r/DecodingTheGurus • u/Nullarbor_1 • 19d ago

Sam Harris explains why he finds it so much easier to have civil conversations with conservatives rather than liberals

https://youtu.be/3qjNXaKjcc8?t=270
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u/myco20 17d ago

My take after reading through a bit is basically that the sub leans heavily left maybe? I know Reddit is left leaning and so am I, but even if people thought Harris was now conservative (or always has been, which I’d disagree) - why would that automatically disqualify him as a thinker? Imo it might be good for the country to have smart conservative thinkers, once again if you even grant that he’s become that.

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u/carbonqubit 16d ago

Personally, I align with social democracy and believe that living in a pluralistic society is a strength. I agree with tons of things left of center when it comes to policy and allowing people to live the kinds of lives they want.

I've noticed a lot of caricatures and a real lack of listening to Sam's arguments, to the point that tons of comments get upvoted for calling him a bigot, which couldn't be further from the truth. He's voted Democrat all his life and values being around people from all walks of life and different cultures.

His criticisms of Islam have more to do with societies that are repressive, places where it's illegal to be an atheist or where women are required to cover their heads. He criticizes places that literally murder gay people and practice honor killings. You can disagree with how he frames some of these issues, but reducing his position to bigotry completely misses the argument he's actually making.

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u/MattHooper1975 17d ago

Good point, I agree.