Common Sense with Bari Weiss $5 / month

Common Sense with Bari Weiss critiques contemporary issues impacting society from the perspectives of free speech, scientific inquiry, and cultural shifts. It explores themes around gender dysphoria, debate censorship, autism, personal values, public controversies, mental health, political correctness, scientific skepticism, cultural identity, historical context, and societal purpose.

Free Speech and Censorship Gender and Identity Education and Debate Health and Science Cultural and Social Issues Mental Health Politics and Public Opinion Historical and Cultural Identity Personal Values and Purpose Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of Common Sense with Bari Weiss

And their main takeaways

Bari Weiss: The Holiday from History Is Over

4196 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict War
  1. The ordinary citizens of Israel demonstrated remarkable heroism and courage during times of tragedy and conflict, embodying a spirit of resilience and sacrifice.
  2. The harrowing events of October 7 in Israel served as a wake-up call about the reality of war and the importance of defending a free society.
  3. The experience in Israel prompts reflection on the universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and readiness to defend one's home and values, posing important questions about individual and societal responses to crisis.

Introducing a New Saturday Series: The Prophets

4382 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Technology Literature Philosophy History Media
  1. Marshall McLuhan's insights into the impact of electric technology on society were ahead of his time, making him a visionary from the past.
  2. McLuhan believed that new electronic media changes the way people use their senses, affecting how they think and respond, leading to new identities and societal forms.
  3. Despite not being universally understood, McLuhan worked to empower people to understand and choose how they engage with technology in their lives.

TGIF: This Means War

5402 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Border Health Crisis Foreign Policy Political Figures
  1. There are concerns about communication between top government officials during critical moments, such as the defense secretary's hospitalization.
  2. RFK Jr. is surprisingly gaining favor among Americans amidst the dislike towards Biden and Trump, potentially shaking up the 2024 election scene.
  3. Nikki Haley is making a significant impact in New Hampshire polls, while the border crisis at the Texas-US border is escalating and stirring public frustration.

WATCH The Interrogation of Daniel Penny

389 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
  1. Daniel Penny put Jordan Neely in a chokehold on the subway because he felt threatened. This led to Neely's death and sparked a big discussion about safety and race in America.
  2. Opinions on Penny are split, with some seeing him as a hero and others as a murderer. This case raises tough questions about how people react in dangerous situations.
  3. Penny's police interrogation revealed he believed he was helping, but soon realized he was being treated as a suspect. This shift shows how complex legal situations can be.
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If Israel Attacks Iran Again, Will Trump Help?

384 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
  1. Israel targeted a facility in Iran to disrupt its nuclear weapon development. They believe they need to attack again to cause significant damage.
  2. The support of the U.S. is crucial for Israel to successfully defend against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
  3. The incoming Trump administration's stance will influence the actions of both Israel and Iran, making it a key factor in the region's stability.

Exclusive: Navalny’s Letters from the Gulag

4312 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Prison System Human Rights Freedom Opposition
  1. The correspondence between Natan Sharansky and Alexei Navalny showcased their erudition, moral clarity, and humor - with Biblical references and insights into their experiences in prison.
  2. The letters highlighted the universal impact of standing up for freedom and the continuity of ideological struggles from the past to the present, offering hope for change despite challenges.
  3. Both Sharansky and Navalny shared a deep connection and admiration for each other's resilience, with humor and encouragement helping them find strength in the face of adversity.

The Unluckiness of Jimmy Carter

148 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency History Political Science Current Events Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter faced a lot of challenges during his presidency, like high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. These tough situations made his time in office very difficult.
  2. After leaving the presidency, Carter did many good things like building homes for people and helping to fight diseases. He even won a Nobel Prize for his work in promoting peace and democracy.
  3. Despite the struggles he faced, Carter also accomplished significant things, like making peace between Egypt and Israel and focusing on human rights. Many people believe he was just unlucky during his presidency.

Qatar Denies It Is Expelling Hamas Officials

426 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
  1. Qatar has ignored the U.S. request to expel Hamas leaders, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. The Qatari Foreign Ministry clarified that these leaders are staying put.
  2. The Biden administration is under pressure to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, but it seems hesitant to push Qatar hard due to their strategic partnership.
  3. With a potential shift in U.S. leadership, there may be increased pressure on Qatar to act against Hamas, leading to a more complicated relationship between the U.S. and Qatar.

TGIF: TimHouthi Chalamet

4771 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Coverage Terrorism
  1. Trump's victory in Iowa solidifies his frontrunner status for the Republican nomination and next presidency.
  2. Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are choosing not to air Trump speeches, leading to speculation about their declining relevance.
  3. The Biden administration has classified the Houthis as terrorists, given their violent actions in the Red Sea.

The Rise of the Theater Kids

310 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Film Music Pop culture Media
  1. The success of the movie 'Wicked' shows that theater kids are becoming really popular in pop culture. Their high energy and performances are winning everyone's attention.
  2. With a huge budget and lots of marketing, 'Wicked' is shaping into a big cultural event, drawing people into the world of musical theater.
  3. The film's success at the box office proves that theater adaptations can be very profitable, marking a win for theater kids everywhere.

It’s Harder to Hate the Other Side When You Come Face to Face

3561 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science
  1. Stereotypes of extreme political views are tired, and real people mostly fall in the middle or are less extreme than caricatures suggest.
  2. Engaging in face-to-face conversations reveals that many individuals are not as hyper-partisan as media portrays, and they often seek kindness and unity over division.
  3. The majority of Americans may not fit neatly into extreme political categories, showing that there is a common desire for greater understanding and less polarization.

WATCH: Douglas Murray Meets the Son of Hamas

4187 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Terrorism Religion Radicalization Middle East
  1. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of one of Hamas's founders, became an Israeli informant and helped prevent terror attacks, later converting to Christianity.
  2. Yousef has been vocal about the damage Hamas has caused to Palestinian society and the extreme hate-filled beliefs that fuel radical Islamic terrorism.
  3. Yousef's unique perspective, moral clarity, and firsthand experience make his insights important in understanding and combatting terrorist groups.

They’re Black Democrats. And They’re Suing Chicago Over Migrants.

4549 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Policy Community Election Lawsuit
  1. Some residents in Chicago are feeling angry and betrayed by Democrats they helped elect, who pushed to turn a neighborhood park into a shelter for migrants. This has led to a sense of neglect and frustration among the community.
  2. There is a belief among some black residents in Chicago that the city is more focused on welcoming and providing resources to newly arrived migrants than to addressing the needs and poverty in their own community.
  3. Cata Truss and other residents took legal action to prevent a neighborhood park from becoming a migrant shelter, highlighting the importance of fighting for community spaces and resources.

Things Worth Remembering: C.S. Lewis on Keeping Calm in Chaos

3510 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
📚 Literature Speeches
  1. Great speeches from famous orators have lasting impact, resonating with us across time.
  2. C.S. Lewis, a knowledgeable figure in human history, presents profound insights through his oratory skills.
  3. Learning from the wisdom and historical context of renowned speeches can enrich our understanding of the world.

My Research on Gender Dysphoria Was Censored. But I Won’t Be.

8778 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🔬 Science Research Gender Dysphoria Academic Publishing Activism Data Privacy
  1. The retraction of a scientific article on Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria sparked controversy and highlighted the influence of activist movements in academia.
  2. The authors faced accusations of violating editorial policies around consent, which they refuted by claiming to have followed ethical research practices.
  3. Despite the retraction, the authors plan to continue studying the controversial topic of ROGD, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry and resisting censorship.

TGIF: I Serve at the Pleasure of Barbecue

3315 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Foreign Policy Media Artificial Intelligence
  1. Biden faced backlash for using the term 'illegal' but then claimed he didn't apologize: highlights the Biden administration's border philosophy and communication blunders.
  2. The Biden administration is releasing an additional $10 billion to Iran: shows the conflicting approaches within the administration's foreign policy.
  3. Elon Musk cancelled his partnership with Don Lemon on X/Twitter: illustrates that rich individuals like Musk don't take criticism well and can quickly change their minds.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Offend

3246 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Speeches Writing Debates Public Speaking
  1. Christopher Hitchens was known for his formidable skills as a public speaker and debater, with some believing he spoke better than he wrote.
  2. Hitch's reputation as a speaker was so esteemed that one should never speak before, with, or after him, according to advice given to Douglas Murray.
  3. Even before achieving peak celebrity status, Hitchens was recognized for his speaking prowess, particularly evident in his renowned book 'God Is Not Great.'

TGIF: Soldiers of the Resistance

4103 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Border Security Immigration Governors
  1. Biden and Texas are in a standoff over border fencing, with the Supreme Court ruling in Biden's favor due to immigration being a federal issue.
  2. Governor Abbott of Texas declared the border crisis as an invasion, leading to a major escalation and support from other Republican governors.
  3. Senator John Fetterman emphasized the need for a secure border, highlighting the challenges with a large number of migrants entering the country.

TGIF: Every Sperm Is Sacred

3528 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Election Media Politics
  1. President Biden faced criticisms regarding his communication style and response to questions, showcasing potential weaknesses in his public image.
  2. Donald Trump is engaging in unique marketing strategies by selling high-priced branded sneakers, stirring up reactions from the opposition party.
  3. Trump's legal issues, particularly a civil fraud trial in New York, demonstrate the complex intersection of legitimate legal concerns and potentially politically motivated prosecutions.

The Prophets: D.A. Henderson

3125 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Pandemics Lockdowns Epidemiology
  1. D.A. Henderson, an epidemiologist, warned that pandemic lockdowns may not effectively stop a disease but could lead to severe public health consequences.
  2. Lockdowns during the pandemic caused disruptions in education, social development, mental health issues, domestic violence, and overdose deaths, highlighting the broader impacts of such measures.
  3. Public health should focus on not just stopping a disease but also consider the broader health of society, including targeted protection for the ill and medically vulnerable, to avoid harmful consequences of overreaction like societal shutdowns.

TGIF: The State of TG Is Strong

3241 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis
  1. Biden successfully portrayed himself as strong and capable during the State of the Union address to counter perceptions of being old and feeble.
  2. MSNBC is reverting to fun and engaging programming, with discussions about Trump's physical appearance and the mockery of voters concerned about immigration.
  3. Voters are still concerned about Biden's age and there are ongoing discussions about Supreme Court decisions affecting Trump's presence on the ballot and the retirement of Justice Sotomayor.

The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids

7776 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Autism Diagnosis Research
  1. Autism diagnoses in California have increased significantly over the past few decades, with a 50-fold surge in cases over 33 years.
  2. The rise in autism cases cannot solely be explained by better or broader diagnostics, indicating a real and concerning increase in the disorder.
  3. The lack of clear understanding of the causes of autism and the increasing rates point towards a pressing need for better research, support, and services for individuals with autism.

TGIF: Taylor vs. Trump

3700 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military Border control
  1. America responded to an Iran-backed militia drone strike by approving strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria to show military might.
  2. Biden surprised many by stating he would shut down the U.S.-Mexico border due to record-breaking migrant encounters, including individuals on the FBI terror watch list.
  3. One strategy to reduce coverage is to release important information on a Friday afternoon, as seen with the delayed release of December's border patrol data.

A Second Year with Douglas Murray

3524 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Translation Classics Schooling
  1. Good journalism involves highlighting things that work beautifully in the world, not just what's broken.
  2. Memorizing great literature allows for personal growth and different insights over time.
  3. Memories and philosophical insights of great artists live on when memorized, representing a form of freedom.

Mother Russia, Father Time

3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.

Weekend Listening: From McDonalds Drive-Through to Star Harvard Professor

3292 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🚌 Education University Research Challenges Academia Personal journey
  1. UATX, a new university founded by Pano Kanelos, has proven to be a real institution set to accept its inaugural class of students in 2024.
  2. Harvard economist Roland Fryer embodies academic excellence, emphasizing the pursuit of truth, admitting his mistakes, and overcoming obstacles.
  3. Fryer's life story showcases resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to one's mission in the face of controversies and challenges.

The Case Against RFK Jr.

255 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
  1. The Secretary of Health and Human Services has a huge responsibility for the health care system and public health in America.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was chosen for this role, but many believe he is not the right fit due to his controversial views on important health issues.
  3. It's important to focus on a leader's qualifications and evidence-based positions, rather than just debating their opinions on various health topics.

‘I Was Fired After Blowing the Whistle’

3162 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Dysphoria Whistleblowers Youth Gender Medicine Advocacy Mental health
  1. Several therapists have spoken out in fear that medical treatment of minors with gender dysphoria may be harming youths.
  2. Speakers like Tamara and Jamie, despite facing challenges, continue to advocate for the importance of speaking out regarding concerns about youth gender medicine.
  3. Supportive coalitions like The LGBT Courage Coalition and advice from whistleblowers are available for those considering speaking out on topics like pediatric gender medicine.

At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed

8068 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Judges High School Paradigms
  1. High school debate should encourage students to challenge ideas, question assumptions, and think creatively.
  2. Judges in high school debate competitions are increasingly biased, which can affect how students make their arguments and participate.
  3. The shift towards ideological judging in high school debate may discourage students from expressing diverse viewpoints and engaging in open conversations.

The Free Press in Israel: A Special Limited Series

2796 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict Journalism Civilization
  1. The decision to go to a place of conflict can be a mix of practical concerns and emotional ties, but the desire to witness and understand can be a driving force.
  2. Meeting people face-to-face and being on the ground for reporting provides a depth and understanding that remote communication cannot match.
  3. Experiencing a war-torn region firsthand brings a deeper perspective on the impact and realities faced by those living in conflict zones.

WATCH: This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Hope of the Middle East

3111 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media Israel Middle East Conflict Diversity
  1. Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news presenter on mainstream, Hebrew-language Israeli television.
  2. She is an iconoclast who challenges societal norms by being an Arab, a proud Israeli, and a Muslim married to a Jew.
  3. Lucy Aharish has been vocal in her criticism of far-right voices, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Arab violence, emphasizing unity between Israelis and Arabs.

WATCH: American Miseducation. A New Documentary from The Free Press

3232 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Ideology Youth Education
  1. There has been a rise in pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, targeting iconic institutions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum.
  2. Some of the protesters express anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons, advocating for the liberation of Palestinians but often resorting to derogatory language against Israelis, using terms like Zionist, settler-colonialist, and occupier.
  3. There is concern about the influence of ideologies like decolonization and intersectionality on American campuses, leading to sympathy towards terrorism among the Gen Z population, highlighting a shift away from the pursuit of truth in academia.

Letters to the Editor: Should We Ignore Conspiracy Theories?

273 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
  1. Investigating conspiracy theories can sometimes give them more attention and make them seem more credible, even if there's no strong evidence.
  2. Claims about immigration being used to change election outcomes can be linked to harmful conspiracy theories like the Great Replacement, which can promote dangerous ideologies.
  3. Covering topics like immigration should be done carefully to avoid legitimizing unfounded claims and to respect the humanity of migrants.

Rubio, Gabbard, and Gaetz. . . Oh My!

292 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
  1. Donald Trump nominated Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, which was expected and not surprising to many.
  2. Rubio is seen as a knowledgeable diplomat, but some worry about his past views that label him as a 'war hawk'.
  3. There is skepticism about how long Rubio will last in this role, given the tensions within Trump's MAGA supporters.