Absolutely Mental Season 3

Ricky Gervais explains that while superstition played a role, the primary reason now is that black cats 'don't Instagram well.' He finds this shallow reason incredibly frustrating.

Sam Harris and Ricky Gervais explore the ethics of lying, differentiating between self-serving lies and those potentially for another's good. They discuss experiments showing people lie more when removed from the direct consequence and that social responsibility influences honesty.

Ricky Gervais shares his philosophy of never lying to his daughters, even about difficult topics like death or frightening images. Sam Harris acknowledges that in extreme circumstances or when dealing with those not as equals (like children), 'compassionate lies' can be tempting or even necessary.

Sam Harris argues that rigorously honest communication reduces cognitive overhead, potential embarrassment, and enhances the meaning of genuine praise. He believes it trains people to only seek his opinion when they truly want it.

The golden rule suggests you should only give advice you would want to receive if you were in the other person's situation. This implies considering their sensitivity and potential reactions, rather than blindly applying your own capacity to handle criticism.

While some white lies might seem to smooth over social interactions, Sam Harris argues that the honest approach, though initially difficult, ultimately leads to greater clarity and fewer long-term complications like having to remember fabricated stories.

Sam Harris suggests that offering children certainty about an afterlife can isolate them in their grief, as it offers a fantasy that doesn't meet the reality of loss. He believes equipping children to understand grief as a healthy expression of love is more beneficial.