Prestigious institutions may overlook blatant falsehoods to champion individuals who fit a desired identitarian narrative. Sam Harris argues Cambridge was not just negligent with fabulist Jason Arde, but actively corrupt in its desperation to believe a 'woke superhero' story.
Sam Harris argues that the ideological extremism and 'moral panic' surrounding race engineered on the left created a significant political backlash. He views this dynamic as being just as culpable for the derangement of the right and the rise of Donald Trump.
The inability to achieve a decisive victory against Iran, coupled with a depletion of military resources, has publicly exposed the limits of American power. This has broadcasted U.S. weakness to allies and adversaries like China, diminishing its global influence.
President Trump's foreign policy has simultaneously eroded America's global standing on two fronts. Military incompetence has shown allies they can't rely on U.S. strength, while moral weakness has shown they can't rely on its loyalty or values, forcing them to hedge against U.S. failures.
Contrary to prevailing media narratives, accusing China of a 'wet market' leak—a practice framed as culturally backward—is a more politically disparaging attack than a 'lab leak,' a risk common to all scientifically advanced nations. The discourse around this was politically incoherent.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Fauci exemplifies how a dishonest, politically motivated process can transform public servants or normal individuals into perceived monsters. Sam Harris notes this dynamic of a 'witch hunt' exists on both the left and the right, distorting reality regardless of the target's actual culpability.