logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
46m 59s

#388 — What Is Life?

SAM HARRIS
About this episode

Sam Harris speaks with Sara Imari Walker about a scientific understanding of life. They discuss the contributions of physics to this topic, Erwin Schrödinger, the inadequacy of standard definitions of life, the prospect of "artificial" life, the role of information, constructor theory, assembly theory, the space of all possible structures, a "block universe," the existence of abstract objects like numbers, the Fermi paradox, the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe, experiments that could decide how likely life is to emerge, the possibility of a Great Filter, the number of Earth-like worlds, and other topics.

If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.


Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

Up next
Yesterday
#423 — “More From Sam”: Democracy, Populism, Wealth Inequality, News-Induced Anxiety, & Rapid Fire Questions
In this latest episode of the “More From Sam” series, Sam and Jaron talk about current events and answer some of the questions you all submitted on Substack. They discuss Epstein’s “client list,” how to safeguard democracy, populism, wealth inequality, the allure of socialism, ho ... Show More
19m 28s
Jun 19
#422 — Zionism & Jihadism
Sam Harris speaks with Haviv Rettig Gur about Israel and her enemies. They discuss Israel’s war with Iran and America’s role in the conflict, Israel’s military capabilities, Iran’s nuclear program, what a ground invasion of Iran could look like, how Iranians view the regime, anti ... Show More
2h 4m
Jun 17
#421 — “More From Sam”: Political Violence, Iran, Deportations, Protests, & Rapid Fire Questions
In this latest episode of the “More From Sam” series, Sam hopped back on with his manager and business partner, Jaron Lowenstein, to talk about current events and answer some of the questions you all submitted on Substack. They discuss the assassination of Minnesota state represe ... Show More
17m 58s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
Consciousness - a science or a philosophy? | Avshalom Elitzur
Why has the concept of consciousness stumped scientists forever? Is there a way of overcoming this impasse?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesJoin physicist and philosopher Avshalom Elitzur as he fearlessly accompanies physics to it ... Show More
35m 4s
Jul 2024
E106 - Donald Hoffman: The Emerging Science, “We Are ONE Consciousness” - Life, Death & The Simulation
Donald Hoffman is back on Know Thyself today to explore the constraints of time and space, and how they shape our understanding of the world around us. He discusses the "headset analogy" - the idea that our senses act as a kind of cognitive filter, preventing us from directly per ... Show More
2h 20m
Aug 2024
Sam Harris Blows Your MIND on Life After Death, Consciousness, and the Mystery of Existence| Sam Harris EP 694
Have you listened to the FULL EPISODE yet?"The good thing about this universe is consciousness. Your life is your consciousness in each moment." - Sam HarrisIn this mind-bending episode, Lewis sits down with renowned neuroscientist, philosopher, and bestselling author Sam Harris ... Show More
7m 56s
Feb 2024
E85 - Alex O’Connor: Philosopher Reflects On Death, Atheism, Morality & Meaning
Today we are joined by the Cosmic Skeptic, Alex O'Connor, for a fascinating look into philosophy, atheism, and the pursuit of an ethical life. Alex has gained recognition for his unique perspective on reality, which he interprets through the lenses of materialism and agnostic ... Show More
1h 30m
Oct 2024
E116 - Nassim Haramein: Exploring Our Holographic Universe, Unified Field Theory & The Illusion of Time
Nassim Haramein, a veteran physicist working on one of the most complex and difficult problems in physics, describes his insights into our holographic universe, consciousness, and zero-point energy. He discusses fundamental principles of spacetime and the groundbreaking discovery ... Show More
3h 2m
Jul 1
Famous Inorganic Chemist on Why He Believes Aliens Exist, The Revolutionary Experiments That Could Create Life & How AI Companies Are Deceiving Us
Are aliens already among us? Are we even looking in the right way to find them? Renowned chemist, molecular visionary, and University of Glasgow Regis professor Lee Cronin joins Mayim and Jonathan to explore the science behind alien life, consciousness, and the very definition of ... Show More
53m 38s
Dec 2024
How to Use Curiosity & Focus to Create a Joyful & Meaningful Life | Dr. Bernardo Huberman
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Bernardo Huberman, Ph.D., a research physicist, expert on quantum networks, and vice president of CableLabs’ Next-Gen Systems. We discuss his journey into science, beginning in South America, how a curiosity about physics led him to the United Sta ... Show More
3h 15m
Jun 2024
Life's Infinite Games: Understanding Our Choices & Playing By Our Rules
Practical Psychology for navigating life's challenges and cultivating joy.Sam Webster Harris explores the concept of life as a series of games, blending psychological insights with practical wisdom. He discusses how every aspect of life involves some form of gameplay, from profes ... Show More
24m 49s
Mar 2023
Breaking through the consciousness stalemate | Philip Goff
Can we free ourselves from stale ideas about consciousness?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSome argue that the reality we perceive is a controlled hallucination. Others claim that science is about to crack the ancient problem of ... Show More
26m 7s
Jun 9
Cosmic Questions, Red Dwarfs & the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Sponsor Details:This episode is brought to you by Incogni...your personal data removal assistant. Take control of your online presence and enjoy a peaceful digital existence by visiting incogni.com/spacenuts and using the code word Space Nuts for a 60% discount!Cosmic Curiosities ... Show More
23m 21s