#349 — Generosity, Cynicism, and the Future of Doing Good | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of the “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast, Sam Harris engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Chris Anderson, curator of the TED conference. They delve into the topics of generosity, cynicism, and the future of doing good. The discussion covers various aspects, including the science of generosity, leveraging the internet, wealth inequality, and the power of pledges. They also touch on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the controversy surrounding TED talks. Through their conversation, they aim to shed light on the importance of generosity and its potential impact in the digital age.

Main Takeaways

The Science of Generosity

• Generosity is deeply wired into human nature and can have a significant impact on the world.
• Acts of generosity can send ripples across the world in a positive way, especially in the connected age.
• New evidence shows that witnessing generosity increases levels of generosity in individuals.

The Power of Pledges and Philanthropy

• Pledges can be a powerful tool for promoting generosity and addressing global challenges.
• Philanthropy at scale has the potential to make a significant difference in society.
• It’s important to consider the intentions, rewards, and results of giving and optimize for all of them.

Cynicism and the Controversy Surrounding Doing Good

• There is a growing sense of cynicism and selfishness in influential tech and finance circles.
• The narrative of techno-optimism has shifted to disappointment with the internet’s impact, leading to division and tribalism.
• The language of social issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become divisive and exhausting, hindering genuine conversation and action.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• There is a need for collaboration and dialogue in solving global challenges, particularly among the next generation.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges posed by intelligence and the need to tackle them.
• The controversy surrounding inviting a speaker to discuss colorblindness highlights the polarization of viewpoints and the importance of inclusivity.

The Business Model of the Podcast

• The “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast is supported by subscribers and offers free accounts to those who can’t afford them.
• The podcast is ad-free and relies entirely on listener support, with a scholarship program available for those who can’t afford a subscription.
• Sam Harris is committed to ensuring that money is never a barrier to accessing his work.

Summary

Generosity: The Science and Impact

Generosity is an innate human trait that has the potential to create a positive impact on the world. Studies have shown that witnessing acts of generosity increases individuals’ own inclination to be generous. In the connected age, the internet offers a platform for generosity to spread at an unlimited scale, sending ripples of kindness across the globe.

The Power of Pledges and Philanthropy

Pledges and philanthropy at scale can be powerful tools for addressing global challenges. By making commitments and taking proactive steps, individuals and organizations can make a significant difference in society. It’s important to consider the intentions, rewards, and results of giving, optimizing for all aspects to maximize the impact.

Cynicism and the Controversy Surrounding Doing Good

In influential tech and finance circles, there is a growing sense of cynicism and dismissal of altruism and generosity. This mindset, focused on narrowly selfish behavior, may lead to a world where only a few benefit. There is also concern about a shift towards a lack of social responsibility and a growing sense of cynicism and selfishness. The narrative of techno-optimism has turned into disappointment with the internet’s impact, resulting in division and tribalism. Additionally, the language surrounding social issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion has become divisive and exhausting, hindering genuine conversation and action.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in addressing global challenges is emphasized. The next generation is seen as a catalyst for change, highlighting the need for collaboration and dialogue. The controversy surrounding inviting a speaker to discuss colorblindness exemplifies the polarization of viewpoints and the importance of inclusivity. TED conferences are striving to broaden their audience and address language to create a more inclusive community.

The Business Model of the Podcast

The “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast has a unique business model. It is supported by subscribers and offers free accounts to those who can’t afford them, ensuring that money is never a barrier to accessing the podcast. Unlike many podcasts that rely on ads, this podcast is ad-free and solely relies on listener support. The scholarship program further promotes accessibility for those who can’t afford a subscription.

Conclusion

Generosity, despite cynicism and controversy, has the power to create a positive impact on the world. By understanding the science of generosity, leveraging the internet, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, individuals and organizations can contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society. The “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast exemplifies this spirit of generosity through its unique business model, prioritizing accessibility and listener support over advertisements.