Strange Customs: An Interview with Sasha Sagan
Last Podcast On The Left
Deep Dive
Why does Sasha Sagan find customs and traditions fascinating?
Sasha Sagan is intrigued by customs and traditions because they offer a way to mark time, process change, and celebrate life events without relying on religious infrastructure. She views rituals as a means to process significant life changes, such as birth, marriage, and death, and to find beauty in scientific phenomena like the changing of seasons.
How does Sasha Sagan view the role of science in understanding the universe?
Sasha Sagan sees science as a pathway to understanding reality, awe, and wonder. She believes science helps us grasp that we are part of something larger than ourselves, offering a secular way to experience the spine-tingling feeling of connection to the universe.
What is Sasha Sagan's perspective on the afterlife and paranormal phenomena?
Sasha Sagan does not believe in an afterlife or paranormal phenomena due to a lack of evidence. She emphasizes the importance of relying on evidence rather than hopes, fears, or confirmation bias, and remains open to new scientific discoveries that could change our understanding.
Why does Sasha Sagan think rituals are important for humans?
Sasha Sagan believes rituals provide humans with a way to process change, celebrate milestones, and find meaning in life. She sees rituals as either offering the illusion of control or helping people make sense of significant transitions, such as puberty or the changing of seasons.
How does Sasha Sagan approach the celebration of holidays as a secular person?
Sasha Sagan celebrates holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas as historical reenactments to honor her ancestors and cultural heritage. She also marks the winter solstice as a way to celebrate the scientific reality of longer days returning, emphasizing the beauty of natural phenomena.
What is Sasha Sagan's opinion on astrology?
Sasha Sagan does not believe in astrology, as there is no evidence to support it. She questions how the position of planets and stars at birth could influence personality and sees astrology as a reflection of the human desire to feel connected to the universe, though she believes science is a better pathway to that connection.
How does Sasha Sagan view the rise of atheism and the future of religion?
Sasha Sagan believes the rise of atheism reflects a normalization of secularism, but she also thinks it can lead to increased fanaticism among religious groups. She sees religion as evolving over time, with traditions and rituals mutating to survive, and emphasizes the importance of focusing on community and shared values rather than division.
What is Sasha Sagan's take on the role of science in understanding alien life?
Sasha Sagan believes that while there is no evidence for alien life, science is the best method to explore the possibility. She emphasizes the importance of evidence and the scientific method, holding an open space for the unknown while remaining grounded in what can be proven.
Why does Sasha Sagan think humans are drawn to conspiracy theories?
Sasha Sagan believes humans are drawn to conspiracy theories because they provide a sense of control and certainty in an unpredictable world. She compares conspiracy theories to religious beliefs, noting that both offer a narrative to fill the discomfort of not knowing.
How does Sasha Sagan view the relationship between religion and morality?
Sasha Sagan argues that morality does not require religion, as people can have internal systems of ethics without the fear of divine punishment. She critiques the idea that belief in hell is necessary to prevent immoral behavior, emphasizing that morality should be based on empathy and reason rather than external surveillance.
- Sasha Sagan's upbringing influenced by her parents' work in science.
- She views her parents' legacy as a treasure.
- Science as a pathway to awe and wonder.
Shownotes Transcript