#327 — Transformative Experiences | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” Sam explores the concept of transformative experiences. He delves into how these experiences can fundamentally change who we are as individuals and the challenges they pose to rational decision-making. Sam also discusses the impact of transformative experiences on our values, sense of self, and our ability to make choices that lead to personal fulfillment.

Main Takeaways

Transformative Nature of Experiences

• Transformative experiences change our fundamental sense of self, creating a new version of who we are.
• These experiences often lack essential details, making it impossible to fully anticipate their impact.
• Becoming a parent is a prime example of a transformative experience that reshapes our identity.
• Transformative experiences challenge rational decision-making as the person judging the consequences may be different from the person making the decision.
• Despite the uncertainty, there is something beautiful about not regretting transformative experiences, even if our past selves would have judged them differently.

Decision-Making and Regret

• When deciding whether to have children, we must weigh different options, each with its own trade-offs.
• Asking for evidence may not be relevant when it comes to transformative experiences, as people often change as a result of going through them.
• Regret is rare on both sides of the decision to have or not have children.
• It’s incoherent to claim that one made the “right” decision for oneself beforehand, as the self that emerges may have different values and perspectives.
• Attachment to children can lead to a fundamental shift in what we value and perceive as good.

Transformative Experiences and Rational Analysis

• Transformative experiences, such as religious belief or psychedelic encounters, can profoundly reshape our understanding of reality.
• Our biases and cognitive closures may prevent us from entertaining certain ideas or exposing ourselves to specific experiences.
• Protecting ourselves from potential negative consequences or cognitive biases can be rational in certain situations.
• Grasping evidence requires opening our minds to new experiences, but it can also lead to corruption if not approached with critical thinking.
• Transformative experiences can include religious belief, psychedelics, and certain forms of love.

Empathy and Decision-Making

• Affective empathy can introduce cognitive biases, while cognitive empathy, understanding others’ perspectives, is crucial.
• Empathy has the potential to lead to a loss of self and may not always be the most efficient way to mitigate human suffering.
• Rational analysis should consider the value of experience and not remove the human element.
• Concrete exchanges with other humans can have a more significant impact on our well-being than abstract acts of philanthropy.
• Navigating the mismatch between the amount of good we can do and our ability to comprehend it is essential for personal flourishing.

The Complexity of Transformative Experiences

• Transformative experiences can change our values and sense of self.
• The self that emerges from such experiences may value who they are now, despite the negative aspects of the transformation.
• There is no objective fact about which set of values is better, as each self can have its own unique set of values.
• Deliberately changing our values can alter the basis upon which we judge the goodness of the change.
• The topic of transformative experiences is fascinating and complex, raising questions about disability, regret, and personal growth.

Summary

Understanding Transformative Experiences

Transformative experiences are profound moments in our lives that fundamentally change who we are as individuals. These experiences often lack essential details, making it impossible to fully anticipate their impact. Becoming a parent is a prime example of a transformative experience, as it reshapes our identity and challenges our rational decision-making abilities. Despite the uncertainties, people rarely regret transformative experiences, even if their past selves would have judged them differently.

The Complexity of Decision-Making

When making decisions about transformative experiences like parenthood, we must weigh different options, each with its own trade-offs. Asking for evidence may not be relevant in these cases, as people often change as a result of going through the experience. Regret is rare on both sides of the decision, highlighting the challenges of determining the “right” choice for oneself beforehand. Attachment to children can lead to a fundamental shift in our values and perception of what is good.

Rational Analysis and Empathy

Transformative experiences, such as religious belief or psychedelic encounters, can reshape our understanding of reality. Our biases and cognitive closures may prevent us from exploring certain ideas or experiences. While empathy is important, affective empathy can introduce cognitive biases, and rational analysis should consider the value of experience and the human element. Concrete exchanges with others can have a more significant impact on our well-being than abstract acts of philanthropy.

The Complexity of Transformative Experiences

Transformative experiences can change our values and sense of self. The self that emerges from these experiences may value who they are now, despite the negative aspects of the transformation. There is no objective fact about which set of values is better, as each self can have its own unique set of values. Deliberately changing our values can alter the basis upon which we judge the goodness of the change. The topic of transformative experiences is fascinating and complex, raising questions about disability, regret, and personal growth.

Conclusion

Transformative experiences have the power to reshape our identities and challenge our decision-making processes. Whether it’s becoming a parent or undergoing religious or psychedelic encounters, these experiences can fundamentally change our values and sense of self. While rational analysis and empathy play important roles in decision-making, there is no objective answer to what constitutes the “right” decision for oneself. The exploration of transformative experiences offers a fascinating journey into the complexity of human growth and personal transformation.