Get Started

Photo of sam harris

Sam Harris

Author, Philosopher, Neuroscientist

Born 1967

Biography

Sam Harris, born April 9, 1967, is an American author, neuroscientist, and philosopher, widely recognized for his contributions to secularism and ethics. His 2004 book, "The End of Faith," won the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction and sparked significant discourse on religion and rationality. Harris's 2010 work, "The Moral Landscape," challenged traditional views on morality, arguing that science can determine human values. In addition to his writing, he hosts the popular podcast "Making Sense," where he discusses various topics ranging from politics to meditation, often featuring prominent guests. Harris holds a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from UCLA, underscoring his commitment to scientific approaches in his philosophical inquiries.

About

Born April 9, 1967

Birthplace Los Angeles, California, USA

Nationality American

Education PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience

School University of California, Los Angeles

Popular Quotes

"Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply an admission of the obvious."

Philosophy Belief Skepticism Worldview

"The problem with religion, well among other problems, is that it's the only way where you can get people – good people – to do immoral things."

Philosophy Faith Ethics Belief

"The truth is, religion as we speak of it is made coherent only by the dumb ceaseless charade of contending faiths."

Philosophy Spirituality Truth Faith

"We have a choice between conversation and war. That is all. "

Understanding Communication Peace Conflict

"It is merely an accident of history that it is considered normal in our society to believe that the creator of the universe can hear your thoughts, while it is demonstrative of mental illness to believe that he is communicating with you by having a dinner conversation with you."

Philosophy Mental health Faith Communication

"Theology is simply ignorance with wings."

Philosophy Spirituality Faith Religion

"We must find our way to a time when faith, without evidence, disgraces anyone who would claim it."

Philosophy Faith Belief Critical thinking

"Faith is what credulity becomes when it finally achieves escape velocity from the constraints of terrestrial discourse."

Philosophy Faith Belief Religion

"If our well-being is not only of value to ourselves but also for others, then the concept of morality cannot be subjective."

Philosophy Ethics Morality Well-being

"Theology is ignorance with wings."

Philosophy Spirituality Faith Religion

"Theology is now little more than a branch of human ignorance. Indeed, it is ignorance with wings."

Philosophy Humanity Ignorance Enlightenment

"If someone doesn't value evidence, what evidence are you going to provide that proves they should value it?"

Belief Critical thinking Skepticism Logic

"Our world is fast changing, but our basic ability to reason has remained largely unchanged for millennia."

Philosophy Change Humanity Society

"Atheism is just a way of clearing the space for better conversations."

Philosophy Belief Critical thinking Open-mindedness

"It is time that we admitted that faith is nothing more than the license religious people give one another to keep believing when reasons fail."

Philosophy Faith Belief Religion