Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

From Uncommon Knowledge by Hoover Institution

February 17, 2026 · 60 min · Episode 454

About this episode

Ben Sasse discusses mortality, faith, and the meaning of life in light of his cancer diagnosis.

In December 2025, former US Senator Ben Sasse announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. That’s the primary topic for this far-reaching conversation about mortality, faith, and what truly matters when time is short. Sasse reflects on “redeeming the time”—holding ambition lightly, loving family more deliberately, and resisting the urge to make politics or professional success the center of life. The discussion also covers Sasse’s thoughts on the failures of Congress; the dangers of a fragmented, attention-starved republic; the crisis of higher education; and the moral challenges of technological abundance. Sasse speaks candidly and movingly about regret, forgiveness, prayer, and suffering—arguing that while death is a real enemy, it does not get the final word. Recorded on February 9, 2026. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

People in this episode

Host: Peter Robinson

Guest: Ben Sasse

Topics covered

  • mortality
  • faith
  • politics
  • higher education
  • technology
  • personal reflection

Keywords

  • Ben Sasse
  • pancreatic cancer
  • mortality
  • politics
  • higher education
  • technology
  • faith
  • forgiveness
  • suffering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hoover Institution

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