The hottest Wisdom Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Confucius Says “lol, lmao”

The Upheaval • 2026 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Governance Trust Leaders Wisdom History
  1. According to Confucius, the basics of governance consist of having enough armaments, food, and the trust of the common people.
  2. Confucius emphasizes that the trust of the people is the most crucial element for a state to stand, even above food and armaments.
  3. The modern political leaders seem to have forgotten these fundamental principles, failing to prioritize security, defense, and the trust of the common people.

Overcoming Intellectual Servitude

thestoa • 904 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Power Dynamics Wisdom
  1. Foster intellectual humility by assessing views without over or undervaluing them.
  2. Avoid intellectual servitude by not outsourcing opinions and reasoning to others.
  3. Develop a preference for wisdom over intelligence, and do not fear expressing your views.
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The Queen of all Virtues 👑

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Virtues Wisdom Spiritual growth Personal Reflection Decision-making
  1. Prudence is the queen of all virtues because it guides our actions and helps us make good decisions.
  2. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice, providing a foundation for a moral life.
  3. Cultivating prudence involves thinking, making a choice, and taking action, leading to wise decision-making in everyday life.

The heart of awareness

Silentium • 196 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Meditation Enlightenment
  1. The Ashtavakra Gita is an ancient classic of Advaita Vedanta literature, focusing on a dialogue between King Janaka and the Sage Ashtavakra.
  2. Many spiritual figures, including Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramana Maharshi, and Mooji, consider the Ashtavakra Gita to be profound and enlightening.
  3. The Ashtavakra Gita is described as containing all essential teachings, a source of truth, simplicity, and depth to contemplate and meditate upon.

Three wise men talk about wisdom and power.

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Power Conversation Reflection
  1. The conversation discussed how our capacity for wisdom at a small scale contrasts with the large-scale problems we face
  2. There was a reflection on the different perspectives of the three speakers when discussing world issues
  3. The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of different aspects like society, soul, and systems when bringing about changes

📚Salon: Reading for Pleasure and Going Beyond Words: Events, Practices

Neckar’s Notes • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Reading Practices Events Wisdom Writing
  1. Reading for pleasure is a rare and fulfilling experience in a world dominated by social media and short attention spans.
  2. Engaging in concrete practices beyond mere words is crucial for finding meaning, connection, and balance in life.
  3. Exploring various practices like breathwork and attending events can help cultivate wisdom, balance, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world.

Thinking for Ourselves: The Good Life and the Art of Critical Thinking

Humanities in Revolt • 359 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🚌 Education Critical Thinking Wisdom
  1. Living a good life involves more than just acquiring material possessions; it requires good thinking and the practice of critical thinking
  2. Critical thinking is a skill that requires intentional development through practice, study, and conscious effort
  3. Critical thinking goes beyond intelligence and involves ethical considerations, reasoning, and striving for wisdom rather than just seeking knowledge

Cultivating A New Worldview For A Better World

Creative Destruction • 68 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Connection Nature Wisdom Culture Indigenous
  1. Cultivating a new worldview involves reconnecting with nature and embracing a more holistic way of living.
  2. Inner rewilding and re-humanization are essential for rehabilitating humanity and breaking free from destructive living patterns.
  3. Exploring ideas like traditional ecological knowledge and animism in investing can offer valuable insights for nurturing a new worldview rooted in interconnectedness.

What Is Grandmotherly Wisdom?

Grandmotherly Wisdom • 353 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Life Humanity Morality Generations
  1. Grandmotherly Wisdom emphasizes the importance of understanding our connection to past generations and shaping a better future for those to come.
  2. It encourages finding beauty in everyday moments and the value of personal care, attention and shared experiences.
  3. It involves recognizing the collective effort needed for personal growth, building strong communities, and taking responsibility for creating a positive impact in the world.

For The Person Who Has Everything

What's Important? • 22 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Purpose Mindset Balance Self-Improvement
  1. The most influential changes in worldview often happen when successful individuals face a shift in circumstances that require a different mindset.
  2. Developing a 'steering wheel mindset' with broad attention and intuitive insights can lead to fresh perspectives and a more accurate worldview, benefiting the individual and the tribe.
  3. Reconnecting with wisdom and cultivating 'metis', the essential quality of responsiveness to the world, can lead to balance, meaningful interactions, and overall flourishing.

Weekly Wisdom #11

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Buddhism Spirituality Meditation Communication
  1. Wisdom can be explored through open-ended inquiries and examining its opposite, foolishness.
  2. Deep diving into spiritual practices like Buddhism's Ten Fetter model and Zen koans can offer valuable insights and resources.
  3. Resources on effective communication, such as writing as a Zen practice and analyzing popular TED Talks, can enhance communication skills.

Being Good by "Going to Hell"?

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Wisdom Morality Integrity
  1. Being good requires conscious effort and intentional action, contrary to the belief that being bad takes more effort.
  2. Moral goodness is seen as an achievement by philosophers like Buddha and Aristotle, emphasizing the importance of developing virtuous habits.
  3. Challenging societal norms or beliefs, even when faced with ignorance or disapproval, is crucial for genuine moral integrity and often requires disobedience.

Morning Birdsong Calls Ryokan Off the Shelf

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Wisdom Connection
  1. Enjoy the beauty of nature and reflect on the impact of human activities on the environment, like the pollution of the Great Lakes.
  2. Question the pursuit of traditional success and the sacrifices made for material wealth and security, prompting a reflection on the true meaning of a fulfilling life.
  3. Advocate for simpler, more communal living, where the focus is on sharing, connection, and playing together for a happier existence.

Nietzsche Didn't Say That... But He Would've Agreed

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 28 Apr 22
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Existence Truth Transformation Humanities
  1. Our harsh judgment of others often stems from ignorance and lack of understanding. We should practice intellectual humility and refrain from presuming to know everything about unconventional behavior.
  2. Great ideas stand on their own merit, regardless of the author. The value of an idea lies in its ability to help us understand the world, not just in who said it.
  3. Wisdom and knowledge may lead to being misunderstood by others. Embracing transformation in pursuit of truth requires both humility and courage.

the tavern and the temple

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 22 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Perception Self-awareness Reflection Psychology Wisdom
  1. Regular writing can be a tonic for the mind and soul, helping to maintain mental clarity and honesty.
  2. Different mediums and platforms can affect the reception of one's writing and thoughts, guiding the need for adaptation.
  3. Exploring perceptions, challenging fixed ideas, and embracing patience can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding.