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

I’m a Psychiatrist. And I Support Trump’s Plan for Helping the Mentally Ill.

881 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Homelessness Government Policy Public Health Civil Rights
  1. Homeless people with severe mental illness are a major issue, with nearly one in five suffering from serious conditions like schizophrenia. This situation is urgent and needs attention.
  2. Trump's new executive order aims to make it easier to give psychiatric care to homeless individuals who are severely mentally ill. This could lead to more resources for helping these vulnerable people.
  3. If the plan works, it might change how we approach mental health treatment for the homeless, but it needs support from the courts and local governments to be successful.

The Texas Gerrymander Isn’t About Race. It’s About Raw Politics.

227 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Redistricting Supreme Court Voting Rights Constitutional Law Partisanship
  1. The Supreme Court put an emergency stay on a lower court’s ruling, making it likely Texas’s new Republican-friendly congressional map will be used in the 2026 midterms.
  2. Although the maps are framed as racial gerrymanders, the central fight is really about raw partisan advantage—how many seats Republicans can win—not primarily about race.
  3. The Court split along ideological lines, highlighting how redistricting fights force judges to balance legal principles against intense political pressure.

The Case of Justine Bateman—And Why Gen X Broke for Trump

3621 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
  1. Justine Bateman expressed frustration with political correctness and cancel culture, saying that people should be free to live their lives without fear of public backlash.
  2. The Gen X generation showed surprising support for Trump in the recent election, reflecting a shift in their attitudes towards political issues over the years.
  3. Bateman is eager to create new media, like a show similar to _Family Ties_, that explores different viewpoints and encourages open discussion, especially around controversial topics.

Everybody Freeze! It’s the Climate Police

2415 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Law Public Health
  1. New rules in Ottawa limit how long you can warm up your car in winter, aiming to cut emissions. Many people think this is silly given the extreme cold.
  2. Bureaucratic efforts to fight climate change, like the car warming rule, often get a lot of attention but may not really help the environment.
  3. There's a growing debate over whether such regulations are practical or just inconvenience people without making a real difference.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Assisted Dying Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.
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Britain’s War on Speech Comes for the Pub

1038 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Civil Rights Political Commentary International relations
  1. The UK is passing a law that could punish people for comments made in public, which includes places like pubs and restaurants. This could change how people interact and joke with each other in social settings.
  2. The law is informally called the 'Banter Bill,' highlighting how serious concerns about free speech are being treated lightly. Many believe this shows a growing problem with free expression in Britain.
  3. The situation is becoming a topic of debate, as some politicians and commentators criticize the government's actions and advocate for the importance of free speech in society.

The Democrat Fighting the Gerontocracy

969 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Government Policy
  1. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez openly criticized President Biden's capability to continue leading, especially after his poor debate performance. She believes he's not fit for the job and that his advisors are too controlling.
  2. While many Democrats avoid discussing Biden's decline, Perez stresses the importance of having elected officials in charge rather than unelected staff. This is a key concern for her and reflects a bigger issue in the party.
  3. The Democratic Party is facing serious challenges, including low donor support and approval ratings. Many party members prefer not to confront the issue of leadership, particularly concerning Biden's decision to run for reelection.

Haviv Rettig Gur Joins The Free Press

1029 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Foreign Policy Public Opinion Conflict analysis Journalism
  1. Haviv Rettig Gur is joining The Free Press as a Middle East analyst, bringing his deep knowledge from years of reporting on the region. His insights will help readers understand complex issues in the Middle East.
  2. He will host live Q&A sessions where subscribers can ask questions about ordinary Israeli citizens and their perspectives on the current conflict. This aims to deepen the understanding of Israeli public opinion beyond just political leaders.
  3. His background includes extensive reporting on Israel’s politics and relationships, making him a valuable resource for comprehending the ongoing challenges in the region.

Hegseth Unbound the Troops and Ran Into the Law

241 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense International Law National Security Executive Branch Foreign Policy
  1. A push to unshackle commanders and loosen rules of engagement risks bypassing legal requirements and reduces accountability.
  2. Recent strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking boats lack a clear public legal rationale and may cross into violations of international law.
  3. Rules of engagement and the law of war are operational necessities that troops must follow, and ignoring them can produce dangerous, unintended consequences.

The Democratic Coalition Has Shattered. Here’s How to Rebuild It.

3709 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to connect with white working-class voters and those in rural areas. This makes it harder for them to win elections consistently.
  2. Democrats' focus on the values of educated, liberal Americans is leaving behind ordinary voters. Their appeal to the common man is not resonating as strongly as before.
  3. Recent election results show that demographic shifts are impacting the Democratic coalition negatively. The party needs to understand these trends to improve their chances in future elections.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya

3389 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Debate Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Jay Bhattacharya was a respected Stanford professor until the pandemic changed everything. He proposed focusing on protecting vulnerable people instead of broad lockdowns.
  2. With support from other scientists, he created the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for 'focused protection' during Covid-19. This approach aimed to keep society more open while safeguarding those at risk.
  3. Despite facing harsh criticism and attacks on his character for his views, Bhattacharya's ideas are gaining more attention, especially as he may soon lead the NIH.

How to Like Things More

2861 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Food Music Literature Entertainment
  1. You can learn to enjoy things more by practicing. Like any skill, enjoying experiences takes effort and attention.
  2. Focus on the details that make something special. Instead of just noticing the obvious, try to find the layers beneath the surface.
  3. Sometimes, it's about shifting your perspective. Looking at different aspects of what you like can deepen your appreciation and make the experience more rewarding.

A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Can’t Read His Diploma. Plus. . .

2480 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Government Public Policy Social Issues
  1. A high school graduate with a decent GPA didn't learn how to read, highlighting serious issues in education today. This has sparked legal action against the school district for not providing proper education.
  2. Many people agree that kids today are not performing as well academically, partly due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about declining intelligence and skills among young students.
  3. Recent political events have raised questions about justice and accountability, especially regarding figures like Trump and his pardons for individuals involved in corruption. Such actions have sparked debate about fairness in the legal system.

Matti Friedman: A Siren. And a New Middle East.

1307 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Military Security
  1. Israelis are used to hearing sirens that warn them about incoming rocket attacks, which happen pretty often.
  2. Recently, a siren sounded, but this time it meant something different, highlighting a shift in the situation.
  3. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been intense, especially since the regional war started in October 2023.

Are White People a Protected Class Now?

1340 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Affirmative Action Race Issues Corporate Policy
  1. The Supreme Court has ended affirmative action, which changes how universities and companies can consider race in hiring and admissions.
  2. After the George Floyd protests, many companies reportedly hired very few white individuals, focusing more on diversity and inclusivity.
  3. New court rulings now state that certain diversity hiring practices could be seen as discrimination, which raises questions about fairness in hiring.

It’s a Fascist! It’s a Communist! No, It’s Superman!

1052 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Film Media Politics Society Pop culture
  1. The new Superman movie has sparked a big debate, with people on the right calling it 'superwoke' because of its themes. It shows how even a superhero film can get caught up in political arguments.
  2. Director James Gunn emphasized that Superman is an immigrant, which some people on the right found very controversial. This added fuel to the fire of political opinions about the film.
  3. Not everyone on the left is happy about the film either, indicating that opinions about Superman are divided among both sides of the political spectrum.

Always Bet Against the Davos Man

2684 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Global events Economic Policy Corporate Influence Social Issues
  1. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the mood has shifted from disdain for Trump to a more interested attitude in 2025. Elite business leaders from Europe now want to engage with his ideas.
  2. While the forum continues to push topics like Environmental and Social Governance and Diversity, the actual conversations among executives reveal a different focus. They seem more optimistic about the changing American sentiments.
  3. Despite the fancy corporate language about sustainability, the reality for many leaders might be more about capitalizing on current trends than sticking strictly to these ideals.

Did the Supreme Court Just Clear the Way for the Trump Agenda?

1163 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Legal issues Judicial Power Immigration Policy
  1. The Supreme Court recently ruled on nationwide injunctions, which are legal orders that can block government actions across the country. This decision may have a big impact on President Trump's agenda and his policies.
  2. President Trump celebrated the ruling as a major win for the Constitution, stating it helps support his presidency. In contrast, some justices believe this ruling poses a serious threat to the rule of law.
  3. This case could shape how future challenges to laws and executive orders are handled in courts, which affects who gets to decide what laws apply across the nation.

America Needs to Go Nuclear. Plus. . .

788 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Nuclear Energy Public Safety Infrastructure
  1. America needs more reliable energy sources like nuclear power. The current energy grid is weak and cannot keep up with demands.
  2. The U.S. relies on Russia for uranium used in nuclear plants, but this will change with upcoming import bans. There are new private efforts to enrich uranium domestically.
  3. Nuclear energy is gaining attention as a clean option and can help alleviate fears of energy shortages, especially among younger generations concerned about climate change.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats

2541 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political strategy Identity politics
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling more than ever, with only a third of Americans viewing it positively. This is the lowest approval rating the party has seen since 1992.
  2. Recent leadership changes in the DNC seem out of touch with the voters, as the new chair candidates focused on discussions around identity politics rather than addressing the party's failures.
  3. Young voters, especially Gen Z, feel unheard by the Democrats. Key issues like school safety, climate change, and economic pressures need to be prioritized if the party wants to connect with them.

Suzy Weiss: Living In Gwyneth’s World

857 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Lifestyle Media Trends Entertainment
  1. Gwyneth Paltrow started her lifestyle brand, Goop, way before social media influencers took off. She's been ahead of trends like gluten-free diets long before they became popular.
  2. Gwyneth's unique marketing strategies often tie into current events, making her brand relevant. For example, she cleverly associated herself with a recent scandal to promote a software company.
  3. A new biography about Gwyneth raises the question of why she holds such strong appeal in popular culture. It suggests there's something intriguing about her that keeps people interested.

Will Illegal Immigration Break the Nation Apart?

1312 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Government Law enforcement Public Policy Civil Unrest
  1. Illegal immigration is a major issue affecting the nation today. It can lead to serious unrest and has sparked violent protests.
  2. Local authorities are struggling to manage the chaos caused by these protests, showing a lack of control over the situation.
  3. Political leaders are divided on how to handle the crisis, which adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding immigration policies.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Vibe Shift. Plus. . .

2810 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Policy Changes Media influence Political critique
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's company, Meta, is changing its approach to free speech by ending fact-checking and reducing censorship on its platforms. This shift seems to be a response to political changes and the desire to align more with conservative values.
  2. Canadians share responsibility for the failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as his government faced criticism after a dramatic fall from grace. The country's political climate also contributed to his decline.
  3. Nicotine use is becoming more associated with conservative politics. Many nicotine users supported Trump in the last election, showing how political views around tobacco are shifting.

Peggy Noonan: On Loving America

3533 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
  1. America is seen as a good and valuable country, representing progress in history. This idea reflects a belief in the country's unique role and achievements.
  2. The founding of America is viewed as a remarkable event, with the creators coming together at the right time with special talents. This is sometimes believed to be by chance or providence.
  3. A forthcoming book, 'A Certain Idea of America,' discusses various influences on the nation over the past decade, highlighting both positive and negative forces shaping America today.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury and the Purge of the Jews. Plus. . .

1136 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Trump Political Movements Music festivals
  1. At Glastonbury, a major music festival, anti-Israel chants were heard, raising concerns about rising hate against Jews. This incident reflects a bigger movement that aims to cleanse culture from Jewish presence.
  2. The Supreme Court made a significant ruling recently that impacts nationwide injunctions, which could benefit Trump's agenda. This decision has been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting a divide in opinions about its implications.
  3. Arthur Brooks shared insights on living a good life, discussing how happiness is linked to both personal experiences and societal factors. His take on the differences in happiness between liberals and conservatives stirred interesting conversations.

Why Is Trump Handing Our Enemies a Win?

2610 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Security Foreign Relations Government
  1. Revoking security for officials like Mike Pompeo puts them in danger. This is concerning because Iran has threats against them.
  2. Taking away these security measures could also weaken America's position internationally. It may give a sense of victory to enemies like Iran.
  3. The decision to revoke security seems to be politically motivated, impacting how former officials can protect themselves. It's crucial to consider the safety of individuals who have been targeted for their roles.

New York Democrats Go Socialist. Plus. . .

1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Legislation Political parties Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. His proposals include big changes like government-run grocery stores and a freeze on rent.
  2. Mamdani has strong views on police and foreign policy, proposing to defund the NYPD and calling Israel 'apartheid'.
  3. His surprising victory against former governor Andrew Cuomo shows changes happening in New York's political landscape.

How Biden Screwed the Steelworkers

2833 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Labor Economics National Security
  1. Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 million purchase of U.S. Steel, claiming it was for national security reasons. This decision upset many steelworkers who supported the deal.
  2. While Biden aimed to keep the steel industry American-owned, his action might actually harm the industry and cost jobs.
  3. The motivation behind blocking the sale seems to blend political strategy with a nostalgic view of unions, but it risks hurting union workers and the local economy.

They Predicted World War III. They Were Wrong.

1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Media Analysis Elections Public Opinion
  1. Tucker Carlson predicted that a conflict with Iran could lead to World War III, warning of massive consequences for the U.S. and its economy.
  2. Despite his claims, the reactions and outcomes did not align with his predictions, showing a disconnect from reality.
  3. Carlson expressed concern for responsible communication during the crisis, but his earlier predictions may have contributed to the anxiety around the situation.

On Killing Turkeys

3315 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
  1. The process of slaughtering animals can be shocking and requires careful handling to avoid stressing them out. It's important to learn and practice the skills needed to do it right.
  2. Raising animals for food involves difficult realities that can clash with a love for those animals. Many people struggle with balancing their affection for animals and their desire to eat meat.
  3. Knowing where your food comes from and how it was treated is important for many people. Some prefer to raise their own animals to ensure they are raised and killed humanely.

How American Educators Are Conning Kids

2411 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🚌 Education Student Performance Teaching Methods
  1. American students are falling behind in education, yet standards are being lowered instead of improved. This approach might make everyone feel better, but it doesn't help kids succeed.
  2. Experts agree that the U.S. education system is not world-class and needs major improvements. It's important for a superpower to provide high-quality education.
  3. The perception is that educators are not being honest about students' abilities, similar to saying everyone is a great swimmer even when many are struggling. This could harm students in the long run.

Reading, Writing, and Racism: The Three R’s of Philly Public Schools

1270 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education Curriculum Pedagogy History Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Philadelphia's public schools have a history curriculum that encourages students to think critically about oppression. This may simplify complex historical events into a clear 'oppressed versus oppressor' narrative.
  2. One part of the curriculum asks students to consider what it takes to overthrow oppression, but it doesn't explore all the details from the historical period it covers.
  3. Teachers have some freedom to choose whether or not to follow this curriculum, but the existence of such a framework raises concerns about how history is being taught in schools.

My Pacifist Grandfather Was Murdered by Iran. Here’s What the World Should Know.

1177 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Foreign Policy Historical Analysis
  1. Albert Votaw was a passionate pacifist who dedicated his life to helping others through international aid work. He believed in peace and served his country in a non-military way during World War II.
  2. He had a rich life full of adventures, traveling the world with his family while working for USAID. His journey took him from post-war Europe to African nations and then to Lebanon.
  3. Albert's life tragically ended in 1983 when he was killed in Lebanon. His story highlights the dangers faced by those who work for peace and aid in conflict zones.

Get Ready for Tough Love! This Week: My Anti-Vax Brother

157 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
  1. Refusing vaccinations and other unsafe parenting choices, like skipping car seats or bringing sick kids to vulnerable relatives, creates serious safety and trust concerns.
  2. Attempts to be nonjudgmental and suggest compromises can still leave people feeling like they’re speaking different languages and make conversations feel impossible.
  3. You may need to choose between protecting your own family and maintaining family ties, and it can be okay to step back or sever contact if basic safety standards are continually ignored.

Want to Be Happier? Use These Five Charts to Improve Your Life.

2796 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Wellbeing Happiness
  1. Happiness comes from many types of wealth, not just money. You should focus on time, social connections, mental well-being, and physical health too.
  2. Reflect on the time you have left with loved ones. Understanding this can help you prioritize your time and who you spend it with.
  3. There's always something more to chase in life, like a bigger boat. Instead of striving for what society tells you to want, figure out what truly matters to you.

When the Phone Stops Ringing

1159 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Aging Music Art Personal Growth Resilience
  1. Living in New York and having a supportive partner has made life very fulfilling. Enjoying a successful music career is something to be grateful for.
  2. Having muscular dystrophy changed life dramatically, but it also taught important lessons about resilience and asking for help. It's a journey that forced personal growth.
  3. The wheelchair experience has made interactions with others deeper and more empathetic. It highlighted the importance of valuing what you have and understanding different perspectives.

Bari Weiss: What It Means to Choose Freedom

7150 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. To be free is to tell the truth even when surrounded by lies. Living in truth is a key aspect of freedom.
  2. To be free is to stand up for the freedom of others, while also safeguarding your own. It's about collective liberty and responsibility.
  3. To be free is to be courageous even when afraid. Embracing bravery in the face of fear is essential for staying true to your values and beliefs.

Suzy Weiss: Admit It, Being an Adult Is Hard

1112 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Education Life Skills Relationships Personal Growth
  1. Many young adults feel unprepared for real life and common tasks, like cooking or handling finances. It's normal to struggle with adult responsibilities.
  2. Workshops and classes focusing on adult skills, like listening and managing relationships, are becoming popular. They help people learn what they missed out on in school.
  3. People today are facing unique challenges, like fewer kids and financial stress. Sharing experiences in community settings can provide support during tough transitions.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: The Appeal of a Mother Who Buried Her Only Son

848 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Geopolitics Conflict resolution Public Policy
  1. The author expresses deep grief and frustration over losing her son, emphasizing the pain of families affected by violence. She wants to highlight the real human costs of conflict and urges for compassion.
  2. She calls for an end to the suffering of hostages and innocent people caught in conflict, asking for understanding and action from those in power. Everyone deserves to have their children returned and for their lives restored.
  3. The statement reflects a shift from naivety to a harsh understanding of the world, showcasing the need for humane actions instead of selfish interests in politics. The author believes it's vital for leaders to prioritize peace and humanity over their own gains.

America’s Nuclear Industry Is So Back

751 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear power Government Regulation International relations Economic Sanctions
  1. The U.S. nuclear industry previously struggled due to slow government innovation and heavy reliance on Russian uranium for fuel.
  2. After the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. realized its dependence on Russian uranium and announced a ban effective in 2028.
  3. The government is now seeking private companies to help create a domestic supply chain for enriched uranium, offering billions in contracts for this effort.