive to continuously maintain. Contentment is more realistically achievable.

    • @lastburning
      @lastburning 4 года назад +2

      This is why Finland is the happiest country.

    • @ioaalto
      @ioaalto 4 года назад +1

      @@lastburning juurikin näin

    • @jeffersonianideal
      @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +6

      @@lastburning
      Happiest, or most content?

    • @royeaston6067
      @royeaston6067 4 года назад +2

      Contentment is just a different state or phase and or part of the happy feeling. Many types of happiness. Being happy when you vanquish your enemies, being happy when you have a full harvest, busting a nut all feel very different. But make you happy.

    • @jeffersonianideal
      @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +1

      @@royeaston6067
      If that's how you define contentment, well, whatever makes you happy.

  • @willbuthead7538
    @willbuthead7538 4 года назад +5

    Metta (loving kindness) meditation and gratitude.

  • @advocate1563
    @advocate1563 4 года назад

    I teach at a top 10 global university. Generation Z turned up about 2 years ago. Our counselling services are deluged with young people with emotional and psychological issues. This trend is a common experience across higher education in the UK. We have badly served these young people in so many ways and technology is one of them.

  • @kuntalsarma5106
    @kuntalsarma5106 4 года назад

    We tend to focus more on happiness. Our goal should be bigger than just personal happiness.

  • @tobiashagstrom4168
    @tobiashagstrom4168 4 года назад +1

    If anything, hearing stuff on the psychology of happiness makes me unhappy, because it makes me anxious, it just reminds me that everything that is supposed to make me happy are things that seem out of my reach, that seem like I could never convince myself that they´re worth it, or that I don´t even feel like I have a snese that I should want. It just makes me feel broken, like I´m not even predisposed to want the stuff that´s supposed to make me happy. And what makes it worse is when this stuff is correlated to physical health, it´s like you´re telling me I´m not only going to be unhappy, but I´m destined to feel guilty about it because it´s likely to damage my health, which will make it worse, and so the cycle is reinforced.

    • @trollop_7
      @trollop_7 4 года назад

      I bet your is a stinky one.

    • @amnanawaz7269
      @amnanawaz7269 4 года назад

      There are many concepts of happiness out there. You do you. :)

    • @trollop_7
      @trollop_7 4 года назад

      @@amnanawaz7269 That would have made for a fascinating podstink

    • @darkninja___
      @darkninja___ 4 года назад

      Tobias Hagström Trollop is a troll. I feel you, I feel the same. I just try to focus on the things I feel like I have some control over, especially my thoughts and how I choose to respond to things in my life. Right now I respond with heavy drinking yeet

  • @bodnotbod
    @bodnotbod 4 года назад

    As someone with decades of intermittent but long phases of depression, it baffles me why there's not more research into happiness (I'm not including things like how advertisers research manipulating our wants and desires or how bookmakers/casinos extend their reach). It seems like every govt should have this as their first concern. Professor Dan Gilbert has a number of good videos on this topic, available on RUclips after a search on his name and 'happiness'.

  • @Zenhumanist
    @Zenhumanist 4 года назад +1

    Yes, be nice to people.

  • @omerozgurcelik907
    @omerozgurcelik907 4 года назад +2

    Sam I've read 2 of your books absolutely amazing, cheers. :)
    tips: read it in english, translation sucks it makes it even harder to understand even though it is your mother tongue .

  • @minhtrinh4389
    @minhtrinh4389 4 года назад

    Thanks alot Sam and Larie. Have been trying mindfulness for so long but it never sticks

    • @vaultsjan
      @vaultsjan 4 года назад

      Just start again

    • @dadafish1
      @dadafish1 4 года назад

      Take a 10 day vippassana course.

  • @trollop_7
    @trollop_7 4 года назад +1

    This should have gotten a lot more heated than it did, and would have made for a far more satisfying podcast than it ultimately turned out to be.

  • @jimmybolton8473
    @jimmybolton8473 2 года назад

    I can’t even figure out how to use zoom but thanks for your happy vibe

  • @earthian3658
    @earthian3658 4 года назад

    I find myself not happy at all. Everyday is a battle to keep my sanity. People frustrate me, and I frustrate myself. It's a never ending loop of agony. Every shred of joy is short lived ,and while I contemplate change, it seems so far out of reach I think about an end to my life. Very serious black hole of misery. If you get any sort of inner peace of glee, hold on to it dearly. I wouldn't wish my mind state on anyone.

  • @MistaJones89
    @MistaJones89 3 года назад

    Why isn't this stuff taught in school? This could be so beneficial for kids growing up to learn.

  • @johnohare992
    @johnohare992 4 года назад +13

    9:29 "Ask yourself whether you are happy, and you cease to be so." John Stuart Mill

    • @Thisisahandle701
      @Thisisahandle701 4 года назад

      That's why I've been avoiding this podcast, I've been having a good mental streak. Don't want to jinx it.

    • @trollop_7
      @trollop_7 4 года назад +1

      @@Thisisahandle701 #first-world problems

    • @Thisisahandle701
      @Thisisahandle701 4 года назад +1

      @@trollop_7 I also have dysentery and fought my uncle for access to the village well

    • @trollop_7
      @trollop_7 4 года назад

      @@Thisisahandle701 Try not to get dee eds.

    • @Thisisahandle701
      @Thisisahandle701 4 года назад

      @@trollop_7 hah?

  • @garnold44
    @garnold44 4 года назад +6

    "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." What if we are meant to be alone? Why doesn't that question ever get explored? Why always?... "we are social creatures". I see a lot of people deriving most of their UNhappiness from the relationships closest to them. IMO, all humans should have to confront being truly alone. Salvation comes from within.

    • @NH-ly7zc
      @NH-ly7zc 4 года назад +9

      What most people consider as alone is probably without a significant other. But I’ve yet to meet a person who truly wants to be alone forever. Even the most aloof and antisocial want someone to relate to. I agree you need to be ok with being alone however in my experience the ones that want to be alone are simply because they have had bad experiences in life and simply want to avoid the pain. They don’t actually want to be alone, they want positive relationships.

    • @arklowrockz
      @arklowrockz 2 года назад

      Don't worry mate the Bugman future you seem to crave is on the way for all of us whether we want it or not.

  • @jeffersonianideal
    @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +41

    10:13
    The secret to happiness? Low expectations.

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад

      If only it we're that easy universally

    • @moonmissy
      @moonmissy 4 года назад +5

      NO expectations....

    • @hooliogoolio4446
      @hooliogoolio4446 4 года назад

      @@moonmissy Pattern recognition insights reflexive expectations moment to moment. Putting the breaks on that is in no way energy efficient enough to maintain sustainability.

    • @moonmissy
      @moonmissy 4 года назад +1

      hoolio goolio On the contrary, mindfulness repeatedly practiced to be aware of these things makes it possible to continually let go of expectations and even reflexive perceptions. It eventually requires no effort at all and doesn’t uses a lot of energy. At lot of energy is spent in holding on to expectations or a particular thought. Letting it go is a much easier life. It depends on individual practitioners and how serious they are about being happy.

    • @moonmissy
      @moonmissy 4 года назад

      Lawrence V. Texas I don’t expect you’re suffering or find happiness lol

  • @malachor5ve
    @malachor5ve 2 года назад +1

    Video starts at 16:00 minutes

  • @SirKeelLife
    @SirKeelLife 4 года назад +4

    Can you do an episode on your thoughts about David Ickes recent interview on London Real and RUclips, FB banning the interview.

  • @thembones5
    @thembones5 4 года назад

    I joined the course today!

  • @the_primal_instinct
    @the_primal_instinct 4 года назад

    What is the evolutionary basis for wanting being disconnected from liking?

  • @vaskoalexanderjankov6939
    @vaskoalexanderjankov6939 4 года назад

    Great insights. Thanks Sam!

  • @Aloneagainofcourse
    @Aloneagainofcourse 4 года назад

    I would like to hear Sam have a discussion with Vincent Raccianelo from This week in Virology. This would provide a comprehensive discussion on the Covid19 pandemic.

  • @shalwachi
    @shalwachi 4 года назад

    i think happiness comes from being content, which many people dont think so

  • @jimmybolton8473
    @jimmybolton8473 2 года назад

    How can we help others when we have to stay away from them and one can’t figure out how to use technology at all to catch up or link up

  • @juanquiros2932
    @juanquiros2932 4 года назад +1

    I felt like sharing this message is sent to Sam A few minutes ago, it might be helpful for someone. Hello, I know the next statement is going to sound stupid, because I understood what you understand now, which is the true illusion of the self, but I became enlightened for a few minutes the other night, and I don’t think it even was minutes in a row, it felt like I understood it and then I assume my mind kept entering and screwing up my realization over and over, or I’m not sure about that, what I’m sure about is that I could see my self as just another thing in what you call consciousness, this life, ego that I thought I was (and still think now that I’m back) was literally just that, another appearance. I could hear my thoughts like if someone was screaming out, it wasn’t me and I realized wholly shit I’m like this literally all the time, and I do not realize how mad and insane that is. The realization came with crying of my part, not much, and I’m not sure if it was because I understood how I could not stop perusing things, this incessant machine of self always trying to get something, or if it was the realization that we all are living in that illusion. After that It came with laughter because of seeing how I was meditating, like feeling I was this ego paying attention to the breath, when in fact that’s just stupid, it was just seeing that all of that was arising as just a part of “consciousness”, and it felt so obvious, that I imagine you reading this or when hearing most people you feel a bit sad for us, or You need to remind yourself yeah this guy is living in that illusion. The other thing is that it was funny also the realization of how your lessons are made, I used to think they were like huge philosophical claims that probably took a great iq to get, but no it was just showing the obvious, like if you would explain a kid why there’s no more food in the plate, because he ate it all, not saying you don’t have claims which are thoughtful and interesting although pretty sure you get that. Anyway the last thing I want to say which actually has me a bit concerned, is that I can only get there or to interesting experiences (like cessation I believe is called, being just space for the world and not a body or person in the world) meditating while high, it’s really hard for me to even get somewhere when I’m in my normal state, I don’t know why that is, I got to think that maybe is because I’m way too conditioned in this reality, and when I smoke weed I can feel my body more, meaning vibrations etc instead of the shape, If you have any thought on that it would be of great help. And the last thing if you have any thoughts about that realization, the enlightenment. Again when I was there it was clear that There wasn’t much of a connection between meditating and getting there, I’m going to keep doing it anyway but in general if you have any advice it would be great, thanks for everything you do Sam!

  • @eminem2
    @eminem2 4 года назад +2

    Love the new old intro

  • @h.h1316
    @h.h1316 4 года назад

    Every year every month every day every hour every second Mr. Harris the hourglass of your life expires the return is no longer possible.

  • @havefunbesafe
    @havefunbesafe 4 года назад

    This stuff is great Sam, it helps people. Stay away from politics please, as it seems you’re an apologist for the ruling class. Peace.

  • @Richie_Godsil
    @Richie_Godsil 4 года назад +1

    I wonder how much of introversion vs extraversion is conditioned behavior.
    My natural inclination is introversion, certainly, but being in customer service and restaurants my whole adult life has me feeling bereft when I'm by myself hours on end

  • @decimustv4257
    @decimustv4257 4 года назад +1

    Sam I really hope you read this. About 10 years ago, I read the Selfish Gene and not only did it teach me about Evolution but it also helped me to develop my ability to critically think and got me interested in learning more about the world. Through Richard Dawkins I became aware of you, Christopher Hitchens and Dan Dennett. You guys (and Stephen Fry) helped to encourage my fledgling passion for learning and truth seeking. So why did you go on TYT a few years and confront Cenk Uygur (who absolutely deserved a telling off after badly misrepresenting you) but remain silent about Dave Rubin? Yes he didn't insult or criticise you but the guy is spreading ridiculously bad ideas and you associated with him, was a guest on his show and you gave him CREDIBILITY. It's hard to reconcile because I would expect someone like you to have better judgement. You said a few things before that I disagreed with you such as your stance on guns which I think you need to rethink but I still respect your views generally and you have definitely raised my awareness on many issues. So please explain your position because Dave Rubin is now going on TV and advocating reopening up certain beaches and states NOW during the still early stages of the virus. You should call him out otherwise it looks bad on you and more importantly you would be doing an important public service. Anyway, you may be famous and highly respected but as soon people defer to you as an authority because of who you are, then that's when you get people who don't think for themselves and that's not what science is all about. It's about challenging ideas, developing your own ability to think for yourself and nobody should be immune from criticism.

    • @decimustv4257
      @decimustv4257 4 года назад +1

      Samuelson baker I am so sorry for the crime of not paragraphing. I actually don’t know how on RUclips. I am going to hand myself in to the police for what I have done.

  • @seemapatilJapan
    @seemapatilJapan 4 года назад

    Hope the political discussions end soon... Sam Harris has a voice suitable for guiding meditations. Hope to hear more profound and timeless truths on those lines.

  • @BrianGawlik
    @BrianGawlik 4 года назад

    I was expecting more discussion of romantic relationships and their association with happiness. Curious why that didn't come up more. Are they sort of just grouped in with big milestones that we hedonically adapt to, or are they generally seen as fundamental aspects of happiness (though not guarantors of happiness) similar to platonic relationships but maybe more critical.

  • @KickYouInTheThroat
    @KickYouInTheThroat 4 года назад +5

    upload the full audio of the opening music on like a 5 hour loop

    • @moremillzs821
      @moremillzs821 4 года назад +1

      yes that would be great

    • @Johnconno
      @Johnconno 4 года назад

      Drop the 'like' , a whole generation who can't speak.

    • @KickYouInTheThroat
      @KickYouInTheThroat 4 года назад

      @@Johnconno You can swiftly like go fuck yourself man

    • @sophonax661
      @sophonax661 4 года назад

      Yes!! I'd take a 10 hour loop as well 😁

  • @chaikhor
    @chaikhor 4 года назад +1

    The old intro ❤️❤️❤️❤️ please keep this Sam

  • @elizabethk3238
    @elizabethk3238 Год назад

    So you're saying that Introverts cannot be happy. I have found nothing but disloyalty in people with who I've tried to have relationships. Also I often found I'm the one working harder on keeping communication open. I am quite satisfied living a life of quiet gratitude without close relationships.

  • @amnanawaz7269
    @amnanawaz7269 4 года назад +4

    The constant "science tells us" was a bit annoying. It would be more beneficial to elaborate each time what type of study and sample size she's talking about. A lot sounded like generalizations. For instance, I disagree that the initial "uncomfortable" feeling before u talk to someone is the only thing standing between you having a fulfilling and meaningful interaction with a stranger. Some of us don't like that, period. Yet we derive immense amount of happiness from reading a book on our couch. A lot of this conversation ignored cultural norms and saw human beings as linear, just aching for social bonding. Multitudes of humans get happiness and contentment in multiple ways, and this podcast sounded a lot like "Extroversion and social interaction is key." Maybe some found this interesting, dunno. The research or "science" sounded biased to me.

  • @heffer2k02
    @heffer2k02 4 года назад

    I don’t cause harm, but I don’t really help people. I live alone and work on a computer all day. I don’t really “like” people and mostly prefer solitude, but am also aware of the truth of everything said in this podcast. There is a “connection” I’m missing that increases my anxiety and loneliness that it seems will never leave until I change as a person to become more social, more giving, more outgoing. But I don’t want to. I just want to be me, but be content without those things. Seems I’m screwed.

    • @elmoblatch9787
      @elmoblatch9787 4 года назад

      You can change. The right woman can transform you for the better. You don't have to "like people" but loving one woman is truly worth it.

  • @Jack458111
    @Jack458111 4 года назад

    I think it would be interesting for you to get a charisma expert on the show. Someone like Olivia fox cabane or Charlie from charisma on command. They teach the skills of practicing social interaction and might have some cool stuff to say about. It’s amazing how most people avoid these kinds of tough social interactions but on the flip side we can train ourselves to get better at them.

  • @RoyAndrada
    @RoyAndrada 4 года назад

    happiness becomes odd when people discuss it. its like this kind of grass that spreads its leaves in the sun but you can never touch it without it clamming in. .. exiting now.

  • @cdavidlake2
    @cdavidlake2 4 года назад +2

    Anyone know why Sam hasn't been putting out new content?

    • @renegadetherapies
      @renegadetherapies 4 года назад

      cdavidlake2 I don’t know but probably not a good sign

    • @KandeekidLuv
      @KandeekidLuv 4 года назад

      It's paid content on his website

  • @z0uLess
    @z0uLess 4 года назад

    Thinking about becoming a hermit. I have tried so many things and I am not capable of getting along with people. All I want to do is run in the woods and read books. I have studied psychology and sociology and these data are giving me pause. Also, the story of Christopher McCandless as portrayed by the book "Into the Wild" is holding me back. One of his realizations seemed to be that happiness is nothing unless shared. My idea is that I could get a dog. What do you guys think? PS! I am diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum and I have "restarted" my life several times after major depressive periods. I am 36 and am on the backend of realizing that I will not have a family.

    • @zankfrappawdeezil5566
      @zankfrappawdeezil5566 4 года назад +1

      dogs are absolutely unconditional, and running in the woods with them is fun, then get back home and read a book! good, nothing wrong with that i think..don't listen to me, just be who you are, stop trying!! you are who you are, and if you change then you will, and if you don't then you don't...you have 'made' it so far, so you will make the rest of your life...and you have family..us, the rest of humanity..the truth is, it is all in your hands, ultimately not a victim despite depressions and diagnoses..here just some of my thoughts after all you asked "what do you guys think"...

  • @lubainasarfaraz4574
    @lubainasarfaraz4574 4 года назад

    My problem with this is that she says in the beginning of the podcast that they don’t have the right words.
    Only they do, but I can’t figure out why they want to stuff in the ‘H’ word here. The words simply are wellbeing and satisfaction.
    When you insist on replacing them with the word happiness it confuses people.

  • @TheCobra327
    @TheCobra327 4 года назад +3

    I took a shot every time I heard them say “right”. I had to quit drinking 5 minutes in due to health concerns. They should cover the reasons / psychological for saying “right” in there “teachings”. This way we can see how honest they really are. Very distracting and demeaning frankly.

    • @pocket83squared
      @pocket83squared 4 года назад

      *their.
      Ever been on a podcast? At a podium? How about in any public discussion? Disagreeableness puts the other people there with you in an awkward position. Thus, speech ticks like that are a slight over-correction that are tough to avoid. It's still better than umm... umm...

    • @TheCobra327
      @TheCobra327 4 года назад

      @@pocket83squared yes sir. Public speaking is what I currently do (until Corona) that's why this triggered me. In my experience the information provided should be enough for the ones engaged, other than a psychological message of acceptance, will have longer lasting impact.

  • @StuartFerguson55
    @StuartFerguson55 4 года назад +1

    Sam, It's not really my place to tell you what to do from a financial stand point, but I think the world could really use your opinion "for free" in times like these. Just a suggestion.

  • @nosugar6041
    @nosugar6041 4 года назад

    Sam when will you do another atheist vs religion debate. I love those!

  • @stormbringer_7774
    @stormbringer_7774 4 года назад +14

    I actually love Sam Harris!😂🙌🍌

  • @johnw6937
    @johnw6937 4 года назад

    So sorry to hear about your dad Jerry.

  • @garyesposito192
    @garyesposito192 4 года назад

    People are a double edged sword. To think one can find happiness primarily through interaction with others invariably sets one up for disappointment...unless one is just superficial, then its shrugged off and onto the next contestant. If you cant find peace in yourself first its doubtful others will provide it.

  • @sayedrahimrahimi3687
    @sayedrahimrahimi3687 4 года назад +1

    For god’s sake, make it video instead of audio. I miss such a high quality content due its being audio only. One can’t just listen to something on RUclips without seeing the person talking.

    • @ayk9937
      @ayk9937 4 года назад

      You can. I believe in you

  • @ativanhalen2
    @ativanhalen2 4 года назад

    Where did all the old episodes go?

    • @romanboiko3499
      @romanboiko3499 4 года назад

      or this is new youtube policy, music claims, or he restricted it to pay members

  • @riffking2651
    @riffking2651 4 года назад +7

    Extroverts might be happier, but surely on average they are way less aware of the world. I find it hard to relate to those people because they often don't know much about the world they exist in outside of whatever specific domain they work in professionally, or knowledge about things that are emotionally positive for most people such as sports. I think there is probably an evolutionary advantage to having different temperaments, but I suspect that markets have skewed quite heavily in favor of extroverts on the whole because people are more inclined towards happy and gregarious people.

    • @sethbishop6890
      @sethbishop6890 4 года назад +2

      I know and I'm beginning to think they're more rounded and better off knowledge hasn't done much for me

    • @riffking2651
      @riffking2651 4 года назад +2

      @@sethbishop6890 Yeah it's kind of just a double burden. You're lonely and the people who seem to have some influence have no idea what the hell you're talking about.

    • @Viriyascybin
      @Viriyascybin 4 года назад +1

      Well, you don't understand what extroversion is. It's assertiveness and enthusiasm. You're resentful of people low in trait openness to experience, you can look trait openness up on wikipedia if you want. It really doesn't take a lot of time to get a clear understanding of what extroversion is and isn't, and intelligence is not an excuse for you, and if you're going to base your view about a lot of other people on it- then you have a moral obligation to understand it. Extroversion doesn't tie into being interested in the world, if it does- it's a positive for it. As, a scientist who also experiences more positive emotion when enthusiastic things happen, is just a more actionable scientist. And an assertive scientist, is more capable of being tied to what is true.
      But that would have to come with implications on other traits, for that extrovert, to be that, great scientific personality.

    • @riffking2651
      @riffking2651 4 года назад +1

      @@Viriyascybin Very good points. I am frustrated by a particular type of person who I associate with high extroversion, and I agree that it isn't accurate or constructive to make blanket claims about that type of person under the umbrella of one personality trait.
      The original post was probably more an emotional expression than a well reasoned argument, but that doesn't mean that my actual views and how I perceive people in my life are accurately represented by the comment. I'm also sure that there are a lot of things I should understand that are easy to learn but haven't gotten around to. That's why openness and epistemic humility are values of mine. Thanks for calling out a blind spot.
      I'm somewhat familiar with the big 5 model and I hadn't heard that explanation of extroversion, but I think it is illuminating. My understanding was that it was a preference towards or away from spending time with others.

    • @darkninja___
      @darkninja___ 4 года назад

      antidote-_ So is extroversion tied to how often a person tends to hang out with groups of friends? Or is that openness? I thought openness was mostly willingness to consider new ideas and willingness to try new activities and take risks. I thought extraversion was outwardness to others, such as higher sociability and more likely to seek out being the center of attention and enjoys or does not mind being in groups of 2 or more. Am I wrong? I will read wikipedia but want to ask first.

  • @JL-ol8zg
    @JL-ol8zg 4 года назад +3

    I've signed up for the free subscription three times, no email, no account. Que pasa?

    • @Riley-qc6xl
      @Riley-qc6xl 4 года назад

      There was quite a delay between sending an email and eventually getting the free subscription for me, they are probably very backlogged with requests.

    • @elmoblatch9787
      @elmoblatch9787 4 года назад

      It doesn't help that you are an obvious freeloader. The idea that you can be typing a comment on youtube and not be able to afford $4 a month is absurd. You know it, I know it.

    • @JL-ol8zg
      @JL-ol8zg 4 года назад

      @@elmoblatch9787 dad?

  • @NuvoVision
    @NuvoVision 4 года назад +25

    Brendan Schwab just made me dumber after hearing him talk for 2 min on JRE.....please save me

    • @Jmp153
      @Jmp153 4 года назад +5

      RUclips University haha same here I wanted to hear a little mma talk but had to turn it off after 3 minutes cause of foolishness from both of them..

    • @NuvoVision
      @NuvoVision 4 года назад +3

      @@Jmp153 👊🤣🤣🤣💯

    • @bornyesterday3627
      @bornyesterday3627 4 года назад +6

      I can't listen to anything he does now. 5 weeks ago. He had an epidemiologist on the show. WOKE ME UP! (I "prepped".) I thought he believed what was said on that specific show. I think it was the next day. He was passing a blunt and whiskey bottle around with 3 people! WTF
      But Sam has kept me sane...

    • @YinzerYan
      @YinzerYan 4 года назад +5

      Same exact thing happened to me! That guy is a tool. I am so happy to have found new Sam Harris content today!

    • @Human_Evolution-
      @Human_Evolution- 4 года назад +1

      I ain't mad at that, BADOOSH SON!

  • @MsHojat
    @MsHojat 4 года назад

    I think some people can't really be as happy as others, and some people can be happy without maximizing both "success" and general pleasure, or possibly even _either_ of the two. I think that it's good that they got into the specifics of those differences though. So many people seems to ignore or not realize that people can be extremely happy without doing anything particularly "productive". It's something people have to learn to do in this modern age of automation and overpopulation. Fact is most people simply _can't_ be especially productive. It doesn't matter how much effort you put in, you simply won't be that big politician, multi-millionaire business owner, supreme judge, or big celebrity. There's simply too many people trying, and too many conditions outside of one's control to get there. Even just doing a "regular job" will get harder and harder as automation grows.
    Also I disagree with Santos's specific statement about happiness requiring people. I think there's some group of people that just don't need others to be happy. I'm not sure how this comes about (genetic or otherwise), but I feel like I'm one of those people at the least. I would not call myself an introvert since I like to party and hang around people, but I'm also 100% happy playing a video game alone, or doing stuff on the internet (namely stuff that doesn't involve friends or family)

  • @Ed-tq6hb
    @Ed-tq6hb 2 года назад

    amazing

  • @gizgad567
    @gizgad567 3 года назад

    Pro tip. Happiness is the meaning of life.

  • @SpiritualUnfoldment
    @SpiritualUnfoldment 4 года назад +1

    Just in time browsing works. :-)

  • @HealthyLearning333
    @HealthyLearning333 4 года назад

    I really appreciate your works, Mr. Harris. But please upload the full episode on the youtube. It is complicated and time consuming to use samharris.org.

    • @philosopher0076
      @philosopher0076 4 года назад

      soso okay.....No it's NOT. It takes 2 minutes to sign up and the website is simple. You just click on the podcast you want to hear and play it. HOW DIFFICULT IS THAT??

  • @gnawershreth
    @gnawershreth 4 года назад

    I'm curious how you'd explain the whole "small talk" point when the countries always topping happiness studies are closer to being anti-small talk, while the "small talky" countries are lower down the list.
    Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland etc. are notoriously "reserved" or not sort of "outwardly social" when it comes to strangers and they're usual in or around top 5 every time happiness is measured. Small talk and the act of striking up random conversations is considered annoying and borderline rude in the countries topping the happiness studies.

  • @joeybairos1771
    @joeybairos1771 4 года назад +2

    You’re default “Happiness” is based on nature and nurture.

  • @Chronically_ChiII
    @Chronically_ChiII 4 года назад +7

    My boy sammy got coerced into ditching the 80s porn music and putting back on the OG intro song.

    • @David-tp4ed
      @David-tp4ed 4 года назад

      I know man! I was LOVING that silly jam! XD

  • @ossahmadrezaazimikohnabi5108
    @ossahmadrezaazimikohnabi5108 3 года назад

    Just realized one could subscribe without paying a dime... All the more reason to love you. I hope one day I can send you money, because this situation still doesn't feel right.

  • @fakeperson9929
    @fakeperson9929 4 года назад

    A lot of people seem to assume that happiness is a good thing. What is that based on?

    • @pocket83squared
      @pocket83squared 4 года назад +2

      Happiness seems to be correlated with a lack of suffering, and suffering is bad at extremis. Thus, I guess the first assumption is that *bad is not good.* All of this is better grounded by _The Moral Landscape's_ central argument.
      Where it gets tough for me is in a question of equivalence; for example, how many bee-stings are exactly unequal to one ice cream cone? Further, how many people without healthcare are worth the existence of one yacht?
      (I'll assume that you can tell which of the above I am suggesting to be examples of happiness).
      Happiness(es) may cause a necessary displacement of 'bad' in their wake, and if that's the case, we would have to be able identify such cases in order to evaluate them for opportunity cost. It all confuses me.

    • @fakeperson9929
      @fakeperson9929 4 года назад

      @@pocket83squared To confuse it even more, I have found a lot of value in some suffering throughout my life. It seems to expand consciousness to some degree.

  • @AmazingAntiTheist
    @AmazingAntiTheist 4 года назад +4

    Speak with Jared Taylor.

    • @overthetip
      @overthetip 4 года назад

      Too much of a pussy for that

  • @karthari6679
    @karthari6679 4 года назад +4

    Sam: 0.75x playback speed
    Laurie: 2x playback speed
    Me: 0.2x ( interpretation speed)

  • @thunderousapplause
    @thunderousapplause 4 года назад

    simple social connections are impt. cool. bc thts abt my only interaction w humans. intimacy/vulnerability, eek, no thank you. but i can easily talk to strangers.

  • @jeffersonianideal
    @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +15

    0:02
    Cue the archived, edgy "pandemic" panic music.

    • @AxxLAfriku
      @AxxLAfriku 4 года назад +2

      WOAH WOAH WOAH!!! Let me get this perfectly straight: You comment something that is completely unrelated to the fact that I have two HAZARDOUSLY HOT girlfriends? Considering that I am the unprettiest RUclipsr worldwide, it is really incredible. Yet you did not mention it at all. I am VERY disappointed, dear jergf

    • @jeffersonianideal
      @jeffersonianideal 4 года назад +8

      @@AxxLAfriku
      Wash your hands after touching yourself.

  • @timom9833
    @timom9833 4 года назад +1

    The intro music sounds like something that plays before world war 3

  • @twangycake
    @twangycake 4 года назад

    In relation to talking to strangers. Does this take into account cultural differences, not just American blabbermouths? for example Finnish and nordic culture in general is well known to be introverted, but has the happiest people on earth.

    • @infidelheretic923
      @infidelheretic923 2 года назад

      There are some caveats to Nordic metrics of happiness. They all share a stronger sense of community. They take of their poor, sick, and elderly. But they also have modest desires. They also are the sort of people who would declare everything is brilliant unless there was something horribly bad happening.

  • @mouselink
    @mouselink 4 года назад +1

    The world is in crisis, Sam, and you are totally missing from the conversation at a time when we need you the most.

  • @ZippyLeroux
    @ZippyLeroux 4 года назад

    Is or isn't the full podcast? The intro confused me...

    • @ZippyLeroux
      @ZippyLeroux 4 года назад

      @@adrian_conrad Thanks

    • @elmoblatch9787
      @elmoblatch9787 4 года назад

      If you pay the $4 and change minimum subscription, you get the whole thing.

  • @x0x89
    @x0x89 3 года назад

    Probably a fruitful conversation between Sam Harris and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev will happen at some point in the future
    I'm quite sure about this prediction ^^

  • @roti1873
    @roti1873 4 года назад

    @SamHarris There's a way for your RUclips video thumbnails to rank better and pull more click-throughs/ visits -- put some power words in the graphics. This one could have had "Happiness" in it, for example.

  • @nodelayfordays8083
    @nodelayfordays8083 4 года назад

    Finally back to original intro audio.

  • @chriscockrell9495
    @chriscockrell9495 4 года назад

    Happiness in and with your life. The experienced self and remembered self. Retrospective judgment vs in the moment. To make yourself happy your social relationships. People have the ability to change their happiness, very little is genetics. Those who volunteer for others. It is less about you. Craving/wanting circuit and liking circuit. This is pretty questionable. They also say the amygdala is the fear circuit yet that has been proven to be not accurate.

  • @makemoneynow5061
    @makemoneynow5061 3 года назад

    Your channel definitely deserves my subs!

  • @MegaBlizzardman
    @MegaBlizzardman 4 года назад +3

    I can say that I am happy. Happy I'm FIRST!

  • @gking407
    @gking407 4 года назад

    Should I be worried that isolation has made me happier?

  • @trollop_7
    @trollop_7 4 года назад +1

    Was it something we said .... ?

  • @catkeys6911
    @catkeys6911 4 года назад

    You can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to (Roger Miller).

  • @o.b.v.i.u.s
    @o.b.v.i.u.s 4 года назад

    "yeah, so... i'm one of those people? who end every phrase with a melodic upturn? so it makes everything i say? sound like a question? and it makes me sound like i'm 15 years old? especially when i start my responses with 'yeah, so'?" 🙄🙄🙄