Astral Codex Ten $10 / month

Astral Codex Ten delves into a wide array of subjects, including the scrutinization of conspiracy theories, expert predictions on global catastrophes, the intersection of transgender health issues with genetics, current events, long COVID research, quirky global occurrences, AI in forecasting, and book reviews. It focuses on critical analysis, scientific skepticism, and forecasting accuracy.

Conspiracy Theories Global Catastrophes Transgender Health Current Events Long COVID Quirky Global Occurrences Artificial Intelligence Forecasting Book Reviews

The hottest Substack posts of Astral Codex Ten

And their main takeaways

Inside the Catholic State

280 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History Art history Religious history Cultural Studies Political History Biography
  1. Caravaggio's life and art were heavily influenced by the religious tensions of his time, particularly the struggles between Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. This backdrop shaped his perspective and themes in his work.
  2. Milan during the Counter-Reformation was a strict Catholic state, ruled by figures like Carlo Borromeo, who enforced harsh religious laws. People faced severe punishments for crimes seen as against the faith.
  3. The Pope during this time, Pius IV, was known for his intolerance and refusal to consider differing opinions. His death led to violent celebrations, highlighting the public's discontent with oppressive rule.

No one wants to be The Man

527 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Protest Violence Art
  1. No one wants to be The Man - the trend of symbolic attacks on protected art can escalate to include violence against people.
  2. Violence must be halted to prevent escalation - unchecked destruction often leads to more severe acts of violence.
  3. The escalation of violence against symbolic objects is alarming and can lead to greater conflicts - recent attacks have been linked to the Palestinian cause.

Educated rage

256 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political polarization Higher education Cultural Issues Voter Behavior Party Affiliation
  1. Higher education has grown a lot since the post-war period, leading to more people getting college degrees. This change has shifted how people vote, especially since the 1970s.
  2. In the past, college graduates tended to support right-wing politics. However, as cultural issues gained importance, more educated people began to lean left.
  3. The rise of higher education is compared to major historical changes, like the end of the priesthood. It has intensified cultural conflicts and made views on both sides more extreme.

Is Britain a free country?

560 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom Britain
  1. The concept of 'it's a free country' is not as commonly used anymore in Britain.
  2. There are doubts about Britain being a truly free country according to recent cases.
  3. The idea of Britain being a freedom-loving nation may not hold true since 1914.
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Why courage is the most important virtue

517 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
  1. Courage is seen as the most essential virtue because it is said to secure all other qualities.
  2. Recent events in the British Parliament highlighted the importance of courage in political decisions and standing up to threats.
  3. The escalation of violence and threats towards politicians is casting a dark shadow over the political landscape, indicating a concerning trend.

Charles, the most Christian king

536 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Islam Spiritual beliefs
  1. Prince Charles is known for his passionate support of the persecuted church, especially during times of crisis.
  2. Prince Charles has a deep interest in both Christianity and Islam, aiming to bridge understanding between these faiths.
  3. Despite his spiritual musings and eccentricities, Prince Charles is considered one of the most religious monarchs, with ties to Orthodox Christianity.

Fellow believers or fellow citizens?

237 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Polarization Civil Rights Political violence Election Issues
  1. Many people feel anxious about political divisions in America today. There's a lot of talk about how this divide might be getting worse.
  2. The idea of a 'Cold Civil War' is being used to describe the deep ideological splits in the country. Despite this, actual civil war seems unlikely.
  3. There have been violent incidents lately, like assassination attempts, that contribute to fears of increasing violence and division in society.

Make London even greater

479 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏝 Travel City Planning Public Transportation Urban Design Architecture
  1. Priority should be given to building more homes in London through ideas like estate regeneration and deregulation of the housing market.
  2. Improving London's aesthetics by creating more open squares and rethinking the design of buildings and infrastructure.
  3. Enhancing transportation in London by expanding the railway system with projects like Crossrail and implementing measures to reduce car dependency and improve cycling infrastructure.

‘It is not the owners. It is the breed.’

688 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Breed of dogs have inherent traits and behaviors that are unique to their breed.
  2. The rise in dog attacks is largely attributed to a specific breed - the American Bully.
  3. Denial about breed differences in dogs can hinder proper understanding and management of potential risks.

The New Calendar of Saints

422 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Religion Social Issues
  1. The modern secular calendar is filled with numerous celebrations and awareness days throughout the year, highlighting important social and cultural themes.
  2. Different countries observe different history months, like Women's History Month and Black History Month, leading to variety in cultural commemorations globally.
  3. There is an ongoing trend of reinterpretation in modern society, where historical figures and events are reexamined and sometimes redefined to fit contemporary values and narratives.

The Phantom of Polarisation

208 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Identity Polarization Public Opinion Political Beliefs
  1. People might not actually disagree on politics as much as they seem. It often feels more like a divide between groups than real differences in beliefs.
  2. Political identity can become more important than individual views. Once people identify strongly with a party, their specific opinions might not matter as much.
  3. Understanding tribalism helps explain why some conflicts are labeled as religious or political when they may really be more about group identity.

I picked the wrong week to be scared of flying

422 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Air Travel
  1. Many people have an irrational fear of flying, sparked by rare air disasters that receive extensive media coverage.
  2. The fear of flying can have a significant negative impact on individuals, but exposure therapy and understanding safety statistics can help ease the anxiety.
  3. Air travel has become significantly safer over the years, with modern safety procedures and thorough investigations in place to prevent accidents.

Our Modern Babylon

793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
  1. Tabloid journalism began with W.T. Stead, who brought news and scandal to the masses in the 1880s.
  2. Stead's investigation in 1885 led to a change in the age of consent from 13 to 16.
  3. The documentary 'Grooming Gangs: Britain's Shame' sheds light on the horrifying reality of sexual abuse, institutional failures, and the need for accountability.

The Best is Over

413 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media influence
  1. The Sopranos has aged well over time and resonates more with older audiences.
  2. The show has sparked interesting analyses, including a left-wing subcurrent in its fandom.
  3. There is room for a contrasting conservative interpretation of The Sopranos.

A little 'paradise' beside Hell

370 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Film Literature
  1. Visiting Auschwitz can be a haunting and unforgettable experience, leaving a profound impact on individuals.
  2. The portrayal of evil and the Holocaust in history can be overwhelming and psychologically challenging.
  3. The movie _The Zone of Interest_ offers a different perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the mundane lives of individuals involved in immense atrocities.

Maybe we shouldn’t be ‘annoying all the right people’

375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Criticism Crime
  1. London Mayor Sadiq Khan employs a style of politics that can be polarizing and lead to criticism.
  2. Critics often blame Khan for issues like crime and housing in London, even though his influence is limited, and other factors play a role.
  3. Despite differing opinions on Khan, there are those who support his transport policies and take a minority stance on urban planning.

Lessons won't be learned

394 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Social Issues
  1. Lessons from past incidents may not be effectively absorbed or acted upon.
  2. Tragic events like the Nottingham murders could potentially have been preventable.
  3. Communities faced with challenges must strive for unity and peaceful resolution.

Slouching towards dystopia in London

384 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Housing Crisis London Wealth Inequality
  1. The gap between rich and poor in London is widening, leading to a dystopian portrayal in media and reflecting real housing crisis issues.
  2. London faces a severe housing crisis with 1.2 million people waiting for social housing, causing downstream consequences like overcrowding and undesirable living conditions.
  3. Housing costs in London are impacted by supply and demand imbalances, making the problem both complex and simple to understand.

The eternal rebels

645 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Politics Media Elite Values
  1. Ed West discusses the emergence of a new cultural elite influenced by rebellious values from the 1960s.
  2. The new cultural elite is described as left-wing on social issues but right-wing on economics.
  3. Goodwin's thesis outlines the growing divide between the progressive elite and the rest of society, reshaping politics and fueling unrest.

The strange lure of Russia

337 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
  1. In 2020, an academic friend found the allure of watching a particular show so strong that his girlfriend banned him from playing it without headphones, mistaking its sound for something else.
  2. Sometimes our interests can be so consuming that others around us might be affected by them, leading to humorous situations.
  3. The influence of media can be powerful, to the point where it is mistaken for real-life sounds, showcasing the impact of what we choose to consume.

Notes on the French Intifada

531 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics
  1. France's colonial legacy plays a huge part in the country's current problems
  2. France has difficulties assimilating children of immigrants from outside Europe
  3. The history of France with North Africa is a major factor in the country's ongoing struggles

London is Open

356 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics London Housing Crisis
  1. London is facing a housing crisis with high costs and limited supply in certain areas.
  2. A recent property development meant for the open market was taken over by Camden Council to house Afghan refugees.
  3. The decision to allocate housing to refugees sparked controversy over prioritization for housing resources.

Give despair a chance

322 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Religion Violence Anti-Semitism London Security
  1. A Conservative Member of Parliament in London decided not to run for re-election due to threats from violent extremists.
  2. There have been several anti-Semitic incidents in London, including arson attacks, assaults, and threats to Jewish individuals.
  3. Despite these incidents, London is generally a safe city, but there are areas with security concerns.

We hail Blackadder, we hail Blackadder!

522 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Comedy TV Show History Entertainment
  1. Historical comedy can be a great way to explore the irrational and petty sides of human behavior.
  2. Show creators can face challenges but can achieve success by making necessary changes to characters and settings.
  3. Blackadder series evolved over time, becoming a beloved and influential comedy that cleverly mixed humor with darker historical themes.

Make parenting easier with this one weird trick

626 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
  1. Fixing childcare and housing costs may not solve declining fertility rates.
  2. Parenting lacks appreciation and cultural support which contributes to the fertility crisis.
  3. Declining fertility is a complex issue tied to societal norms, prestige, and cultural influences.

Sunday West 47

289 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Activism Environment Culture Society
  1. Being cringe might be beneficial for society, as coolness can be fleeting and exclusionary.
  2. Soft power is crucial to maintaining a country's influence, but it often follows financial power.
  3. The roles of old and young in radical political movements seem to be reversing, with elderly individuals taking on more active roles.

Sunday West 46

299 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion TV shows Housing Literature
  1. The author discusses the rise of new theists and the benefits of religion despite a decline in observance.
  2. Reflections on the TV show 'The Sopranos' and the author's fear of flying are shared.
  3. The newsletter also covers topics like London's housing crisis, diversity statements, conspiracy theories, sobriety culture, and societal changes in France.

Why we love to miss the point

284 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. Smartphone use among teenagers can lead to distraction and energy loss, potentially outweighing the benefits.
  2. There is a case for banning social media for under-16s due to the negative impacts it can have on individuals.
  3. Social media may exacerbate existing trends, making it easier for like-minded individuals to connect and encourage extreme behaviors.

The Canada 93 Election

256 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💾 History Election Revolt Victory
  1. The article discusses the lack of a new revolt on the Right and what lessons can be learned from Galloway's victory in the Canada 93 Election.
  2. The post contains references to sci-fi shows like Red Dwarf and Star Trek, exploring the concept of aliens appearing as the perfect object of desires.
  3. To access the full content of the article, one needs to be a paid subscriber on the website.

What is 'National Conservatism'?

446 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Conservatism Culture Wars Globalization Religion
  1. Conservatism varies between places and individuals, each with their own visions to conserve specific traditions or institutions.
  2. National Conservatism is like conservatism but with a focus on the nation-state, supporting free market, nationalism, and religion.
  3. Conservatives believe in history's consequences, the importance of tradition, community ties, and the need for moral guidance from religion to maintain freedom.

It was ten years ago today

470 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Immigration Diversity Multiculturalism British history Public Opinion
  1. The book 'The Diversity Illusion' by Ed West provoked debate by challenging the idea that diversity is always beneficial.
  2. The impact of diversity on society is complex and has led to increased tension and conflict in some areas.
  3. Public opinion on multiculturalism has shifted in recent years, with growing acceptance and the taboo around discussing the negative aspects of diversity becoming stronger.