The hottest Human nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Greatness or Virtue

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Human nature Social theory Personal Development
  1. Many people prioritize success over being virtuous, which shows how we often chase fame and wealth instead of moral goodness.
  2. We tend to measure our moral worth by comparing ourselves to those who are worse, rather than aiming for the best examples of virtue.
  3. While personal success is valuable, true moral respect comes from being virtuous, not just successful; it's important to aim for both.

I Have Learned A Few Things

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2356 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Knowledge Human nature Social theory
  1. Western interventions often lead to terrible consequences, and the people pushing for these actions are usually on the wrong side of history.
  2. Putting profit above everything else hurts our planet and our well-being, leading to a lot of unnecessary suffering, especially in poorer countries.
  3. Learning to trust our own insights and build genuine connections with others can help us see the beauty in life and find true fulfillment.

Shakespeare the economist.

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Shakespeare Economics Human nature Social Issues Debt
  1. Shakespeare understood economics really well. He used themes like wealth and trade in his plays to show how money affects human relationships.
  2. His work highlights the moral issues of money, like debt and lending. For example, in The Merchant of Venice, the harsh realities of financial need lead to serious conflicts.
  3. Shakespeare's stories reflect the changing social dynamics of his time. The rise of the middle class and trade had a big impact on society and he captured that in his writing.

What it means to be human

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Human nature Animal Behavior Empathy Cognition Communication
  1. Humans often assume that animals understand their intentions, but animals react instinctively based on their own perspectives. It's important to remember that what feels friendly to us may be seen as a threat to them.
  2. Thinking in images instead of words can help us connect with our animal side. Animals primarily think in pictures, and accessing that part of our brain can calm us and improve our understanding of other creatures.
  3. Our bigger brains give humans advanced reasoning abilities, but it can also make it harder to relate to animals. Understanding our differences and similarities with other species helps us learn more about being human.
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Ordinary People Do Terrible Things

Perspectives: Past, Present, and Future, by Patrick Wyman • 2535 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💾 History Empires Genocide Military Conflict Human nature
  1. Evil acts are easily normalized throughout history by ordinary people.
  2. Ambitious rulers and conquerors had ordinary individuals as underlings to enforce their will and commit abhorrent acts.
  3. In various historical campaigns of mass violence, ordinary individuals can become willing participants in horrific acts under certain circumstances.

Notes on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature (Part 2)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Power Dynamics Strategy Mastery
  1. Power dynamics are everywhere in our interactions and understanding them can help us navigate life better. It's important to pay attention to how power shifts between people in different situations.
  2. Seduction isn't just about romance; it can be used as a tool to influence and engage others. Learning to be more charming and persuasive can benefit many aspects of your life.
  3. Mastery takes time and persistent effort. Focus on honing your skills deliberately over time to achieve real expertise in your chosen field.

A Depoliticized Future

The J. Burden Show • 738 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism Politics Society Human nature Civilization
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

The Upheaval • 1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Law Technology Family
  1. New reproductive technologies may change how we think about family and personhood. Instead of being linked to parents, children could be viewed as products that the state owns.
  2. The focus on individualism in family law can weaken the importance of natural family bonds. This shift may lead to the law treating relationships as just contracts rather than meaningful connections.
  3. The idea of family could be fundamentally altered, making children feel like they belong nowhere. This change can rob them of their history and sense of belonging, leading to a troubling loss of identity.

Schedule a meeting with Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 435 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Human nature Life Advice Conversations Personal Development
  1. You can now book a one-on-one video call with Rob Henderson. It's a chance to talk about his writing or get life advice.
  2. Scheduling is easy and you can choose a time that suits you. Just make sure to book before spots fill up!
  3. These conversations are meant to be friendly chats, not formal therapy or medical advice.

Notes on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 795 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Power Mastery Strategy Human nature
  1. Understanding power dynamics can help you navigate social situations better. It's good to be aware of how influence works between people.
  2. Mastery in any skill requires consistent practice and strategy. Putting in the effort over time will lead to improvement.
  3. Human nature is complex, and understanding it can help you relate better to others. Being empathetic goes a long way in connecting with people.

Schedule a meeting with Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Human nature Life Advice Personal Growth Communication
  1. You can book one-on-one video calls with Rob Henderson for discussions on various topics. It's a chance for readers to connect directly and share thoughts.
  2. The meetings are available for a limited time, so it's good to schedule them soon if you're interested. You can pick a date that fits your schedule.
  3. Conversations can cover his writings, psychology, and life advice, but should not be considered as professional therapy.

Darwin the Cynic

Everything Is Bullshit • 904 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Human nature Idealism Morality Ethics
  1. Being a Darwinian cynic means believing people are motivated by self-interest, family-interest, and group-interest.
  2. Darwinian cynicism challenges the idea of pure altruism, suggesting that human actions are ultimately selfish, nepotistic, or groupish.
  3. Moral progress and idealism are seen as accidental byproducts rather than deliberate desires in the lens of Darwinian cynicism.

Chris Hedges: The Nature of Good and Evil

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Human nature Social Critique
  1. Everyone has the capacity for both good and evil within them. It's important to recognize this duality in ourselves and others.
  2. In tough times, we often see real kindness and humanity shine through. These moments remind us of the best parts of people.
  3. It's vital to critique power structures rather than fall into hatred for groups or individuals. Focusing on power allows for healthier discussions.

The Most Important Skill in the 21st Century

The Algorithmic Bridge • 668 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Existentialism Ethics Self-awareness Knowledge
  1. Boredom was never the problem, but not experiencing it is a challenge in the modern world.
  2. The most crucial skill in the 21st century is learning how to be bored and find tranquility in silence.
  3. Constant external stimulation has made us fear boredom, but embracing it can help us grow and stand out in a world of overwhelming entertainment.

Humans are good (except for that one guy)

The Novelleist • 1075 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Ethics Social Structures Anarchism
  1. There are good people who do positive things, but also 'that guy' who causes harm and makes rules and regulations necessary.
  2. Bad actors may be a small percentage, but their impact can be significant, leading to the need for larger systems to handle such individuals.
  3. While rules and regulations are essential for addressing bad behavior, they can sometimes become burdensome due to the actions of a few individuals.

Recommended Reading, Part II: Anthrophysiocracy

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1040 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Political Ideologies Genetics Social Structures
  1. Anthrophysiocracy explores the idea that there are objectively better social structures for human flourishing based on human nature, which varies across populations.
  2. The concept of constrained and unconstrained viewpoints on human nature influences political ideologies and social debates, with implications for societal structures and governance.
  3. Biological differences among human populations impact behavior and societal organization, challenging the notion of a universal governing system and emphasizing the importance of diverse self-governance.

Why I Am No Longer Woke

Skeptic • 203 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Political Ideologies Civil Rights Political Movements Human nature
  1. The idea of being 'woke' started as a way to be aware of social injustices, but it has now become a term used to criticize extreme leftist ideologies. People who once identified with the woke movement may feel disconnected from it due to its transformation into something else.
  2. A key issue with the woke movement is its belief that humans are a 'blank slate.' This means that it assumes all inequalities stem from social discrimination rather than differences in abilities or personal responsibility.
  3. Many moderate thinkers believe in a 'Realistic Vision' of human nature, which acknowledges that people vary in abilities and that social systems should take these differences into account rather than trying to enforce equal outcomes.

Genetic Justice

Parrhesia • 799 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genomics Human nature Social justice
  1. Polygenic scores can predict genetic traits but work better for populations they are 'trained' on.
  2. Social justice advocates stigmatizing genetic research may hinder opportunities for certain ethnic groups.
  3. Taboos around genetic research on traits like intelligence can limit the use of polygenic scores for reproductive decisions.

commentary on xunzi's "enriching the state"

alice maz • 58 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Eastern philosophy Human nature
  1. Xunzi believed in the importance of hierarchy and meritocracy. He thought that the best people should lead, regardless of their birth or wealth, and that learning and self-improvement are key to being a good person.
  2. He argued that society needs clear distinctions and roles to function well. When everyone is equal in authority, it can cause chaos, so having a system with recognized roles helps maintain order.
  3. Xunzi felt that the government should help enrich its people, not just take resources from them. A successful state should create conditions for abundance, making the population better off overall.

Solving Difficult Problems as a Filter

Bzogramming • 45 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Problem Solving Complexity Constraints Creativity Human nature
  1. Asking good questions is key to solving problems. Starting with simple, unrelated questions helps narrow down possibilities and find better answers.
  2. Simplicity is usually better, but complexity can sneak in. Adding constraints to a problem can reduce options quickly, so it's important to manage them wisely.
  3. Being too picky when looking for solutions or people can backfire. Sometimes it’s better to adapt and make things work with what's available, instead of searching for the perfect fit.

If You See the World as a Dead Machine, Atrocities Make Sense

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Human nature
  1. Seeing the world as just a machine can help explain why people commit horrible acts. It makes it easier to understand their actions.
  2. This view of the world can lead to a sense of detachment from others and their suffering. When you see people as parts of a machine, it's easier to ignore their pain.
  3. Recognizing the machine-like nature of the world can change how we think about society and morality. It raises questions about our responsibilities toward each other.

What Makes Humans Special?

Meaning || Matter • 3 HN points • 04 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Cognitive Science Evolution Cultural Studies
  1. Humans are unique because we can reason and make moral choices, which sets us apart from animals. Unlike other creatures, we think about what is right and wrong and have the ability to act on those thoughts.
  2. Children develop important social skills like helping and empathy at a very young age. They naturally want to support others and understand emotions, showing they care about feelings even before they can talk.
  3. Humans create complex cultures that build trust and cooperation among large groups. This ability to share knowledge and norms allows us to work together, unlike most animals that mainly rely on small, familiar groups.

Restoring the Divine Order

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Spiritual growth Human nature Mysticism
  1. We all have a lot of power to create change, but we need to understand our true nature as light. This understanding is key to making a real difference in the world.
  2. The dogmas and strict beliefs pushed by some can distract us from our connection to a higher power. It's important to be aware of how these ideas can keep us stuck and focused on the wrong things.
  3. Real healing and growth come from letting go of past traumas and raising our energy. This process allows us to see ourselves and others as pure light, capable of spreading love and understanding.