The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

How To Be Happy In A Genocidal Dystopia On A Dying World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3306 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Happiness Dystopia Human experience Perception
  1. You can find joy even in tough times. Appreciate the little things like nature and moments of beauty.
  2. It's okay to feel sad about the world, but don't let it steal your happiness. Engage with reality and feel all the emotions.
  3. Focus on recognizing the amazing parts of life. Shift your mindset to see the good things around you every day.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism Gender Studies Ethics Social theory Evolutionary Psychology
  1. The idea that women are meant to be owned by men is based on old, false beliefs. It's an attempt to make a harmful view seem rational by using misleading arguments.
  2. Freedom and individual rights are usually seen as positive, but some people twist this idea to suggest that women shouldn't have autonomy. This is not based on science or truth, but rather a desire to maintain control.
  3. Claiming that society or the state owns women is a form of manipulation. Laws exist to protect individuals, not to enslave them, and everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from freedom and rights.

Principles for the Permaweird

Breaking Smart • 219 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Theory Culture Politics Strategy
  1. Chiang's Law states that science fiction focuses on strange rules, while fantasy revolves around special people. This idea helps in understanding different storytelling styles.
  2. Chor-Pharn's Law suggests that knowing your identity leads to bigger conflicts, while uncertainty can cause cultural battles. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in societal issues.
  3. Boyd's Razor emphasizes prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty in leadership. This balance fosters a healthier work culture and encourages diverse ideas, preventing toxic environments.

This Explains A Lot About Society: The Asch Conformity Experiment

The Society of Problem Solvers • 279 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Social Behavior Collective Intelligence Cognitive Psychology Group dynamics Decision-making
  1. Many people choose to fit in with their group rather than stick to the truth. This happens often in social situations.
  2. Using group problem-solving methods can help avoid this issue. When people don’t see each other's answers, they're more likely to say what they really think.
  3. Working together in trusted teams can help us solve problems better. Just like how single cells evolved to work together, we can improve by collaborating effectively.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.
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Finding Stoicism

Polymathic Being • 75 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Ethics Emotions Agency Mindfulness
  1. Stoicism is about understanding and managing emotions, not suppressing them. It's important to feel and appreciate our emotions rather than act like they don't matter.
  2. Many people struggle with anxiety because they lack challenges in life, feel pressured to blame others, and often ignore their own ability to take control. Stoicism helps address these issues by teaching personal responsibility.
  3. To practice Stoicism, focus on yourself, take ownership of your actions, and avoid getting distracted by others' problems. By doing this, you can find balance and improve your mental well-being.

The field

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing silence can lead to greater creativity and inspiration. It allows our minds to wander and generate new ideas.
  3. Creating a space for silence can improve mental well-being. It's important to disconnect from the busyness of life sometimes.

The empty hand

Silentium • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  2. The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
  3. Inviting silence into our lives can lead to personal growth. Embracing quiet moments allows us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.

The art of discernment

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
  3. Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Power, Speed and Centralisation

The Commonplace • 824 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Modernity Consumerism Power Technology Society
  1. We live in a fast-paced world where everything moves quickly, but it often leaves us feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Speed can make us feel busy without achieving true progress.
  2. The relentless push for speed and efficiency leads to a centralization of power and control. As technology advances, those who control the speed of communication gain more influence over our lives.
  3. Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and reflect. Taking a moment to slow down allows us to think critically about what we really want and question who benefits from our constant rush.

The Preachers of Death

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Poetry Literature
  1. There are people who promote the idea of giving up on life, calling them the 'preachers of death'. They see life as full of suffering and try to convince others to feel the same way.
  2. Some of these preachers believe that by avoiding life's pleasures, like having children or enjoying existence, they are being virtuous. This attitude can end up making life feel even heavier for everyone around them.
  3. It’s important to recognize when you're feeling tired of life and not let those who preach despair influence you. Life can be tough, but it's valuable and worth embracing.

Perhaps You Shouldn't Read This

The Algorithmic Bridge • 743 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Literature
  1. Reading can take away your ability to think for yourself. If you read too much, you might lose your original thoughts and feelings.
  2. Both reading and using AI are good, but doing them excessively has downsides. Just like you should drink enough water, you shouldn't overdo reading or rely too much on AI.
  3. It's fine to use AI or read books, but balance is important. You don’t have to do one all the time; a mix of both can help keep your mind sharp.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
  2. Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
  3. Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

Hey, I plan to be back!

Inland Nobody • 320 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Philosophy of science Social Philosophy
  1. The writer has been focusing on weight loss and has lost a total of 237 pounds. They feel more energized and are looking forward to new experiences.
  2. They plan to write more frequently, with less emphasis on perfectionism. This means sharing ideas that are in progress instead of perfectly polished posts.
  3. The writer is moving from Galesburg to Chicago and will share thoughts on urbanism and philosophy related to their new environment.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Critique Economic Models Social Change
  1. The left often avoids discussing difficult trade-offs because they don't want to upset their supporters. This can lead to a lack of solid plans when they gain power.
  2. There's a problem with administrative spending in universities that the left doesn't address openly. Many unnecessary positions could be cut, but it’s a touchy subject.
  3. Pessimism about the left’s ability to create real change stems from a reluctance to make tough decisions. They need to start thinking about practical economic planning to be effective.

A Second Kind of Objects

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Linguistics Cognition Epistemology
  1. Many short words can have different meanings in various languages. For example, the word 'kut' means very different things in Hungarian, Dutch, and Sanskrit.
  2. Exploring words like 'kut' can reveal interesting connections between different cultures and languages. It shows how language can be rich and complex.
  3. The idea of cross-linguistic homonyms helps us appreciate the diversity of human language and thought. It’s fascinating to see how one small word can connect so many meanings.

The new Liar's Paradox

The Intrinsic Perspective • 15503 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Consciousness AI Knowledge Mind
  1. AI welfare is an emerging field that raises questions about whether AI can experience consciousness and suffering like humans do. We need to think about how to treat AI responsibly if they do have feelings.
  2. There are moral dilemmas when it comes to AI—if we treat non-conscious AIs as if they are conscious, we might confuse what they're actually capable of feeling. This can lead to unnecessary concerns or misplaced reliance on them.
  3. Studying consciousness is hard because people often tell researchers what they think they want to hear. This makes it tough to trust any reports about their true experiences.

Whatever happens, do not cry in the conference room

Wondering Freely • 853 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Academic writing Emotions Cultural Issues Professionalism Gender Studies
  1. In academia, showing emotions is often discouraged. People learn to hide their feelings and act confident even when they feel insecure.
  2. Criticism can be harsh in academic settings, making it hard to respond without getting upset. Many people try to maintain composure despite feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's important to find a balance between professionalism and emotional expression. Emotions can be valuable in understanding and engaging with philosophical ideas.

Success without comparison or expectations

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Self-Improvement Emotional Health
  1. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own unique value, and feeling inferior or superior only harms your well-being.
  2. Focus on what you can control and contribute without needing validation from others. Your worth is not tied to how others react to you.
  3. Freedom comes from understanding that societal expectations are just illusions. Embrace who you are and live your life, unbothered by others' judgments.

The Uber Driver Ratings Theory of Happiness

That Damn Optimist • 146 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Happiness Self-Improvement Mindset Relationships Perspective
  1. Drivers who rated their experiences positively often didn't see problems as a big deal. They focused more on the good aspects of driving, which helped improve their overall happiness.
  2. Building healthy relationships and having a sense of purpose were important for many drivers. They often mentioned doing their job for their families or to support side projects they loved.
  3. Shifting focus from personal problems to being curious about others can help reduce feelings of unhappiness. Engaging with others can remind us that our own problems might not be as significant.

Why does every Jacobin comment section look like this?

Philosophy bear • 343 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Social Critique Ideological analysis Cultural Studies Commentary
  1. People in Jacobin's comment section often seem unhappy. It's interesting to wonder why so many voices lean toward negativity.
  2. There seems to be a unique attitude among commenters across different ideologies, especially on the left. This may hold clues about the wider leftist community.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind this grumpy attitude could be key to helping socialism move forward without obstacles.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Happiness Meaning Values Humanity
  1. Happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and it takes many paths to achieve it. Finding what brings you joy is a personal journey.
  2. Wealth is important, not just as money, but as having enough resources to help others and improve lives. The more resources we have, the more good we can do.
  3. Decreasing trauma and increasing joy in life, or 'splendor', are key to personal and societal happiness. Every small effort counts in making the world a better place.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
  3. Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother math comes to me

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9701 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Life Advice Mental health Statistics Personal Growth Complex Systems
  1. Life has ups and downs, and problems often come in clusters. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when things go wrong.
  2. When you're at a low point, remember that life is like a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. Things often improve after tough times.
  3. Statistically, when you feel at your worst, it might actually be the moment before things start to get better. Hang in there!

Consciousness as a Gödel sentence in the language of science

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics
  1. Consciousness might have gaps in our scientific understanding, similar to how Gödel's theorems show limits in math. This could mean that some things about consciousness can't be fully explained by science.
  2. Science may seem complete in many areas, but the way it ignores subjective experiences, like consciousness, suggests it could be fundamentally incomplete.
  3. Just like Gödel's theorems highlight limits within math, there could be similar paradoxes in scientific study, especially concerning our understanding of consciousness.

Meaning in life can be found in death

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Humanism Death Meaning
  1. Caring for the dead can be a deeply meaningful experience. It connects us to our loved ones and reminds us of the significance of life.
  2. Many people are surprised to learn they have the right to care for their own deceased family members. Understanding these rights helps empower individuals during tough times.
  3. The practice of home funerals allows families to be active participants in the grieving process, which can be more healing than relying solely on professional services.

The Limits of Reason, Individualism and Secular Morality

Glenn’s Substack • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Morality Secularism Liberalism Tradition Civilization
  1. Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
  2. The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
  3. Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.

Context and Cacti

Vanguard Anthology • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognition Behavioral Psychology Social Dynamics
  1. Cactusing happens when you stick to a decision even when the situation changes. It's like wanting nachos for a late-night snack then forgetting that you need a quick meal the next day.
  2. People often hold onto past achievements or contexts that no longer apply. For example, judging NASA based on its past greatness rather than its current status can lead to outdated evaluations.
  3. Recognizing when to change your decisions can open doors to new opportunities. Adapting to new situations can provide an advantage over those who don't adjust their thinking.

Nietzsche the Natalist

Bet On It • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Many people with high fertility rates in the U.S. tend to be very religious. This shows a strong connection between faith and the desire to have children.
  2. Nietzsche criticized those who focus only on the negative aspects of life, encouraging a more positive view on existence. He argued that life has value despite its struggles.
  3. Even though Nietzsche didn't have children, his ideas on life's worth contrast with those who do find joy and fulfillment in raising families, like Catherine Pakaluk who has eight kids.

The elusive concept of happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness • 659 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Happiness Neoliberalism Utilitarianism Political theory
  1. Happiness matters most in life. Without happiness, everything else seems meaningless.
  2. The pursuit of happiness is an important idea from history, reminding us that the journey to a good life is often more meaningful than simply trying to be happy.
  3. An expansive view of happiness includes kindness and virtues, suggesting that helping others can actually enhance your own happiness.

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.

Amulets Against the Spirits of the Age

The Convivial Society • 2746 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics
  1. Certain phrases or quotes can act like protective charms, helping us to see and understand the world better. These words can guide, comfort, and shape how we think.
  2. It's important to take responsibility for our actions and the world around us. Recognizing our role can help address deep problems in society.
  3. Being attentive to others is crucial for moral growth. True love and art come from realizing that there are realities beyond ourselves.

What do you think about consciousness?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 12511 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Philosophy of science Metaphysics Cognitive Science
  1. There are many theories about consciousness, and everyone has their own views on it. It's a topic that invites everyone to share their thoughts.
  2. The study of consciousness is still in its early stages, so you don't need to be an expert to join the discussion. It's a personal experience that we all understand.
  3. Finding a scientific explanation for consciousness is a hope for many. It suggests that there might be a simple answer out there just waiting to be discovered.

What Does “exploit” Mean?

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Utilitarianism Economics Social justice
  1. The term 'exploit' can mean two different things: benefiting from an interaction or causing one party to lose while the other gains. It's important to differentiate these meanings to understand whether exploitation is actually happening.
  2. In some cases, people feel that exploitation occurs when there is a big difference in gains between two parties, like in the example of trading cards or water in the desert. However, the fairness of a transaction can depend on additional context.
  3. People may have strong feelings about what is fair or unfair in transactions based on their moral intuitions. These feelings can guide opinions about exploitation, even when the actual economic circumstances suggest a different view.

Macro and Microphenomenology

Superb Owl • 3113 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Consciousness Psychology Meditation Phenomenology
  1. Psychology is getting more advanced by creating new ways to study the mind. This includes looking at both everyday mental experiences and the basic building blocks of consciousness.
  2. Microphenomenology focuses on tiny details of experience, like how we feel pain or perceive sensations. It helps us understand consciousness in a very precise way.
  3. Macrophenomenology explores larger states of consciousness, often influenced by extreme experiences, like those caused by psychedelics or intense emotions. It looks at how these experiences shape our overall mental landscape.

Can You Hate Everyone In Rome?

Astral Codex Ten • 7020 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Logic Metaphysics Political theory
  1. It's possible to feel a strong dislike for a whole group of people in a certain place. This often happens when we don't connect with others' beliefs or actions.
  2. People can feel frustrated with societal norms and expectations, leading to a sense of isolation. This happens when individuals feel out of place among the crowd.
  3. Understanding and empathy can help bridge these feelings of alienation. Finding common ground with others can ease negative feelings.

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.

Only A Truth-Based Relationship With Reality Can Satisfy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1927 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Truth-seeking Human condition Cognitive Bias Social Critique Mindfulness
  1. People really want a true understanding of reality, even if they don't always realize it. Society pushes false ideas and distractions that keep us from finding real happiness.
  2. Chasing after material things, social status, or knowledge often leads to disappointment because they are based on lies. True satisfaction comes from aligning our beliefs and actions with reality.
  3. To find happiness, we must confront our personal falsehoods and the lies in society. This journey to truth can be tough, but it's necessary for building a better world.