The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

It's all meaningless, isn't it?

antoniomelonio • 122 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Absurdism Meaning Reality Human condition
  1. In the grand scheme of things, it feels like nothing really matters. We worry about politics, work, and daily stress, but eventually, everything fades away into nothing.
  2. Life has its importance even if it seems meaningless. Our experiences, connections with people, and finding purpose give our brief existence value.
  3. We often ignore the truth about life's futility, but accepting it can lead to better choices about what truly matters to us. Living in the moment and seeking real experiences can be more fulfilling.

My Rule of the 6 Spheres

The Honest Broker • 23072 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Personal Development Ethics Existentialism Spirituality Values
  1. The rule of the 6 spheres focuses on balancing six key aspects of life like vocation, community, family, mind, body, and spirit.
  2. Balancing these spheres is crucial for a fulfilling life, and neglecting any one of them can lead to feelings of imbalance and quiet desperation.
  3. Constructing a personal worldview based on your own values and virtues is important for guiding your daily life and decision-making.

Box #7

What Is Called Thinking? • 18 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Theology Mind Ethics Literature
  1. Expertise is not just about having more knowledge; it's about knowing how to organize that knowledge effectively, a skill known as chunking.
  2. As software development becomes easier for AI, university professors need to prove why their teaching is still valuable or risk being replaced by technology.
  3. Finding deeper meaning in life is important; comfort and ease can lead to a lack of purpose, so striving for something greater is crucial.

98 - Emotion Stories

Nick Burdick: Writing from California • 99 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Buddhism Emotion Free will Mental health
  1. Emotions can be primal, like fear and craving, which we can't fully control right away. It's important to create safeguards to keep these emotions from guiding our decisions.
  2. Some emotions are based on stories we create, like anger or jealousy. Recognizing these as stories helps us react better and keep our thoughts clear.
  3. It's crucial to be mindful of what we feed our minds, like avoiding negative news and social media. Quality content gives us better reactions and lessens harmful habits.

Maxi's Toolkit Vol.10: The Social Sublime and the Empathic Sublime

Heir to the Thought • 139 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology Existentialism
  1. The social sublime is the feeling of sadness knowing there are countless people we could connect with but never will due to time and circumstances. This awareness can motivate us to cherish our current relationships more.
  2. The empathic sublime occurs when we deeply connect with another person, sometimes through powerful experiences like art or shared hardships. It allows us to see the world from someone else's perspective, enriching our own lives.
  3. Both sublimes challenge us to find a balance in our relationships. We need to appreciate those we know while also longing to understand others, making active effort to connect and grow from those interactions.
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Cetacean Philosophy

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 846 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Language Cognition Interdisciplinary
  1. Sperm whales have their own unique way of thinking and understanding the world. It's important not to put their ideas into human categories too easily.
  2. Recent studies show that sperm whales do have a true language, which we are still trying to fully understand. They can express complex thoughts and engage in creative conversation.
  3. The attempt to define 'cetacean philosophy' risks oversimplifying the whales' perspectives. We need more time and careful study before making conclusions about their thoughts and beliefs.

How To Go On In A World Full Of Cruelty

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Beauty Human experience Nature
  1. Feeling overwhelmed by the world's cruelty is normal. It's okay to take a break and fully experience those emotions before getting back to work.
  2. Finding beauty in everything, even in dark and difficult situations, can help keep hope alive. You can appreciate the world's chaos while still fighting for a better future.
  3. Love for the planet and all its creatures is a powerful motivator. This love drives actions and encourages resilience, even amid challenging times.

Despite never having done anything wrong, I've found myself living in Canberra. Any of my readers who live in here are invited to drop me a line, meet and commiserate.

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Political theory
  1. The writer is living in Canberra, even though they feel they haven't done anything wrong. They seem to have mixed feelings about their situation.
  2. They invite local readers to reach out and meet up. This shows they want to connect with others and share experiences.
  3. There's a hint of humor and self-reflection in their words. They are trying to make the best of the situation they find themselves in.

Me

Philosophy bear • 278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Buddhism Mental health Identity
  1. It's important to express ourselves beyond just labels like race or gender. Relying too much on these labels can limit our understanding of a person and their experiences.
  2. People often crave certainty and security about their self-image, but this can lead to feelings of despair. Instead of clinging to an idealized self, focusing on doing good in the present moment can be more fulfilling.
  3. Many of us share a desire to be truly known by others. This feeling can lead to frustration when we feel invisible or misunderstood, but seeking genuine connections can help us combat that isolation.

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.

Why I Ran Away from Philosophy Because of Sam Bankman-Fried

The Honest Broker • 26862 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Academia Logic Utilitarianism
  1. The philosophy of Effective Altruism may prioritize long-term consequences over immediate actions, leading to risky ethical decisions.
  2. Analytic philosophy, specifically of the Anglo-American variety, can promote perspectives that prioritize maximizing pleasure, potentially leading to damaging outcomes.
  3. Beware of philosophical systems that justify harmful actions by focusing on a 'larger context' and be cautious of practitioners who calculate consequences before performing acts of kindness or generosity.

Underrated reasons to be thankful IV

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Gratitude Well-being Science Human experience Mindfulness
  1. Meditation can help you feel really good, almost like drugs or other intense pleasures, and it’s cool that you can explore new ways to relax without getting addicted.
  2. Your brain can automate tasks as you practice, which makes it easier to do complex things without thinking too hard about every detail.
  3. Even though there are worries about pollution, some studies suggest that common plastics might not harm your health much, which is a relief.

Open Thread 359

Astral Codex Ten • 5024 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Charity Community Debate Rationalism
  1. You can participate in an open thread where you can share thoughts or ask questions. It's a great way to connect and engage in discussions.
  2. There are charities you can support that directly help people, like GiveDirectly which gives cash to poor families in Africa. Supporting effective charities can make a real difference.
  3. Lightcone supports the rationalist community and works on infrastructure for online platforms. Donating can help continue their valuable work and make improvements for events and resources.

Open Thread 356

Astral Codex Ten • 5712 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Social Political
  1. The open thread allows people to discuss anything and ask questions freely. It's a space for sharing ideas and engaging with others.
  2. Comments from the community can provide new insights into historical topics, like the early Christian views on abortion and marriage. This shows how understanding can evolve with discussion.
  3. Game theory continues to evolve, with strategies like Win-Stay, Lose-Shift gaining attention for their effectiveness in cooperation compared to older strategies like Tit-for-Tat. It's interesting to see how competition shapes these strategies in different contexts.

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.

Fyodor and the Foxhole

Subtle Digressions • 259 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Atheism Morality Spirituality
  1. Finding meaning in life is challenging, especially when facing death. People often struggle with understanding their existence and seek connections with others.
  2. Acts of kindness and empathy can provide comfort and hope. Building relationships and supporting each other helps people feel less alone during tough times.
  3. Believing in something beyond ourselves, even if it's not tied to God, can inspire actions and enrich our lives. Love and compassion can be guiding principles.

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.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize • 1966 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic Ontology
  1. There are two main ways people understand the world: one focuses on strict evidence and science, while the other values common sense and personal experience. Both have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation.
  2. The 'fractal ratchet' concept explains how deeper scrutiny often leads to discovering more detail, but it can also make comparisons difficult. When you look at things more closely, you might keep finding more complexity instead of reaching a clear 'true' answer.
  3. When making decisions or forming opinions, it's important to know when to rely on precise measurements and scientific reasoning versus when to trust your intuition and common sense. Balancing both approaches can help you navigate complex issues more effectively.

"For you, the Grail."

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Technology Mysticism Self-discovery
  1. Technology has a big role in our evolution and consciousness growth. It's important to consider how we use it wisely.
  2. The stories of the Knights Templar and their secrets remind us of the balance between power and free will. Using mystical knowledge should enrich our personal journeys, not take away our growth.
  3. Choosing our own path is essential. The real value lies in our unique experiences, and no technology or guide should replace our personal lessons in life.

Can One Become a Different Person?

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Identity Metaphysics Memory Existentialism Anthropology
  1. People can feel like they've transformed into a new version of themselves, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change can be exciting, but it also makes them reflect on their past identities.
  2. Memories play a key role in how we see ourselves and maintain our identity over time. Even when we go through tough experiences, like illness, we hold on to memories that connect us to who we were.
  3. The idea of being a person isn't as fixed as it seems; we shift and change over time. It's natural for us to evolve and take on new roles, much like actors changing characters in a play.

Gnosticism: Inversions

Secretum Secretorum • 606 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Theology Metaphysics Ethics
  1. Gnosticism focuses on seeking knowledge and self-discovery, rather than blind faith. It believes understanding who we are and where we come from is the key to spiritual liberation.
  2. Gnostics had a very different view of traditional figures, often seeing them in an oppositional light. They believed that the mainstream teachings were a form of deception and celebrated figures like the serpent or Judas as misunderstood heroes, emphasizing personal experience over established doctrine.
  3. Many Gnostic teachings involved breaking away from societal norms and moral restrictions. This led to controversial practices and beliefs about liberation being found through transgressions against established moral codes, although the full reality of these practices is still debated among scholars.

Why You Should Trust Trust and Distrust Distrust

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3617 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Trust Cooperation Game Theory Social Psychology Moral Philosophy
  1. Trust is important for cooperation, but it can be tricky. People often trust others even when there's a chance of being betrayed.
  2. Cooperation can happen even when trust is low. Sometimes, you may need to work with someone before figuring out if they are trustworthy.
  3. Distrust can close you off from learning about others. Starting with trust can help you understand the social world better and find out who is reliable.

The problem with psychology is that it has no theory

Something to Consider • 1019 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology Economics Human behavior Theories Science
  1. Psychology lacks a solid theoretical framework, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions from research. Without a guiding theory, findings can feel random and disconnected.
  2. Economics, on the other hand, is built on clear theories that help explain and predict human behavior in markets. These theories allow economists to make strong and testable predictions.
  3. A theory in economics helps researchers know what to expect, and it can influence actual outcomes in the real world, unlike the often unclear results in psychology.

I Was Mistaken When I Said That Giving Unsolicited Advice Is a Mistake

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2026 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Autonomy Conflict Decision-making
  1. People usually don't like being told what to do. It can create tension, especially when the advice comes from someone they see as equal or below them.
  2. When giving advice, it's important to consider the other person's feelings and autonomy. Balancing love and respect for their independence is key.
  3. Giving unsolicited advice can sometimes be well-intentioned but misunderstood. It's good to be careful when sharing thoughts on someone else's choices.

I Am Paying Reparations to the Shrimp

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4096 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Animal Rights Utilitarianism Debate Charity
  1. It's important to think about the impact of our food choices on animals, like shrimp, and consider ethical options.
  2. Donating to animal welfare projects can help make a positive change and relieve some guilt about eating certain foods.
  3. Finding a balance between personal enjoyment and ethical responsibility can be tough, but small actions, like donating money, can make a difference.

In spite of time.

Neckar’s Notes • 84 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mortality Time Human behavior Spirituality
  1. We often distract ourselves from the fear of death with activities like scrolling on our phones or drinking alcohol. This shows how much we want to avoid thinking about time running out.
  2. Instead of making us appreciate our time more, anxiety about time can sometimes lead us to waste it. We think we have future opportunities and can make up for lost moments later.
  3. Wasting time can be a form of rebellion against the limits of life and death. It's like spending our last bit of money on something pointless, knowing that it might hurt us later.

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.

Less Utilitarian Than Thou

Astral Codex Ten • 14522 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Morality Tradeoffs Society
  1. Some actions considered acceptable by many are questioned by those who identify as utilitarian or consequentialist, highlighting differing moral perspectives.
  2. Utilitarians may advocate for policies that involve sacrificing or compromising certain ethical norms for the greater good, whereas non-utilitarians may not view these actions in the same light.
  3. The perception of utilitarians being more willing to do harm for the greater good may stem from the discomfort with the idea of calculating morality and the juxtaposition of sacred values with utilitarian reasoning.

Niccolò Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and the crisis of modern science

uTobian • 4952 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics History Science Medicine
  1. In modern times, freedom is often associated with unrestrained passion, but the idea of freedom through personal restraint from ancient times is considered a better path to happiness and fulfillment.
  2. The writings of Niccolò Machiavelli marked a shift in the concept of freedom towards acknowledging human selfishness and focusing on political security through class conflict.
  3. The current crisis in science and medicine is prompting a reevaluation of the assumption that scientists and doctors are inherently virtuous, suggesting the need for reforms based on the idea that they may be motivated by greed and power.

The question of socialism posed inescapably in the final moment of the human economy

Philosophy bear • 178 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social Philosophy Futurism
  1. If AI becomes capable of doing all jobs, humans may only be consumers and possibly owners of capital. This raises questions about the need for human ownership in a fully automated economy.
  2. Arguments for private ownership of productive assets disappear when human labor is no longer relevant. This challenges our traditional views on capitalism and economic roles.
  3. We face a choice between adopting a form of fully automated socialism or continuing an unequal system where a small group owns most resources. Both paths raise important ethical and practical questions.

Understanding Luigi Mangione

Philosophy bear • 500 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ideology Biography Narrative Agency Social Psychology
  1. Luigi Mangione's journey shows how complex a person's beliefs can be. He seemed to struggle with various political ideas throughout his life, often changing directions.
  2. People often don’t think strictly in political terms, but rather look for answers to different issues independently. This highlights the difficulty in fitting people into rigid ideological boxes.
  3. Luigi's story underlines the importance of feeling included in communities, especially for those wanting to make the world a better place. A lack of belonging can lead to frustration and misguided actions.

Social Development > Self-Development

The Novelleist • 1846 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Self-development Social Responsibility Humanitarianism
  1. Helping others is more important than just focusing on ourselves. When we pay more attention to our communities, we find more happiness and purpose in our lives.
  2. A balance is needed between caring for our loved ones and thinking about the broader world. We should take care of our families, but also show concern for others beyond our immediate circle.
  3. Self-development is good, but too much can lead to selfishness. It's better to use our skills and time to help those around us instead of just working on improving ourselves.

Coalitions are everywhere

Optimally Irrational • 62 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Game Theory Social Psychology Coalitions Human behavior Evolutionary Theory
  1. Coalitions are important in human life. We often need to work together for defense, support, and to achieve bigger goals than we could alone.
  2. People really care about their social groups and belonging. Feeling excluded from a group can make us anxious or upset.
  3. Our reputation matters a lot in coalitions. How others see us can affect our ability to make friends or succeed in groups.

Weltschmerz

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mental health Society Politics
  1. Weltschmerz means feeling tired or sad about how the world is. It's a deep emotional exhaustion about life's challenges and problems.
  2. People today face many big issues like climate change and wealth inequality, which can make this feeling even stronger. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these problems.
  3. This sense of world-weariness has worsened over time as we see societal promises break down. It's a struggle that many people can relate to.

Liberalism Versus Democracy 2

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social theory Liberalism Democracy
  1. Liberalism hides the political aspect of society instead of getting rid of it. It uses a way of talking about politics that keeps its true nature hidden.
  2. Polarization, or disagreement, helps people understand their true values. It's not about making people hate each other; it's about revealing differing opinions.
  3. Social harmony can sometimes be enforced in a way that isn't natural. When that enforced order weakens, people's honest disagreements come to light.