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

China Is Overtaking America. In an Electric Car.

343 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
💼 Business Automotive International Trade Technology Economics Manufacturing
  1. China is rapidly advancing in the electric vehicle market, overtaking major companies like Tesla. It's now the largest EV maker in the world.
  2. The Chinese government is strategically hoarding resources and controlling supply chains, giving them an edge in technology and manufacturing.
  3. Industry leaders, like Ford's CEO, recognize the seriousness of this competition and the potential risks of falling behind China in the automotive sector.

The Epstein Files Are Just a Sideshow

421 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy theory Child abuse Justice System Media Coverage Political Commentary
  1. Conspiracy theories can seem comforting because they provide a sense of order in a chaotic world. People like the idea that there's a reason behind unsettling events, which makes them feel safer.
  2. Many conspiracy theories have turned out to be true, showing that mistrust in official stories can sometimes be justified. History has examples where the truth came out after being called a 'conspiracy theory.'
  3. The focus on cases like Jeffrey Epstein reflects a desire to understand and explain horrific crimes. People want to make sense of such disturbing topics, which can lead to oversimplified narratives.

What Happens If Iran’s Regime Collapses?

496 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Regime Change Democracy International relations Conflict
  1. There's a growing possibility that Iran's regime may collapse, especially after recent military actions and calls for change from figures like Reza Pahlavi, the late Shah's son.
  2. History shows that regime changes don't always lead to stable governments. For example, past changes in Libya and Egypt resulted in chaos and conflict.
  3. Recent protests and movements in Iran suggest that many people are seeking democracy, making the current situation in Iran different from previous regime changes.

‘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.

Has Europe’s Islamist Threat Come to America?

1187 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Public Safety Crime Government Security
  1. There were two suspected terror attacks on New Year's Day in America, raising concerns about violence similar to what Europe has experienced.
  2. A truck driver drove into a crowd in New Orleans, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many injuries.
  3. After the truck attack, the driver shot at police before being killed, and IEDs were also found nearby, indicating a planned attack.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

New Report: TikTok Brainwashed America’s Youth

1168 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media China relations Free speech Data Privacy
  1. TikTok may be influencing American youth significantly, leading to concerns about its impact on their views and behavior. Many worry that the platform could be promoting narratives that align with Chinese interests.
  2. Research suggests that TikTok downplays negative content about China, raising alarms about potential indoctrination among young users. This could shape how they perceive important global issues.
  3. The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain as legal debates continue, with discussions about whether it should be sold or banned due to privacy and influence concerns. This situation has sparked a lot of political discussion and uncertainty.

The One Video that Explains Why Harris Lost

1432 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
  1. Kamala Harris faced challenges that contributed to her loss in the election. Many smart analyses discuss this topic.
  2. Engaging in conversations and debates is encouraged, as long as they remain respectful and productive.
  3. It's important to focus on debating ideas rather than personal attacks or identities during discussions.

The Nippon Steel Deal: A Master Class in Winning the Working Class

533 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political trends Labor Issues Public Policy Political strategy
  1. The Biden administration's decision to oppose the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel merger is viewed as a political move that could benefit Donald Trump.
  2. Formerly strong Democratic areas, like Minnesota's Iron Range, showed a shift towards Republican support, signaling changing political loyalties.
  3. The Iron Range's voting trends reflect a broader discontent among working-class communities, especially in relation to union and job security issues.

What If You Replaced Yourself with AI for the Summer?

357 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Digital Media Social media Content creation
  1. Dave Rubin created an AI version of himself to host his show while he's away. He thinks people will still enjoy the show even if it's not him.
  2. The AI clone can imitate Rubin’s voice and even hold a conversation, but it feels very unnatural and lacks real emotion.
  3. Talking to AI Dave can be uncomfortable, and there’s a cost involved for a one-on-one chat, which makes some people hesitant to interact.

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.

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.

The Burning Woman on the Train—and the Future of My City

1131 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Public Safety Urban Issues Immigration Civic Life
  1. Lawbreaking can harm communities and the quality of life in cities. People need to stand up and say enough is enough.
  2. The recent tragic incident of a woman being set on fire in a subway highlights the unsettling realities of urban life. It shows how dangerous and unpredictable city life can be.
  3. Living in a big city like New York can feel surreal, especially when faced with violent events while trying to enjoy everyday activities like visiting a museum.

‘Severance’ and the Trauma of the Bullshit Job

1057 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Entertainment Workplace Society Media
  1. The show 'Severance' highlights the frustration many people feel about their jobs, especially the long hours spent in a dull office.
  2. In 'Severance', employees have a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, creating two different versions of themselves.
  3. The concept of 'severance' raises an interesting question: Would you want to forget your work life completely if you could?

Inside Biden’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Boondoggle

1085 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Infrastructure Government Rural Issues Technology
  1. The Biden administration promised to provide reliable internet access to 25 million people in rural areas. This is important because many people living in these regions struggle with slow or no internet service.
  2. The $42 billion investment meant to improve broadband services has not connected a single customer yet. This raises questions about how effective the program is and why it hasn't delivered on its promises.
  3. Many individuals, like a software engineer in Wisconsin, face challenges working from home due to poor internet connectivity. Without successful implementation of broadband programs, their work continues to suffer.

The Monarch of Mar-a-Lago

1112 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Public Policy Political History
  1. Trump's power peaks before he takes office, showing how the moment of being sworn in changes the dynamics of his influence.
  2. The story of Rip Van Winkle highlights how dramatic changes can occur in society, even in just a couple of decades.
  3. Modern political identities can be confusing and overwhelming, as seen in Rip's struggle to understand new party affiliations.

Is Anyone Worth a Billion Dollars?

352 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Salaries Startups AI Recruitment Tech industry
  1. Top AI researchers are being offered huge salaries, sometimes more than $1 billion, to join tech companies like Meta. This shows how valuable these skills are in the tech world.
  2. Some companies are intensely competing to hire the best minds in AI, similar to how sports teams look for star players. There are not many people with the right talent and skills.
  3. One researcher accepted a crazy $250 million contract over four years, highlighting how tech companies value individual talent highly, even more than famous athletes.

Why I Hope the Supreme Court Upholds the Ban on Child Transition

1275 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Gender Issues Health care Child welfare Social Policy
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing a case about a law banning transgender treatments for minors, which has raised questions about children's rights and safety. People are concerned about whether it's right to allow medical treatments that might harm young kids.
  2. Jamie Reed, a whistleblower from a gender clinic, highlights problems in the medical field's approach to treating gender distress in children. She believes that the rush to affirm every child's feelings without deeper understanding can lead to severe consequences.
  3. There is a call for more careful consideration and questioning within the medical community regarding treatments for gender dysphoria. Reed suggests that a balance is needed to ensure children receive appropriate care without compromising their well-being.

Simon Sebag Montefiore: After Assad

1247 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflicts Governance Revolution Human Rights
  1. The Assad dynasty ruled Syria for 53 years with extreme violence and family power struggles, resembling a mix of Mafia operations and royal court intrigue. This brutal regime led to significant suffering and loss of life in the country.
  2. Bashar al-Assad's regime faced major uprisings during the Arab Spring, resulting in a horrific and bloody response that left around 600,000 Syrians dead. The backing of allies like Iran and Russia helped him maintain power amidst chaos.
  3. Recent events show a dramatic change as statues of Assad are toppled, prisons are opened, and many oppressors are fleeing. However, while this moment brings hope, the uncertainty of the future still looms large in the Middle East.

Nonprofits Reap Millions for Organ Transplants. Lawmakers Are Investigating Them.

380 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Legislation Corruption Investigations Nonprofits
  1. Some nonprofit organizations that handle organ transplants are being investigated for possible misuse of funds. They might have overcharged Medicare for their services.
  2. Lawmakers are concerned that these nonprofits are not acting in the best interests of the public. They want to make sure these organizations are using donations properly.
  3. The House Ways and Means Committee is looking into these potential issues to maintain trust in the organ donation system and to ensure everything is above board.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio

1061 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Political parties Government
  1. Marco Rubio is changing his approach to foreign policy, focusing on being pragmatic rather than hawkish. He wants to find practical solutions instead of just being aggressive.
  2. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio mentioned seeing opportunities in the Middle East that didn't exist before, especially relating to the situation with Israel and Hamas. He believes that current conflicts may create new possibilities for peace and cooperation.
  3. Rubio's comments suggest he is looking for ways to turn recent chaos in the Middle East into strategic advantages for the U.S. This shows a shift in how he perceives diplomatic chances amidst turmoil.

Is Designing Babies Unethical—or a Moral Imperative?

324 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🔬 Science Genetics Ethics Biotechnology Health Medicine
  1. Gene-editing technology has incredible potential to eliminate serious genetic diseases, which could save many lives. It's a powerful tool that could help create healthier babies.
  2. Some worry that this technology might lead to unethical choices, like selecting traits for intelligence or looks instead of just focusing on health. This could create a new form of eugenics.
  3. There's a big debate happening on whether designing babies is ethical or necessary. It's important for society to carefully consider the implications of these advancements for our future.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution

885 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections International relations Political theory
  1. Trump's foreign policy is focused on protecting American interests first, breaking from past approaches. This means less commitment to global issues that don't directly benefit the U.S.
  2. The idea of a global order that America used to support has started to be seen as a problem by some leaders. There's a belief that following this order has led to issues like a border crisis and rising competition from China.
  3. Trump's administration has made bold moves, such as rethinking trade agreements and engaging directly with countries like Russia. This signals a big shift in how the U.S. interacts on the world stage.

This Week in Canada: All the Pilots Are Gay and Measles Are Back

505 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Social Issues Criminal Justice Public Health
  1. Toronto is opening its first shelter specifically designed for the black community. This means support will be tailored to their cultural needs.
  2. Experience isn't a must for running this new shelter. The city is encouraging new groups to apply, even if they have less experience.
  3. The return of measles is a concern in Canada, highlighting potential public health issues that need attention.

Outlawing Price Gouging Will Only Hurt Angelenos

1052 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Government Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Outlawing price hikes might seem fair, but it can actually hurt people more. When prices are kept too low, it can lead to shortages of essential items.
  2. Politicians often react to disasters by blaming businesses for high prices, but this can have negative consequences. Price increases can help balance supply and demand during tough times.
  3. Making price gouging illegal might sound good, but it might actually make it harder for people to find the supplies they need during emergencies.

How to ‘Make Your Campus Palestinian’

1242 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Education Protest Israel Palestine
  1. College students are learning how to organize protests against Israeli officials on campus. They practice making plans and strategies for these demonstrations.
  2. Some students believe it's important to include Jewish groups like Jewish Voice for Peace in their protests. They think this will help prevent any accusations of antisemitism.
  3. The atmosphere at these gatherings is quite competitive, with students divided into teams to come up with the best protest ideas. This shows their strong commitment to their cause.

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.

Reagan’s Secretary of Education Joins Qatar’s Payroll

370 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Lobbying Foreign affairs Higher education Political Influence
  1. Qatar is increasing its lobbying efforts in the U.S., especially in higher education. They're not backing down despite facing criticism.
  2. Georgetown University awarded a medal to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for her work in education, but this decision is being questioned due to her support for controversial figures.
  3. The former congressman and lobbyist, Jim Moran, is closely tied to Qatar's interests in the U.S. and was present during a controversial testimony at Congress.

I’m a Disabled New Yorker. I Hope the Governor Vetoes Medical Aid in Dying.

477 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Disability Rights Ethics
  1. The proposed Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York raises concerns for people with disabilities, who fear it could pressure them into choosing death as an option. It’s important to prioritize support for life, especially for those with severe conditions.
  2. Living with disabilities can be challenging, and the healthcare system often neglects patients' needs, making them worry about their safety and choices at the end of life.
  3. Legislation like the Medical Aid in Dying Act can change society's view on life and death, making it essential to consider how it impacts vulnerable people who rely on the system to survive.

The German Establishment’s Last Chance

871 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Immigration Public Opinion Governance
  1. A lot of Germans voted recently, and the focus was mainly on immigration issues. This shows how important the topic is for many people right now.
  2. The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, gained a lot of support, highlighting their strong stance on immigration. This raised concerns about how mainstream parties might respond to such a shift in voter priorities.
  3. Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats won the election but didn't get as many votes as expected. This could mean challenges ahead for them in addressing the rising support for the AfD.

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 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 Trouble with ‘Murder at the End of the World’

3083 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Literature Social Commentary
  1. In the show _A Murder at the End of the World_, the protagonist Darby Hart stands out as an unexpected detective due to her age and gender.
  2. The series aims to deliver feminist messages and social commentary, but some viewers find it heavy-handed and lacking originality.
  3. The portrayal of Darby as a young, attractive amateur detective solving a mystery challenges traditional crime genre conventions, but some viewers question the believability and depth of her character.

‘No Wonder He’s Smiling. He’s Gotten Away with It So Many Times.’

1228 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Immigration Law Policy News
  1. A man named Brandon Simosa, linked to a violent gang, robbed a prosecutor at her home in New York City. This incident highlights increasing crime and fear in urban areas.
  2. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been criticized for reducing penalties and not prosecuting many crimes, which some believe contributes to repeat offenses.
  3. Many people in New York are worried about rising crime rates, especially when those who commit serious crimes are not held accountable. They feel the justice system isn't working as it should.

‘They Know He’s Going to Become the Next Mayor’

380 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Leadership
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining strong support among young voters and labor groups, making him a strong contender for mayor. People see a real chance for change with him in power.
  2. He has out-fundraised his opponents and received major endorsements from unions, which boosts his campaign significantly. This shows he has the backing of important organizations.
  3. Political experts agree that Mamdani is likely to win unless there are big changes in the race, like his opponents dropping out. He seems well-positioned for victory.

Why DeepSeek Is a Gift to the American People

964 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Policy Engineering
  1. The release of DeepSeek, a new AI from China, could be a wake-up call for the U.S., similar to the launch of Sputnik. It highlights the need for America to accelerate its technological advancements.
  2. Unlike rockets, which take time and resources to build, software like DeepSeek can be developed and shared quickly. This opens up many opportunities for innovation and growth.
  3. The current situation emphasizes that success in technology is not just about hardware but also about creativity and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-changing world.

This Week in Canada: Carney and Trump’s Bromance Was Nice While It Lasted

394 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Economic Policy Political Commentary Cultural Identity
  1. Mark Carney and Donald Trump had a friendly relationship that recently took a turn for the worse. Trump increased tariffs on Canadian imports, putting pressure on Canada.
  2. Trump's move to raise tariffs is seen as a way to push Canada into negotiations regarding the fentanyl crisis. He warned that these tariffs could go even higher if Canada doesn't cooperate.
  3. Carney stated that Canada will work hard to meet the tariff deadline while also protecting its workers and businesses. This situation reflects the complexities of U.S.-Canada relations.

When MAHA Forgets the Working Class

955 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Chronic Illness Working Class Health Policy Insurance
  1. Health advice that seems extreme or unattainable can push regular people away. It's important to give advice that feels realistic and achievable.
  2. Personal experiences with illness can be heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Financial worries about healthcare can be a barrier to education and opportunities.
  3. Policies like the Affordable Care Act can make a big difference for people with preexisting conditions. They can open doors for education and better health insurance options.

Yale Students: We’re Jealous of Our Conservative Peers

1261 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
  1. A large majority of students and faculty at Yale identify as liberal, with most intending to vote for Democratic candidates.
  2. Conservative students feel pressured and isolated at Yale, but the authors express a sense of envy towards them for their strong convictions.
  3. The editorial suggests that a more diverse range of political opinions and respectful debates could benefit the campus culture.