Common Sense with Bari Weiss $5 / month

Common Sense with Bari Weiss critiques contemporary issues impacting society from the perspectives of free speech, scientific inquiry, and cultural shifts. It explores themes around gender dysphoria, debate censorship, autism, personal values, public controversies, mental health, political correctness, scientific skepticism, cultural identity, historical context, and societal purpose.

Free Speech and Censorship Gender and Identity Education and Debate Health and Science Cultural and Social Issues Mental Health Politics and Public Opinion Historical and Cultural Identity Personal Values and Purpose Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of Common Sense with Bari Weiss

And their main takeaways

EXCLUSIVE: Female Athletes Sue NCAA Over Transgender Competitors in Sports

5467 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Legal issues Sports Lawsuit
  1. Female athletes are suing the NCAA over transgender athletes competing against them and using female locker rooms, claiming violations of Title IX.
  2. The lawsuit aims to change the rules so that biological males are ineligible to compete against female athletes, demanding awards be revoked from trans athletes and given to female contenders.
  3. The suit highlights concerns about gender inclusion in sports, citing the advantage biological males have over females even with hormone therapy, and questions the existing eligibility rules set by the NCAA.

Bari Weiss: What It Means to Choose Freedom

7150 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. To be free is to tell the truth even when surrounded by lies. Living in truth is a key aspect of freedom.
  2. To be free is to stand up for the freedom of others, while also safeguarding your own. It's about collective liberty and responsibility.
  3. To be free is to be courageous even when afraid. Embracing bravery in the face of fear is essential for staying true to your values and beliefs.

It’s Harder to Hate the Other Side When You Come Face to Face

3561 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science
  1. Stereotypes of extreme political views are tired, and real people mostly fall in the middle or are less extreme than caricatures suggest.
  2. Engaging in face-to-face conversations reveals that many individuals are not as hyper-partisan as media portrays, and they often seek kindness and unity over division.
  3. The majority of Americans may not fit neatly into extreme political categories, showing that there is a common desire for greater understanding and less polarization.

Bari Weiss: The Holiday from History Is Over

4196 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict War
  1. The ordinary citizens of Israel demonstrated remarkable heroism and courage during times of tragedy and conflict, embodying a spirit of resilience and sacrifice.
  2. The harrowing events of October 7 in Israel served as a wake-up call about the reality of war and the importance of defending a free society.
  3. The experience in Israel prompts reflection on the universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and readiness to defend one's home and values, posing important questions about individual and societal responses to crisis.

Are ‘Islamists in Charge of Britain’?

6241 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Antisemitism Democracy Extremism
  1. There have been increased incidents of antisemitism and violence in London, causing safety concerns for Jewish schools and worshippers.
  2. The British Parliament faced a situation where fear of Islamist violence influenced decision-making, leading to deviations from parliamentary norms.
  3. The rise of Islamist extremism in Britain has created a pressing need for immediate and decisive action, including arrests and deportations of individuals inciting violence or religious hatred.
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Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Offend

3246 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Speeches Writing Debates Public Speaking
  1. Christopher Hitchens was known for his formidable skills as a public speaker and debater, with some believing he spoke better than he wrote.
  2. Hitch's reputation as a speaker was so esteemed that one should never speak before, with, or after him, according to advice given to Douglas Murray.
  3. Even before achieving peak celebrity status, Hitchens was recognized for his speaking prowess, particularly evident in his renowned book 'God Is Not Great.'

TGIF: I Serve at the Pleasure of Barbecue

3315 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Foreign Policy Media Artificial Intelligence
  1. Biden faced backlash for using the term 'illegal' but then claimed he didn't apologize: highlights the Biden administration's border philosophy and communication blunders.
  2. The Biden administration is releasing an additional $10 billion to Iran: shows the conflicting approaches within the administration's foreign policy.
  3. Elon Musk cancelled his partnership with Don Lemon on X/Twitter: illustrates that rich individuals like Musk don't take criticism well and can quickly change their minds.

The Prophets: D.A. Henderson

3125 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Pandemics Lockdowns Epidemiology
  1. D.A. Henderson, an epidemiologist, warned that pandemic lockdowns may not effectively stop a disease but could lead to severe public health consequences.
  2. Lockdowns during the pandemic caused disruptions in education, social development, mental health issues, domestic violence, and overdose deaths, highlighting the broader impacts of such measures.
  3. Public health should focus on not just stopping a disease but also consider the broader health of society, including targeted protection for the ill and medically vulnerable, to avoid harmful consequences of overreaction like societal shutdowns.

Introducing a New Saturday Series: The Prophets

4382 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Technology Literature Philosophy History Media
  1. Marshall McLuhan's insights into the impact of electric technology on society were ahead of his time, making him a visionary from the past.
  2. McLuhan believed that new electronic media changes the way people use their senses, affecting how they think and respond, leading to new identities and societal forms.
  3. Despite not being universally understood, McLuhan worked to empower people to understand and choose how they engage with technology in their lives.

Things Worth Remembering: C.S. Lewis on Keeping Calm in Chaos

3510 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
📚 Literature Speeches
  1. Great speeches from famous orators have lasting impact, resonating with us across time.
  2. C.S. Lewis, a knowledgeable figure in human history, presents profound insights through his oratory skills.
  3. Learning from the wisdom and historical context of renowned speeches can enrich our understanding of the world.

How Bad Therapy Hijacked Our Nation’s Schools

4609 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Schools Children Education
  1. American kids are facing increasing mental health challenges despite being considered the most privileged generation, with a significant percentage considering suicide, indicating a worrisome trend.
  2. The focus on mental health by parents and schools may be inadvertently contributing to the rise in anxiety and depression among children, highlighting a possible correlation between therapy culture and the decline in youth mental well-being.
  3. The prevalence of 'bad therapy' practices, such as excessive emotional check-ins and emphasizing social-emotional learning over traditional academic subjects, is suggested to be exacerbating emotional distress in kids, showing a need for reevaluation of current approaches in schools.

Fentanyl Is Killing American Kids. Most Don’t Even Know They’re Taking It.

4655 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention Education
  1. Fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug, is causing a significant number of deaths among teenagers and young adults, often unknowingly consumed through counterfeit pills.
  2. Drug dealers are lacing various substances like pills, cocaine, and meth with fentanyl to increase their profits, leading to a rise in fatal overdoses.
  3. Children and teens need to be educated about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, as these fake pills can look identical to real medications, making it crucial to only take medications from doctors or pharmacists.

Alexei Navalny Lived and Died in Truth

5597 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Heroes Freedom
  1. Navalny chose to return to Russia despite the risks, showing his dedication to his country and cause.
  2. Navalny's life and death highlight the stark contrast between the free world and the unfree world.
  3. Navalny's bravery and sacrifice echo those of other victims of Russian authoritarianism, emphasizing the importance of standing up for truth and freedom.

I Was Told to Approve All Teen Gender Transitions. I Refused.

6649 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Gender Dysphoria Mental health
  1. Independent publications and individual testimonies have been instrumental in shedding light on the complexities of 'gender-affirming' care.
  2. The increase in lawsuits from young individuals highlights the significant consequences of life-altering treatments.
  3. Therapist Tamara Pietzke's experience reveals concerns about the current trend of 'affirmative care' for youth with gender dysphoria, urging a reevaluation of therapeutic approaches.

TGIF: The State of TG Is Strong

3241 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis
  1. Biden successfully portrayed himself as strong and capable during the State of the Union address to counter perceptions of being old and feeble.
  2. MSNBC is reverting to fun and engaging programming, with discussions about Trump's physical appearance and the mockery of voters concerned about immigration.
  3. Voters are still concerned about Biden's age and there are ongoing discussions about Supreme Court decisions affecting Trump's presence on the ballot and the retirement of Justice Sotomayor.

What Really Happened to George Floyd?

7776 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Journalism Documentary Trial Narrative
  1. A new documentary challenges key parts of the George Floyd story: the knee-on-the-neck hold as Chauvin's signature move, asphyxiation as the cause of death, and whether Chauvin received a fair trial.
  2. The full footage of the incident shows more context than the viral clip - officers had tried to place Floyd in the squad car and Chauvin's knee was not on Floyd's neck for as long as widely believed.
  3. Chauvin's criminal trial presented an opportunity to reassess the evidence and public opinion, with the prosecution having to prove Chauvin's actions constituted assault and caused Floyd's death.

Exclusive: Navalny’s Letters from the Gulag

4312 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Prison System Human Rights Freedom Opposition
  1. The correspondence between Natan Sharansky and Alexei Navalny showcased their erudition, moral clarity, and humor - with Biblical references and insights into their experiences in prison.
  2. The letters highlighted the universal impact of standing up for freedom and the continuity of ideological struggles from the past to the present, offering hope for change despite challenges.
  3. Both Sharansky and Navalny shared a deep connection and admiration for each other's resilience, with humor and encouragement helping them find strength in the face of adversity.

Google’s Woke AI Wasn’t a Mistake. We Know. We Were There.

2040 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Diversity Bias Tech industry
  1. Google's new AI tool, Gemini, produced biased results in image searches, reflecting the larger issue of the company's culture prioritizing ideologies over excellence.
  2. Former Google employees, including high-profile individuals like Shaun Maguire, expressed concerns over Google's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion leading to compromises in quality and standards.
  3. The fallout from the Gemini AI debacle at Google highlighted the importance of balancing inclusivity with maintaining product quality and unbiased information for users.

Union Lawyers Call Jewish Colleagues ‘Deranged’ and ‘Fascist’

2290 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor relations Antisemitism
  1. Jewish lawyers in a labor union faced hostility and abuse for supporting Israel, leading to a congressional investigation for antisemitism.
  2. Messages from the union's group chat included accusations against Israel of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid.
  3. The union resolution in support of a cease-fire in Gaza faced criticism for detracting from the main purpose of the union, which is to fight for workers' rights.

The Free Press in Israel: A Special Limited Series

2796 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict Journalism Civilization
  1. The decision to go to a place of conflict can be a mix of practical concerns and emotional ties, but the desire to witness and understand can be a driving force.
  2. Meeting people face-to-face and being on the ground for reporting provides a depth and understanding that remote communication cannot match.
  3. Experiencing a war-torn region firsthand brings a deeper perspective on the impact and realities faced by those living in conflict zones.

MLK’s Former Speechwriter: ‘We Are Trying to Save the Soul of America’

7169 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Civil Rights Movement Activism Equality Social justice
  1. Clarence Jones had a close relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. and was able to write speeches that perfectly captured King's voice and tone.
  2. Jones believes that the messages of Martin Luther King Jr., including radical nonviolence and building alliances across ethnic lines, have been forgotten in America.
  3. Jones played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement by fundraising, helping with King's speeches, and forming alliances, emphasizing the importance of coalition support, especially from the American Jewish community.

TGIF: Every Sperm Is Sacred

3528 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Election Media Politics
  1. President Biden faced criticisms regarding his communication style and response to questions, showcasing potential weaknesses in his public image.
  2. Donald Trump is engaging in unique marketing strategies by selling high-priced branded sneakers, stirring up reactions from the opposition party.
  3. Trump's legal issues, particularly a civil fraud trial in New York, demonstrate the complex intersection of legitimate legal concerns and potentially politically motivated prosecutions.

WATCH: Douglas Murray Meets the Son of Hamas

4187 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Terrorism Religion Radicalization Middle East
  1. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of one of Hamas's founders, became an Israeli informant and helped prevent terror attacks, later converting to Christianity.
  2. Yousef has been vocal about the damage Hamas has caused to Palestinian society and the extreme hate-filled beliefs that fuel radical Islamic terrorism.
  3. Yousef's unique perspective, moral clarity, and firsthand experience make his insights important in understanding and combatting terrorist groups.

The Backlash in Deep-Blue America

2508 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Candidates Polls
  1. One in ten 2020 Biden voters now support Donald Trump, indicating trouble for Biden's reelection bid.
  2. Progressive places like San Francisco and Oregon are embracing law-and-order policies, signaling a shift towards 'common sense' approaches.
  3. Conservatives are gaining ground in political fights in deep-blue areas like Washington, D.C., New York, and California, reflecting a broader conservative backlash.

Weekend Listening: From McDonalds Drive-Through to Star Harvard Professor

3292 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🚌 Education University Research Challenges Academia Personal journey
  1. UATX, a new university founded by Pano Kanelos, has proven to be a real institution set to accept its inaugural class of students in 2024.
  2. Harvard economist Roland Fryer embodies academic excellence, emphasizing the pursuit of truth, admitting his mistakes, and overcoming obstacles.
  3. Fryer's life story showcases resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to one's mission in the face of controversies and challenges.

Mother Russia, Father Time

3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.

A Second Year with Douglas Murray

3524 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Translation Classics Schooling
  1. Good journalism involves highlighting things that work beautifully in the world, not just what's broken.
  2. Memorizing great literature allows for personal growth and different insights over time.
  3. Memories and philosophical insights of great artists live on when memorized, representing a form of freedom.

If Berkeley Wants to Protect Free Speech It Will Expel Its Rioters

2453 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Violence Academic Freedom Civil Discourse
  1. Violence should not be tolerated on college campuses as it undermines the principles of free speech and debate.
  2. Consequences must be implemented for those who engage in violent behavior or disrupt events on campus.
  3. Universities must actively defend free speech and academic freedom while maintaining zero tolerance for violence.

‘I Was Fired After Blowing the Whistle’

3162 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Dysphoria Whistleblowers Youth Gender Medicine Advocacy Mental health
  1. Several therapists have spoken out in fear that medical treatment of minors with gender dysphoria may be harming youths.
  2. Speakers like Tamara and Jamie, despite facing challenges, continue to advocate for the importance of speaking out regarding concerns about youth gender medicine.
  3. Supportive coalitions like The LGBT Courage Coalition and advice from whistleblowers are available for those considering speaking out on topics like pediatric gender medicine.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘I Built the Railroads Under Someone Else’s Whip’

2587 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Speeches
  1. Aristotle identified three types of rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos focuses on the speaker's credibility.
  2. In a debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley, Baldwin's credibility and controlled mastery of his subject gave him a significant advantage.
  3. The civil rights movement context and Baldwin's strong rhetorical skills were key factors in his compelling argument.

TGIF: This Means War

5402 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Border Health Crisis Foreign Policy Political Figures
  1. There are concerns about communication between top government officials during critical moments, such as the defense secretary's hospitalization.
  2. RFK Jr. is surprisingly gaining favor among Americans amidst the dislike towards Biden and Trump, potentially shaking up the 2024 election scene.
  3. Nikki Haley is making a significant impact in New Hampshire polls, while the border crisis at the Texas-US border is escalating and stirring public frustration.

They’re Black Democrats. And They’re Suing Chicago Over Migrants.

4549 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Policy Community Election Lawsuit
  1. Some residents in Chicago are feeling angry and betrayed by Democrats they helped elect, who pushed to turn a neighborhood park into a shelter for migrants. This has led to a sense of neglect and frustration among the community.
  2. There is a belief among some black residents in Chicago that the city is more focused on welcoming and providing resources to newly arrived migrants than to addressing the needs and poverty in their own community.
  3. Cata Truss and other residents took legal action to prevent a neighborhood park from becoming a migrant shelter, highlighting the importance of fighting for community spaces and resources.

TGIF: TimHouthi Chalamet

4771 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Coverage Terrorism
  1. Trump's victory in Iowa solidifies his frontrunner status for the Republican nomination and next presidency.
  2. Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are choosing not to air Trump speeches, leading to speculation about their declining relevance.
  3. The Biden administration has classified the Houthis as terrorists, given their violent actions in the Red Sea.

The Democrats Praying for an Open Convention

1683 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential Election International relations Mental health Therapy
  1. Speculation about Michelle Obama entering the presidential race as an alternative to Joe Biden is circulating, but Michelle Obama has repeated she will not be running for president.
  2. Concerns are rising among Democratic insiders about President Biden's declining faculties and the need for a possible replacement before the next election.
  3. There's a complex dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but a change in Israeli leadership may have to come from within, not due to external pressures.