Though his original major was in English , he became interested in philosophical questions while at Stanford University after an experience with the empathogen – entactogen MDMA . The experience led him to be interested in the idea that he might be able to achieve spiritual insights without the use of drugs . Leaving Stanford in his second year , a quarter after his psychedelic experience , he went to India and Nepal , where he studied meditation with teachers of Buddhist and Hindu religions , including Dilgo Khyentse . Eleven years later , in 1997 , he returned to Stanford , completing a B.A. degree in philosophy in 2000 . Harris began writing his first book , '' The End of Faith '' , immediately after the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Sam Harris