Sam Harris: What it's like to have no free will

TL;DR

The future of human society beyond Mars will involve industrialization and governance, but it will also include familiar human behaviors like fights, murders, and infidelity. As for digital interaction, there may be a swing back to more face-to-face encounters as people realize the limitations and unrewarding nature of platforms like Twitter.

Transcript

well I have to ask because Ron Howard the director asked us on Twitter since we're talking about the threat of nuclear war and otherwise he asked I'd be interested in both your expectations for Human Society if when we move Beyond Mars with those societies be industrial based how will it be governed how will criminal infractions be dealt with when ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚒 The colonization of Mars will not eliminate human behaviors such as fights, murders, and infidelity, highlighting the continuity of human nature beyond Earth.
• 🥺 The limitations and unrewarding nature of digital platforms like Twitter may lead to a swing back to face-to-face interactions in the future.
• 👻 Attention is the most valuable resource, and finding a mode of being that allows for presence and mindfulness in the present moment is essential for personal well-being.
• 🤨 Possibility and actuality are intertwined concepts that raise philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the existence of free will.
• 👮 The laws of nature and the concept of possibility both have metaphysical implications and their relationship to actuality is a topic of philosophical inquiry.
• 🧩 Probability is a tool used to describe observed patterns of actuality, but the true nature of possibility and its relationship to the actual remains a puzzle.
• 🥺 The recognition of the absence of control over thoughts and intentions can lead to a sense of freedom and continuous discovery in life.

Questions & Answers

Q: How will societies beyond Mars be governed?

Societies beyond Mars will likely have some form of governance, similar to industrial-based societies on Earth. However, the presence of fights, murders, and infidelity suggests that it won't eliminate common human behaviors.

Q: Will digital interaction continue to dominate our lives in the future?

While digital interaction has become prevalent, there may be a swing back to more face-to-face encounters. Many individuals are yearning for real-world connections and spending less time on platforms like Twitter.

Q: Can mindfulness and meditation contribute to personal well-being in the future?

Yes, being able to pay attention to the present moment and find contentment and tranquility in consciousness itself can lead to personal happiness. Meditation offers a way to engage the present moment directly and can help manage negative emotions.

Q: Is the concept of free will an illusion?

According to the speaker, the sense of free will is tied to the feeling of being a self who thinks, acts, and intends. Through meditation and mindfulness, it is possible to recognize the absence of this self and find a new way of being in the world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The colonization of Mars will bring about industrialization and governance, but it will also involve familiar human behaviors like fights, murders, and infidelity.

• There may be a shift back to more face-to-face interactions in the future as people yearn for more meaningful and engaging connections, moving away from the drawbacks of online platforms.

• Attention is the most valuable resource, and finding a mode of being that allows for mindfulness and presence in the present moment is a key factor in personal well-being.