Does Andrew Tate Give Good Advice? - Sam Harris

Summary

The transcript discusses the influence of controversial figures like Andrew Tate and Donald Trump on society, particularly young men. It touches on the importance of seeking wisdom from various sources, even if they are flawed, and the need for a more compassionate and less self-absorbed role model. The conversation also critiques the abandonment of direct conversation with young men by figures like Jordan Peterson, leading to a vacuum filled by less ideal voices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of discerning between fluency and truthfulness in messaging and the role of storytelling in shaping societal values and personal beliefs.

Takeaways

• 💡 The speaker believes there is a thirst for wisdom, even from controversial sources like Andrew Tate, despite concerns about the toxicity or divisiveness of the messages.
• 📈 The speaker acknowledges why young men are drawn to figures like Andrew Tate but expresses concern that Tate is not an ideal role model for the current generation.
• 🤔 There's a need for a more compassionate and less self-infatuated standard for manliness and success, in contrast to figures like Andrew Tate and Trump.
• 🌍 The speaker comments on how people are seeking answers in a world that doesn't align with their evolved psychology, leading them to figures who offer fluency in their messages, even if they aren't necessarily truthful or insightful.
• 🚫 The speaker criticizes figures like Trump and Tate, who flaunt selfishness and shamelessness as strengths, which resonate with a particular audience.
• 🧠 The speaker distinguishes Jordan Peterson from figures like Trump and Tate, yet disagrees with Peterson’s views on objective truth versus storytelling, noting that Peterson seems to value myth and fiction.
• 📚 The speaker believes that religious texts like the Bible have value but should be viewed as human-made, emphasizing that they are not necessarily the wisest or divinely inspired books.
• 🔄 The speaker draws comparisons between ancient religious texts and modern examples like Mormonism and Scientology, implying that all religious texts were constructed by people, not divinely inspired.
• 🎭 The speaker notes that figures like Andrew Tate and Trump represent a certain narrative of success that is unapologetically self-serving, which appeals to those who reject societal ethics or compassion.
• 🛠 The speaker emphasizes the importance of professional help, like therapy, in enhancing one’s mental health and finding deeper insights, promoting a mental health service at the end.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on Andrew Tate?

The speaker acknowledges that Andrew Tate has issues and is 'radioactive,' but recognizes why young men are drawn to his content. However, the speaker believes Tate's version of success and manliness is problematic and not ideal for young men.

How does the speaker describe the influence of fluency on public perception?

The speaker suggests that fluency in speech can be mistaken for truthfulness or insight. People are more likely to believe someone who speaks fluently, even if the content is not necessarily accurate or insightful.

Why does the speaker compare Trump’s appeal to his audience?

The speaker compares Trump's appeal to a kind of shamelessness about his selfishness. Trump conveys that he won't judge others because he doesn’t judge himself, which resonates with a certain audience who value his unapologetic attitude.

What critique does the speaker offer about Andrew Tate’s message?

The speaker criticizes Tate's message, stating that Tate's focus on material success (e.g., owning a Bugatti) and a selfish, unapologetic lifestyle lacks ethical wisdom. Tate's philosophy is seen as shallow and not something to aspire to.

What is the speaker’s take on Jordan Peterson’s recent focus?

The speaker notes that Jordan Peterson has shifted his focus away from young men to broader issues like climate change and the trans debate. This shift has left a vacuum for young men, who seek guidance elsewhere.

How does the speaker distinguish between storytelling and truth?

The speaker argues that while storytelling and myth have symbolic or figurative truths, there is a need to separate these from objective empirical truths. They view storytelling as potentially useful but caution against conflating it with actual truth.

What does the speaker say about the Bible’s wisdom?

The speaker acknowledges that the Bible contains pearls of wisdom but asserts that it was clearly written by human beings. They argue that the Bible is not the wisest book we have and that much of its authority comes from outdated claims about divine origin.

How does the speaker view the process of creating religious texts?

The speaker describes the creation of religious texts, such as the Bible, as an all-too-human process, likening it to more modern examples like Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon or even Scientology, where followers are sold on an unproven narrative.

What comparison does the speaker make between different religious traditions?

The speaker compares traditional religious claims, such as those in Christianity and Islam, to more recent movements like Scientology. They highlight how the process of writing sacred texts, whether ancient or modern, often involves unverifiable claims.

What is the speaker’s position on the search for wisdom in modern society?

The speaker believes there is a thirst for wisdom in modern society, but people often turn to flawed figures for guidance. This includes individuals like Andrew Tate, who offer solutions but are ethically deficient, and figures like Jordan Peterson, who have moved away from addressing certain demographics.