Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"I feel this immense, like joy and gratitude that in this way, in this totally secular real way, he is living on." — Sasha Sagan
"I feel like the, it's interesting because I think there is this correlation between, you know, the conspiracy theories and so much of the history of religion because we are so uncomfortable not knowing it is torture for us." — Sasha Sagan
"The greatest gift of the like cosmic perspective is when we get to zoom out and we're not down here seeing you know where the world feels really big and are you know the differences feel really extreme but when we can look at you know the image of the earth from space and we see that all these borders are artificial and that if anyone were to show up from anywhere else we would be indistinguishable you know one group to another..." — Sasha Sagan
The episode features a conversation with Sasha Sagan, author and host of the podcast "Strange Customs," who discusses her perspective on science, belief, and the human need for rituals. Sagan, daughter of renowned astronomer Carl Sagan, emphasizes the value of evidence-based understanding and finds awe in scientific discovery. She draws parallels between conspiracy theories and religious beliefs, suggesting both stem from a fundamental human discomfort with the unknown. Sagan highlights how customs and rituals, even in a secular context, serve important psychological and social functions, helping individuals mark time, process change, and find meaning.
The discussion delves into the absence of belief in an afterlife and the paranormal, with Sagan advocating for a reliance on evidence. She contrasts this with wishful thinking and personal biases, stressing that while science is a method of understanding, it is also an error-correcting mechanism that constantly tests and refines our knowledge. The conversation touches upon the concept of universal science, suggesting that while specific phenomena might differ across the universe, the method of scientific inquiry would likely remain a constant pursuit of truth.
Finally, the hosts and Sagan explore the role of religion and community, acknowledging the human desire for belonging. Sagan notes that while she is critical of many aspects of religion, she admires the sense of community it can foster. She suggests that secular individuals can build similar communities through shared causes and social justice initiatives. The episode concludes with a discussion on modern identity, tribalism, and the superficiality of divisions when viewed from a cosmic perspective, underscoring the importance of recognizing our shared humanity on Earth.