By lying, we deny others a view of the world as it is. Our dishonesty not only influences the choices they make, it often determines the choices they can makeโand in ways we cannot always predict. Every lie is a direct assault upon the autonomy of those we lie to.
Sam HarrisWe have Christians against Muslims against Jews. They're making incompatible claims on real estate in the Middle East as though God were some kind of omniscient real estate broker parsing out parcels of land to his chosen flock. People are literally dying over ancient literature.
Sam HarrisI know of no society in human history that ever suffered because its people became too desirous of evidence in support of their core beliefs.
Sam HarrisAn argument can be logically valid, but unsound in that it contains a false premise and, therefore, leads to a false conclusion (e.g., Scientists are smart; smart people do not make mistakes; therefore, scientists do not make mistakes).
Sam HarrisWe are faced with the task of convincing a myth infatuated world that love and curiosity are sufficient and you don't have to delude yourself and frighten yourself with Iron Age fairy tales. This is a monumental task. I don't think there is an intellectual struggle more worthy of our efforts.
Sam Harris