Sam Harris: Self

Quotes 

• Sam Harris : I have discovered a significant part of Trump's appeal. In particular, I think I finally understand how he is supported because of his flaws rather than in spite of them, how all the things I find despicable in him are not merely things that people are willing to overlook but reasons in and of themselves why people support him. One thing that Trump never communicated, and cannot possibly communicate, is a sense of his moral superiority. Because he is never really judging you - he can't possibly judge you. He offers a truly safe space for human frailty and hypocrisy and self-doubt. He offers what no priest can credibly offer - a total expiation of shame. His personal shamelessness is a kind of spiritual balm. Trump is Fat Jesus. He is Grab-Them-By-The-Pussy Jesus. He is I'll-Eat-Nothing-But-Cheeseburgers-If-I-Want-To Jesus. He's Go-Back-To-Your-Shithole-Countries Jesus. He's no apologies Jesus. And that considered, what are we getting from the left? We're getting exactly the opposite message - pure sanctimony, pure judgment: You are not good enough. You're guilty not only for your own sins but for the sins of your fathers. The crimes of slavery and colonialism are on your head. And if you're a cis, white, heterosexual male, you're a racist, homophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, sexist barbarian. I sincerely hope we rid ourselves of him. But I believe I now understand the half of the country that disagrees with me a little better than I did yesterday. And this makes me less confused and judgmental - less of an asshole, probably. Which is always progress.