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

Can This Death Row Inmate Bring Down the Death Penalty Itself?

2160 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Justice System Legal system Prison System Political Influence
  1. Richard Glossip's case highlights flaws in the justice system, sparking a broader conversation about the death penalty in Oklahoma and the potential risk of innocent individuals being executed.
  2. The involvement of high-profile figures and bipartisan support in the fight for Glossip's case showcases the complexities and potential injustices within the legal system.
  3. Glossip's story portrays the power of hope and human connection in the face of adversity, emphasizing the impact of personal relationships and faith during times of struggle.

The UN’s Terrorism Teachers

2109 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Iran UN Middle East
  1. The United States and other nations have halted funding for UNRWA due to accusations of staff involvement in attacks, supported by evidence provided by organizations like UN Watch.
  2. There are concerns about the escalating conflict with Hezbollah in northern Israel, potentially surpassing the intensity of the current conflict with Hamas.
  3. There are conflicting policies in the U.S. government regarding Iran, with diplomatic efforts for a nuclear deal while military tensions rise in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Weekend Listening: The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism

2119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Law Ideology Activism Governance
  1. There is a spreading concern about the moral decline within American universities due to instances of antisemitism and ideological indoctrination.
  2. Many states are reevaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses through legislation and policy changes.
  3. There is a debate about the nature of DEI ideology, with some viewing it as an illiberal force prioritizing identity over ideas, while others argue about its Marxist influences and impact on societal values.

Matti Friedman: The Song of the Israel-Hamas War

1729 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Israel Conflict History
  1. Matti Friedman is a well-known nonfiction writer, reporter, and columnist, whose work delves into Israeli history and identity.
  2. His song 'Canaan' captures the dark and existential realities of the ongoing war, challenging the notion of reaching a promised land and questioning the concept of homeland.
  3. Shaban's songs, like 'Canaan' and 'A Practice Run for Waking Up,' seem to foreshadow Israeli conflicts, evoking deep emotions for those directly involved in the war.

Weekend Listening: The Real Team America

2026 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Terrorism National Security Leadership
  1. There is growing concern over potential conflicts involving the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations, which could escalate into a global war.
  2. Many Americans, including influential figures like business leaders and journalists, are investing in innovative defense technologies to strengthen national security.
  3. Innovation in software is seen as crucial for modern defense, enabling the development of advanced weapon systems and vehicles with AI and autonomous capabilities.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Children of the Revolution

1850 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Black History Cancer Research AI Technology
  1. Teaching Black History Month to kids through a Black Lives Matter coloring book has sparked controversy and concerns among parents regarding the content being taught in schools.
  2. The importance of teaching actual black history, like the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, as opposed to contemporary political ideologies in schools.
  3. The issue of fraud in cancer research highlights the lack of transparency in data sharing within the scientific community, leading to questions about the integrity of medical research and the need for more stringent protocols.

The Democrats Praying for an Open Convention

1683 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential Election International relations Mental health Therapy
  1. Speculation about Michelle Obama entering the presidential race as an alternative to Joe Biden is circulating, but Michelle Obama has repeated she will not be running for president.
  2. Concerns are rising among Democratic insiders about President Biden's declining faculties and the need for a possible replacement before the next election.
  3. There's a complex dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, but a change in Israeli leadership may have to come from within, not due to external pressures.

The UN’s Terrorism Teachers

1970 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Hamas Terrorism Israel Refugees
  1. UNRWA, the organization that molds young minds in Palestinian refugee camps, has been found entangled with Hamas terrorism.
  2. UNRWA teachers have been identified as promoting terrorism and celebrating violent acts against Jews.
  3. Several donor countries have suspended funding to UNRWA, signaling a growing concern over the agency's involvement with terrorism, leading to calls for the abolition of UNRWA.

Weekend Listening: Dean Phillips on His Long-Shot White House Bid

2109 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Democratic Party Bipartisanship
  1. Dean Phillips is running for president as a moderate Democrat to challenge the party establishment and offer an alternative to voters who feel alienated by both parties.
  2. Phillips believes in the importance of democracy and competition within the Democratic Party, criticizing the coronation of certain candidates and calling for reform.
  3. Although critical of Joe Biden's communication skills and decline, Phillips states that he will support Biden if he becomes the 2024 nominee to defeat Donald Trump.

Get Serious: About Purpose

5383 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Development Psychology Society Human behavior Values
  1. Purpose is declining in society, with traditional values like faith, family, and community involvement losing importance.
  2. True purpose involves a deep belief in something greater than oneself, motivating action and giving a reason to build.
  3. Focusing solely on self-care and self-love may not bring fulfillment; finding a purpose outside oneself is key to combatting modern malaise.

The Normies Will Save the World

1738 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Policies Politicians Voters
  1. Some prominent figures in American politics seem to show more support for tyrants and terrorists than for democracy.
  2. Most Americans are invested in and personally consider conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine-Russia war, and tensions between China and Taiwan as important to U.S. national interests.
  3. The majority of Americans hold strong views against Chinese communism, Russian dictatorship, and Islamist terrorism, supporting the notion that America and the West are forces for good.

Free Subscriptions for College Students

1752 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education College Free speech Independent Journalism Critical Thinking Student activism
  1. Free speech is crucial for a free society and intellectual growth, but is often viewed as political in the current era.
  2. Campus culture sometimes discourages questioning and different perspectives, leading to fear of being judged for holding alternative views.
  3. Reading independent journalism and engaging in conversations can inspire critical thinking, challenge beliefs, and empower individuals to speak up for what they believe in.

How Abortion Became ‘the Defund the Police of the GOP’

1623 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Republicans Election
  1. Americans in different states are showing disagreements with their party's approaches to social issues like pro-life legislation.
  2. There is a notable shift in American politics, with individuals reconsidering their party allegiance based on specific issues.
  3. Personal experiences and conflicts with political decisions are leading some voters to reevaluate their support for specific candidates.

Failing Upward at the State Department

1896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Afghanistan Middle East Social media Canada United States
  1. The U.S. diplomatic pullout from Afghanistan left many allies stranded, showing a failure in leadership.
  2. The Biden administration faces challenges in responding to attacks in Jordan by Iranian proxies, highlighting the complexity of foreign policy decisions.
  3. Farmers across Europe, like the French farmers in Paris, are protesting over issues like rising costs and green regulations, showcasing a trend of rural discontent.

The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference

5745 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Masks CDC Pandemic Risk Assessment
  1. The most authoritative estimate shows masks do not significantly reduce the spread of Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses.
  2. Cochrane, a respected health organization, conducted a review concluding that all types of face coverings probably make little or no difference in reducing respiratory illness spread.
  3. The CDC and public health officials continue to recommend masks despite lack of strong evidence, ignoring downsides like social, psychological, and medical problems.

The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me—And Taught Me Life’s Most Important Lesson

1660 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Rob Henderson shares his heartbreaking childhood and the impact of abandonment from three adults in his life.
  2. Fentanyl epidemic in America is causing record-high overdose deaths, impacting people across all backgrounds.
  3. Concerns about Biden's age and the Democrats' shift in attitude towards his ability to run for reelection are becoming more openly discussed.

It’s Oscar Night!

1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Criticism Romance Drama
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Media Government
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

Opioids Decimated a Kentucky Town. Recovering Addicts Are Saving It.

1613 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Despite facing challenges like closed coal mines and economic decline, eastern Kentucky's towns like Hazard are experiencing a revival through community-driven efforts and small business openings.
  2. The region's approach to revitalization involves leveraging recovering addicts as a valuable part of the workforce and fostering local businesses and community spaces.
  3. Local entrepreneurs like Mandi Fugate Sheffel and Stephanie Callahan are creating businesses that not only offer products but also serve as community hubs, fostering connections and revitalization in their towns.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Documentary
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

‘If I Die, They’re Dying with Me’

1446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Security Government Privacy Free speech
  1. Iraq combat veteran Kristofer Goldsmith leads a team of veterans targeting neo-Nazi terrorists in the US, facing numerous threats and dangers in his line of work.
  2. Google's AI chatbot Gemini has caused controversy by producing absurd and morally questionable responses, highlighting concerns about biased politics influencing tech products.
  3. College student Jack Sweeney has stirred debate by tracking celebrities' private jets on social media, facing legal actions from figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk, prompting discussions on privacy, free speech, and data in the digital era.

Recovering Addicts Save an Opioid Town

1562 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. In Hazard, Kentucky, locals are driving the town's revival by starting new businesses and creating jobs, with a quarter of these jobs held by recovering addicts.
  2. Recent polls indicate challenges for Biden, with decreasing approval ratings and concerns about his performance on various issues, including mental fitness and the economy.
  3. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro goggles has sparked debates between techno-optimists who see potential benefits like enhanced productivity and doomer zoomers who worry about increased disconnection from reality.

The First Post-Woke Designer

1451 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Design Love
  1. Young adults are making waves in various fields - like fashion and AI technology
  2. Think outside the box when it comes to dating and be open-minded to connect with different people
  3. Making personal changes for the greater good, like trying to reduce meat consumption, can impact your way of life in meaningful ways

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

1307 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Debate California
  1. An activist group in California is paying public high schoolers to learn about social and racial justice, funded by taxpayers, causing controversy
  2. The Free Press is hosting live debates as an alternative to the traditional presidential debates, with the upcoming topic being whether America should close its borders
  3. The movie industry hopes 'Dune: Part Two' will revive Hollywood, but the film's success at the box office doesn't necessarily mean it will bring in a new era of actors with the same impact as previous stars

Trump’s TikTok Flip-Flop. A Weed Debate. Another Presidential Contender.

1252 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Presidential politics Media Control
  1. The House of Representatives is voting on legislation to force ByteDance to sell TikTok due to concerns over Chinese Communist Party control, leading to an unexpected political divide.
  2. The debate over cannabis legalization includes concerns about health risks associated with marijuana use, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
  3. There are bipartisan efforts in the House to address the threat of foreign propaganda and data control by the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok, with legislators pushing for a forced sale of the platform.

The Greatest (Ever?) Show on Turf

1316 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. The Super Bowl this year features a heavyweight matchup between two dominant teams, with a focus on the quarterback's quest for greatness.
  2. Off-the-field excitement around the Super Bowl includes Taylor Swift adding to the hype and controversy related to her attendance.
  3. The Super Bowl isn't just about football; it's a cultural event with opportunities for hosting gatherings, enjoying halftime performances, and engaging in various cultural activities before kickoff.

NYC Public School Wipes Israel from the Map

1497 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. A New York City public school displayed a map of the Arab world that omitted Israel and labeled it as Palestine, sparking accusations of Jewish erasure.
  2. Educators in American public schools are increasingly teaching anti-Semitic ideas, such as labeling Israel as an 'apartheid state', leading to concerns about misinformation being taught to students.
  3. The donation of over $1 million from Qatar Foundation International (QFI) to the NYC Department of Education raises questions about the influence of external funding in school programs.

The 22-Year-Old Who Unlocked the Secrets of Ancient Rome

1252 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Competition Innovation
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge offered a $1 million prize for decoding ancient scrolls, sparking interest in AI deciphering
  2. Luke Farritor won a prize for using AI to read an Epicurean work of criticism on a scroll from the Villa dei Papyri
  3. Deciphering ancient scrolls has the potential to reshape our understanding of the ancient world and rewrite assumptions about history

John Sailer: The DEI Rollback

1442 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Utah Governor Spencer Cox made DEI a priority with initiatives like appointing a diversity officer and implementing equity challenges, but then shifted to reversing DEI excesses due to concerns of harm and divisiveness.
  2. Many red states are passing laws and regulations to curtail DEI practices in higher education, with some banning diversity statements in faculty hiring and even outlawing DEI initiatives altogether.
  3. Even in blue states, there is a noticeable shift in mood towards DEI, with universities quietly eliminating diversity statement requirements and conducting internal investigations to address discrimination concerns.

Why This Berkeley Professor Is Sleeping in His Office

1085 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Antisemitism Higher education
  1. Ron Hassner staged a sit-in protest in his UC Berkeley office to address rising campus Jew-hatred due to inaction by the administration.
  2. There was a violent incident at UC Berkeley involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to campus tensions and fear among Jewish students.
  3. Hassner's demands to the university include keeping Sather Gate open, issuing apologies to disrupted speakers, and providing staff with Islamophobia and antisemitism training.

When It Comes to Sex, My Generation Is Screwed

1252 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Dating Gender divide Political polarization MeToo Movement
  1. Many young singles are experiencing challenges in dating due to differing political ideologies.
  2. There is a significant divide in political views between young men and women, making it harder to find compatible partners.
  3. People are feeling pressured to hide their true beliefs while navigating the dating scene to avoid conflict or rejection.

Should Parents Pay for the Crimes of Their Children?

1284 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. A parent was convicted of involuntary manslaughter due to negligence leading to a school shooting by her son, setting a potential precedent for accountability in such cases.
  2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards have influenced hiring decisions in unexpected places like the University of Nebraska's College of Engineering, showcasing the ongoing impact of DEI principles in academic settings.
  3. There is concern about the negative impact of focusing on combating racism in medical education to the detriment of patient care excellence, as raised by Jeffrey Flier, former dean of Harvard Medical School.

What Should We Do About the Crisis at the Border?

1038 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration
  1. The crisis at the southern border is causing more discord over what action to take.
  2. Immigration remains a top concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election, with a consensus that the system is broken.
  3. A live debate in Dallas on April 11 will feature discussions on shutting U.S borders, involving prominent figures in the domain.

Tracey Jacobson Abandoned Our Afghan Allies. Now She’s Getting a Promotion.

1247 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. There are about 150,000 Afghans like Omar who helped the U.S. but are still waiting for their SIVs, stuck in a difficult process.
  2. Tracey Jacobson, despite her extensive experience, faced criticism for her role in the chaotic SIV process, now being nominated as the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
  3. Many Afghans who sided with America are in danger, facing a brutal campaign in Pakistan and a dangerous situation due to Taliban threats.

Ladies’ Night at the Grammys

1182 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Female solo acts like Billie Eilish, SZA, and Olivia Rodrigo are dominating the Grammys this year, with Taylor Swift expected to keep her winning streak going.
  2. The music industry is focusing on authenticity, with nominees like Jelly Roll, Noah Kahan, Ice Spice, and Fred Again bringing unique and genuine stories to their music.
  3. There is a call for justice for Lana Del Rey at the Grammys, highlighting her impact on a generation of young women and the need for recognition of her unique voice and artistry.

Kids Get Schooled on Radical Politics

1066 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Political Ideology Inclusivity Black History
  1. Children at a Brooklyn public elementary school are taught about Black Lives Matter's principles using a coloring book, introducing terms like 'Queer Affirming' and 'Transgender Affirming.'
  2. Some parents are concerned about the political and communist undertones in the educational material, questioning the appropriateness for elementary school students.
  3. The coloring book used by the school focuses on promoting Black Lives Matter's ideology but lacks in teaching specific black historical figures, leading to concerns about presenting controversial ideas as facts.