Sam Harris

Sam Harris is an author with an interest in neuroscience, neuro-theology and religion. A philosophy graduate from Stanford University Harris has made a long study of both Eastern and Western religious traditions. Harris considers the time has come to speak openly and unambiguously about the dangers posed to society by religious belief. He is especially critical of the stance of religious moderation, which he sees as essentially providing cover to religious extremism while at the same time acting as an obstacle to progress in terms of pursuing more enlightened approaches towards spirituality and ethics.

 

Harris also wishes to recapture spirituality for the domain of human reason and creativity. He draws his inspiration from the practices (but not the beliefs) of Eastern religion, in particular that of meditation.

He has received considerable criticism from atheists for this assertion. For example he has stated, to the bewilderment of some, that he considers it likely the happiest man on the planet might well have spent the last twenty years living alone in a cave. But Harris is unapologetic