So, I’m still smitten with this Sam Harris character. I’ve spent a big chunk of precious me-time today scouring the internet for interviews and essays, dizzying myself in the process and, truth be told, this blog entry is merely a break in the action. I think I’m so lit-up by this guy because he’s managed to articulate my own convictions and concerns to a T. I remember being twelve years old or so and inviting a Jehovah’s Witness into my living room. He merely wanted to leave me a few pamphlets, but I challenged him to an impromptu debate on the nature of reality. Of course, he couldn’t give me satisfactory responses to any of my questions and quandaries, and when I bid him adieu I couldn’t help but feel intellectually superior. But, more importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction.
Another thing that strikes me about Sam Harris is that he speaks his mind in no uncertain terms — even shockingly provocative terms — and yet he nevertheless manages to be open and respectful in dialogue with others. I’ve always felt that knowledge and understanding can only be achieved through ongoing dialogue, yet it seems so few people have the willingness and/or capacity to be intellectually honest while retaining a true sense of openmindedness to others’ perspectives. Nowhere is this more apparent than in matters of faith. Indeed, faith can be a real conversation-stopper. When it comes to religion, the most obvious questions don’t get asked, much less answered. And like I tell my patients, whatever we sweep under the rug, whatever we don’t face directly, always comes back to bite us in the ass.