#138 — The Edge of Humanity

In the '#138 — The Edge of Humanity' episode of the 'Making Sense with Sam Harris' podcast, Sam Harris engages in a deep and wide-ranging conversation with historian and author Yuval Noah Harari. Harari, known for his books 'Sapiens', 'Homo Deus', and '21 Lessons for the 21st Century', discusses the influence of meditation on his intellectual life, emphasizing its role in distinguishing between the stories the mind generates and reality. Harari asserts that humans are storytelling creatures, and these narratives are crucial for cooperation but can become dangerous when mistaken for reality, leading to conflicts and societal issues.

The discussion pivots to the challenges facing liberal democracy in light of technological advancements. Harari posits that the stories underpinning our current systems may not be equipped to handle the 21st century's unique problems. He highlights three primary global concerns: nuclear war, climate change, and technological disruption, all of which necessitate global cooperation. Harari also touches on the potential for AI and automation to render large swaths of the population economically and politically irrelevant, creating a class of people whose roles have been usurped by technology. This shift could lead to a profound societal transformation, wherein wealth and power might concentrate with those controlling the technology.

The conversation also explores the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to technological unemployment. Harari critiques UBI, questioning what 'universal' and 'basic' truly mean in a rapidly changing world. He warns that without a global perspective, solutions like UBI may fail to address the broader implications of technological change. The episode concludes with a discussion on the necessity of building global trust and identities to tackle these unprecedented challenges, drawing parallels between historical European reconciliation and the need for contemporary global cooperation.