The hottest Individualism Substack posts right now

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Ayn Rand as Self-Help: The Good, the Bad, and the Tragicomedy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2535 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Psychology Self-help Individualism Capitalism
  1. Ayn Rand encourages people to find joy in their everyday work. She believes that seeing your job as valuable can lead to a happier life.
  2. She suggests it's okay to judge yourself and others to motivate self-improvement. Feeling like a 'loser' can drive you to do better things in life.
  3. Rand argues that being selfish is part of human nature and should be accepted. Understanding this can help us build a happier and more productive life.

Ayn Rand for Pragmatists

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2804 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Capitalism Individualism Ethics Political theory
  1. Ayn Rand offers a strong moral argument for capitalism, suggesting it's based on individual rights and the ability of people to use their minds and work for their own benefit.
  2. Rand argues that focusing on selfishness as a virtue can help distinguish between genuine personal interests and the collective demands of society, which often ignore individual rights.
  3. Her heroes and villains serve as clear examples to motivate people to defend capitalism and fight against collectivism, emphasizing that strong narratives can inspire political action.

Gen X Man's conflicted call to greatness

Jeff Giesea • 1417 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Generations Identity Social Change Leadership Individualism
  1. Gen X men are often overlooked and feel comfortable being the quiet listeners in conversations. They have a unique ability to understand and connect different generations without needing the spotlight on themselves.
  2. Although Gen X men pride themselves on independence, there's an importance for them to step up and lead as older generations exit. Younger men look up to them for guidance, support, and structure in navigating modern challenges.
  3. Despite their strong individualism, Gen X men are builders who have shaped the world we live in today, and they need to recognize their value in helping the next generation without losing their own identity.

Detachment Theory

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1105 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Neoliberalism Individualism
  1. Attachment Theory shows that humans are naturally social and need connections with others. It's common to see different ways people connect or avoid connecting with each other.
  2. The idea of being a self-reliant individual is a myth; we are all interconnected. Our economy is built on the work of countless others that we may never meet.
  3. In today's market society, people often feel anxious and detached. It's important to understand these feelings and seek support from each other rather than just striving for individual success.
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Friday Thread: Can you become stronger at your broken places?

The Recovering Academic • 435 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Individualism Aesthetics
  1. The path from academia to entrepreneurship can be filled with contradictions and tension, but owning and navigating them honestly can lead to growth and survival.
  2. Navigating modernity and its challenges may require reevaluating one's relationship with delight and joy, and finding ways to adapt and thrive amidst brokenness.
  3. Building bonds of reciprocal obligation with others might be a way to combat individualism, even in virtual spaces like LinkedIn and Zoom.

I Just Spent 24 Hours in a Town That Pools All Their Possessions

Surviving Tomorrow • 314 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Community Leadership Individualism Money
  1. The Bruderhof community practices radical communal living, sharing all possessions and providing for each other's needs from housing to healthcare.
  2. The community emphasizes togetherness, with a strong focus on family units, raising children, and offering support for all members.
  3. Work plays a central role in the community, with everyone contributing through various departments and sharing profits equally among members.

Freedom and the Frontier

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 255 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💾 History Society Revolution Individualism Freedom
  1. The post-revolutionary period in American history implemented Founders' principles like self-governance and freedom, shaping a modern, capitalistic society.
  2. Americas' adoption of self-interest ethics led to a new frontier culture of self-reliance and rugged individualism unlike any seen before.
  3. Freedom and the frontier of the expanding American West reshaped the nation's culture, offering new opportunities, freedoms, and a distinct American way of life.

Subversive as All Hell

Symposium • 235 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Individualism Socialism Progressivism
  1. Rose Wilder Lane stood for self-reliance and freedom, resisting government control and embracing individualism.
  2. Critiques of progressivism and the New Deal focused on the rejection of individualism and the rise of paternalistic authority.
  3. Lane, Paterson, and Rand advocated for individualism in the face of societal conformity, influencing the modern libertarian movement.

Economic Precarity & Cultural Persistence

The Great Gender Divergence • 176 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Religion Ethnicity Individualism
  1. In some cultures, economic precarity leads to strict conformity through reliance on kin networks.
  2. Insecurity can also drive an intrinsic desire for norm enforcement, particularly focusing on gender control.
  3. Economic under-development does not always result in cultural conformity, as seen in Latin America's shift towards greater individualism.

Fragmentation of the self.

Default Wisdom • 236 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Individualism Language Materialism Critical Theory Communication
  1. Fragmentation of self is influenced by historical shifts like the intensification of division of labor starting in the 17th century.
  2. Language, communication, and individualism are interconnected as seen through McLuhan's views on the power of language in shaping individuality.
  3. Material advancements like the printing press and the telegraph have played a significant role in shaping societal fragmentation and the way we perceive the world.

Philosophical economics: From individualism to libertarianism

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Economic Theory Individualism Social Structures
  1. Individualism, while beneficial for starting businesses, can lead to selfishness if taken too far. A healthy balance between individual rights and community needs is important for society's well-being.
  2. Libertarianism, which promotes extreme individualism, can create dangers for society by ignoring the communal nature of humans. This can lead to inequality and a breakdown in trust among people.
  3. When business and politics prioritize profit over social responsibility, it can harm society and increase inequality. History shows that high inequality can lead to serious problems for both communities and economies.

Locke Versus the Apocalypse

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Political theory Social contract Ethics Individualism
  1. AI shows us who we are by reflecting our behavior and ignoring parts we often overlook. This makes us think about our own nature and how we connect with others.
  2. There are two main views on human nature: one believes in communal consensus for the good of all, while the other supports individual interests leading to social good. Each side has different ideas about how society should work.
  3. The question of political consensus is complex and has been debated for a long time. Understanding these views can help us make sense of modern political disagreements.

Atlas Shrugs Twice

Variations on a Theme • 2 HN points • 04 Jun 24
📚 Literature Individualism Injustice Incompetence
  1. Competency crises are becoming more apparent in society, with examples like struggles to explain policies and failed vaccines showing a lack of competence.
  2. Incompetence is spreading and sometimes even celebrated, as seen with awards given to individuals whose actions later proved questionable.
  3. It is essential to maintain individuality and resist apathy, even in the face of societal challenges, as giving in can lead to loss of agency and freedom.

Rock, Paper, Scissors, and Race

In My Tribe • 1 HN point • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Debate Individualism Inequality
  1. In the debate about race, the stances can be compared to Rock, Paper, Scissors - individualism, equalitarianism, and realism.
  2. Each stance has its weaknesses: individualism may not address inequality, equalitarianism can downplay race-based differences, and realism can lead to stereotypes.
  3. Choosing to respond to people as individuals while acknowledging the emotional power of societal issues can be a solid approach in the race discussion.

Tự do và văn hóa

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 14
🎭️ Culture Freedom of Speech Cultural Identity Democracy Individualism Criticism
  1. Building a culture that values freedom of expression and individual rights is crucial for societal progress and democracy.
  2. Defending free speech, even when it involves controversial or opposing views, is essential for promoting diverse perspectives and critical thinking.
  3. Encouraging a culture where individuals can express dissenting opinions without fear of reprisal is vital for fostering a society that values freedom and self-reflection.

...Your Yankee Bluejeans

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 10
🎶 Music Rock Industry Culture History Individualism
  1. British rock bands are often seen as more cohesive units, while American music is often focused on individual stars.
  2. Cultural differences, such as the American value of individualism, may influence the music scenes in the two countries.
  3. The structure of the music industry has evolved differently in the U.S. and the U.K., reinforcing these trends over time.

Free to Choose: A steel-man of Milton Friedman

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Liberty Government Socialism Individualism
  1. Milton Friedman argues that individual freedom in making economic choices leads to greater personal prosperity and liberty. When people decide for themselves, they're more likely to pick what's best for them.
  2. Friedman believes that government should be minimal. The more government tries to take charge, the less efficient it becomes and the less accountable it is to people’s needs.
  3. He emphasizes that local governments work better because they understand the community's needs firsthand. This allows for faster response and better accountability compared to larger governments.

Matt L: Alien-Nation

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual Awakening Alienation Individualism Solidarity
  1. The rise of belief systems like Qanon and Starseeds highlights the powerful impact of alienation on individuals' worldviews and search for meaning.
  2. Both Qanon and Starseeds offer individuals a sense of belonging, purpose, and agency in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
  3. Starseeds, while advocating for global enlightenment and unity, often struggle with individualism and echo chambers, hindering their potential to drive large-scale change.