The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Philosophy of Praxis

Black Lodges • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Pedagogy History Marxism Education
  1. History can be a powerful tool of transformation when taught differently.
  2. The linear approach to history often serves the interests of those in power.
  3. Exploring works like Paulo Freire's 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' and Gramsci's concepts can provide insights for liberation.

Be aware: Linear Thinking

Marcio Klepacz • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognitive Biases Human behavior Critical Thinking Mental models
  1. Linear thinking is when people keep using the same solution, hoping for better results, but that often doesn't work. It can even lead to worse outcomes when pushed too far.
  2. Just because you put in more effort doesn't guarantee you will get more results. Sometimes, it's about working smarter, not harder.
  3. Be mindful of the limits of things that seem positive, as pushing them too far can lead to unexpected negative results. Always consider possible consequences before acting.
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Examine yourself, Question Your Beliefs

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy
  1. Socrates encouraged self-examination and questioning beliefs to live a better life.
  2. Socrates used dialogue to challenge assumptions about living a good life and being a good citizen.
  3. Socrates' method of questioning beliefs was not well-received, leading to his sentencing to death.

Ancient of Days

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 21
📖 Philosophy Nihilism
  1. The author has recently completed two short web pages that didn't take much time.
  2. The post mentions lite nihilism as a topic of exploration.
  3. Access to the full post is restricted to paid subscribers.

The Superiority Complex

Ex nihilo - Martin Burckhardt • 0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy
  1. Inferiority and superiority complexes are related disorders: one introverted, the other extroverted. They both stem from avoiding facing reality and taking responsibility for actions.
  2. Social trends show a collective denial of reality, leading to a neglect of future prosperity. Actions fueled by a superiority complex can prevent individuals from transitioning into adult life.
  3. The emergence of moral grandiosity and identity politics indicates a shift towards a moral economy, disconnecting from reality and promoting self-serving attitudes. Institutions also fall into this pattern by subscribing to morally inflated discourses.

Existential Liberalism

Inland Nobody • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Political Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Social Philosophy Meaning Institutions
  1. Modern liberal freedom has outpaced the shared systems that once gave life meaning, leaving many people with excess existential capacity that breeds disorientation, humiliation, and reactionary politics.
  2. The proposed fix is Existential Liberalism: keep individual freedom but actively provide non‑coercive "meaning scaffolds" to help people find purpose and stability in their lives.
  3. Practical steps are to reduce humiliations, teach people how to cultivate meaning, build new institutions and traditions that transmit it, and guide people through existential confrontation so liberal democracy remains stable.

The Cathedral Builder and The Renaissance Man | Part 2

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Personal Identity Meaning Ethics Existentialism Relationships Creativity
  1. There are two main paths to self-formation: deep, lifelong focus (the Cathedral Builder) and wide-ranging curiosity across fields (the Renaissance Man), and both demand real suffering and trade-offs.
  2. A Cathedral Builder risks ego-driven delusion, painful opportunity costs, loss of purpose after goals are met, and obsession that harms relationships, so they must balance ambition with self-awareness and connection to others.
  3. A Renaissance Man risks shallow relationships, constant distraction by new interests, and feeling like they miss out on recognized greatness, so they should put down roots, tolerate deep practice, and rely on internal measures of success.

Character and Personality

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Character Personality Social Dynamics Self-Improvement
  1. Character is who you really are inside, while personality is how others see you outside. Both matter, but having a good character is what we should strive for.
  2. People can be judged by how they present themselves, especially in social situations like sales. Sometimes, showing a little vulnerability can help identify those with bad character.
  3. Observing someone's actions is more important than just listening to their words. If what they say and do don’t match, it’s a red flag.

Never forget how unnatural the bird perspective is

Seeking Bird Perspectives • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Religion Belief Perspective
  1. Many people don't see things from a different viewpoint, or 'bird perspective', so don't assume they do. It's important to remember that others might be focused on their own views, which can be very narrow.
  2. Religious beliefs and opinions on science can often be influenced by personal feelings rather than objective reasoning. These beliefs can sometimes act more like games people play than actual factual beliefs.
  3. In ethics, trying to think universally can be tricky, as everyone has their own personal experiences that shape their views. It’s a challenge to find common ground while managing our unique viewpoints.

Law of Three, an introduction

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Ontology Epistemology
  1. Every event involves three forces at play, and understanding them can help us see things differently. This means we shouldn't just focus on one side of a situation.
  2. Gurdjieff suggested that we should engage with the unpleasant things in life. By allowing conflicting feelings to interact, we can discover deeper insights.
  3. Being able to understand and accept others' experiences is key to true compassion. It's important to find balance between opposing feelings, which helps create peace.

My Word is My Bond

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 25
📖 Philosophy Self-awareness Inner Work Relationships Emotion Self-Observation
  1. Our emotions often pull us in two directions: attraction or repulsion. Recognizing these feelings can help us respond mindfully, even to events we can't change.
  2. Inner considering focuses on how we appear to others, while outer considering aims to truly understand others' needs. This deeper awareness helps us connect better.
  3. Keeping our word is crucial because it connects our different sides and strengthens our relationships. It's about being aware of our promises and working towards fulfilling them.

Pausing With The Group

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Mindfulness Consciousness Presence Self-awareness Inner Work
  1. Pausing to connect with oneself and the group can enhance feelings of presence and awareness. It's important to balance focus between inner thoughts and the outer environment.
  2. Finding meaning in experiences isn't always necessary; sometimes it's better to simply observe and be content with the process of inner work.
  3. Regularly checking in with oneself by asking if one is truly awake can help in recognizing distractions and harmonizing one's mind and body.

Levels of Being

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Spirituality Self-Improvement
  1. Humans can change and grow in ways that animals and plants cannot. We have the ability to evolve and refine ourselves by doing inner work.
  2. There are seven levels of being, and the first three levels focus on physical, emotional, and intellectual imbalances. Identifying these imbalances is the first step toward improving ourselves.
  3. Balancing our physical, emotional, and intellectual sides helps us feel whole and well. We should set personal aims to guide our efforts in achieving this balance.

Polarities

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Mindfulness Emotions Self-reflection Personal Growth
  1. Our emotions can pull us toward things we like or push us away from things we dislike. This means our lives often follow a predictable pattern based on these feelings.
  2. To grow, we can try to engage with our dislikes or be in uncomfortable situations. This could mean eating food we don't like or talking to someone we usually avoid.
  3. By stepping outside our comfort zones with likes and dislikes, we can make space for deeper feelings like love and compassion for ourselves and others.

What the Japanese Toilet Taught Me About Human Nature

David Reis on Software • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Decision-making Technology impact Critical Thinking
  1. People often follow the crowd instead of thinking for themselves. It's easier to just do what everyone else does, even if there's a better option available.
  2. Life is complicated, and we tend to rely on others to guide our choices. Like how we trust that if everyone is eating berries, they must be safe.
  3. We should take the time to think carefully about our choices instead of rushing to conclusions. Slow, thoughtful decisions can lead to better outcomes.

Work Day Theme: Life

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 10 Sep 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Perception
  1. We desire a rich and meaningful experience of life, not just a collection of events. Life's true essence is more than just the time we spend or the experiences we gather.
  2. Observing life flowing through us encourages a sense of freedom and connection. It's important to feel and recognize life in both ourselves and the world around us.
  3. By focusing our attention on our direct experience of life, we can foster a deeper appreciation and love for it. Life is not something we own; rather, we are part of a greater life force.

Inner and Outer Considering

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Self-development Mindfulness
  1. We form relationships based on our likes and dislikes of others. This means our feelings about people influence who we connect with.
  2. Inner consideration is when we judge others based on our feelings and expectations. Outer consideration is seeing others for who they really are and understanding their needs.
  3. Practicing impartiality helps us become less focused on ourselves. By doing this, we open up to truly helping and loving others.

JG Bennett on Worlds

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Personal Growth Education
  1. As we grow, we encounter different influences and challenges. These experiences shape who we become and help us understand our true purpose.
  2. The journey of life involves moving away from our origins and eventually returning to them. This process is essential for growth and transformation.
  3. Changing our environment and circumstances can lead to significant personal development. True transformation isn't just about growing; it's about evolving into a new world.

Understanding

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Understanding Mindfulness Knowledge Experience
  1. Understanding comes from experience and practice, not just knowledge. You need to apply what you learn to truly grasp it.
  2. Working on ourselves helps us connect with others and find common ground. This brings us closer to shared truths and harmony.
  3. There are practical exercises to improve understanding, like morning mindfulness, afternoon pauses, and focused reflections while driving. These practices help deepen your awareness and presence.

Andy Clark Meets the Grasshopper

By Reason Alone • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Mind Existence Knowledge Ethics Reality
  1. Life could be considered a game with a goal of minimizing surprise, which is a simple and shared objective
  2. The belief-updating process in life might follow Bayesian principles, but this approach is debated among philosophers
  3. Dreams could serve the purpose of testing and challenging the brain's models of the world to minimize surprises and enhance adaptability

✋If you want to avoid costly mistakes

The Wisdom Project • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Mental models Decision-making Personal Growth Wisdom Self-Improvement
  1. To make better choices in life, focus on avoiding mistakes instead of just trying to achieve goals. This means thinking about what to stay away from.
  2. Instead of asking how to be fitter, richer, or happier, ask what habits or choices can lead you to be unfit, poor, or sad.
  3. Use the idea of 'inversion' to guide your decisions. If you know what leads to negative outcomes, you can avoid those paths to improve your life.

Working with mostly-truths

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 20
📖 Philosophy Truth Rationality World
  1. The post discusses working with mostly-truths and the complexities of rationality and rationalism.
  2. It introduces the concept of 'mostly-truths' and provides follow-ups to exercises from the previous week.
  3. The focus is on the relationship between truth, formal rationality, and its application in the real world.

The Vehicle and the Stance

A blog. • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Knowledge Human condition
  1. Opening a lock can be a tricky task that gets easier with practice and the right technique. It's similar to some life skills that just take time to learn and master.
  2. Maintaining a 'heroic stance' is important for finding joy in life despite its challenges. It's about having a positive attitude that helps you deal with difficulties.
  3. Some knowledge is hard to explain or teach; it often requires personal experience to truly understand and apply. This kind of knowledge makes certain skills or insights unique to each individual.