How to Think Clearly in an Age of Distraction | Sam Harris

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sam Harris to discuss how attention, mindfulness, and clear thinking shape performance. We start by separating intelligence from wisdom, then look at how modern technology is rewiring our attentional capacity — including which tools enhance cognition and which compete with it. Sam walks through three approaches to working with the mind: training concentration, practicing mindfulness, and using cognitive reframing. We also get into how to receive criticism without ego, why institutions and the Scientific Process still matter in an era of independent media, and what AI means  for our future. This episode is for anyone who wants to think more clearly, feel less hijacked by their own thoughts, and build a more durable relationship to attention.

Show notes: https://performpodcast.com/episodes/sam-harris-how-to-think-clearly-in-age-of-distraction

Waking Up x Absolute Rest challenge: https://wakingup.com/andy

Sponsors

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Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction & Sam Harris

(00:02:30) Intelligence, Smartness & Wisdom

(00:16:13) Outsourcing Cognition: AI as Tool vs. Competitor

(00:21:19) The Death of Boredom & the Inner Voice

(00:30:07) Mindfulness & Three Paths to Mental Freedom

(00:42:20) Overcoming Resistance to Meditation

(01:01:25) Psychedelics vs. Meditation

(01:09:01) Emotion, Reason & Handling Criticism

(01:28:06) Process, Expertise & the Scientific Crisis

(01:50:44) Restoring Trust in Institutions

(02:02:29) Consciousness, AI & the Hard Problem

(02:16:18) Uploading, Teleportation & the Revenge of the Humanities

(02:25:14) Closing

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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