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

Trump’s Trade War Is On. Plus. . .

1604 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Political strategy Elections International relations
  1. Trump is imposing high tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which has sparked a strong response from these countries. Canada is retaliating with its own tariffs, indicating that this trade conflict could escalate quickly.
  2. RFK Jr. is gaining attention in politics, especially among a group called MAHA that aims to change the healthcare system. There are varying opinions about him, with some supporting his ideas and others critiquing them.
  3. A new conservative calendar featuring bikini models has been released, showing a trend among some on the right to embrace a more provocative image. However, its artistic quality is being questioned by critics.

TGIF: Hellfire

5824 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Environmental Policy Emergency Management Urban Issues Crisis response
  1. California is facing major wildfires, causing devastation in Los Angeles and forcing evacuations for nearly 180,000 people. The situation is worsened by a shortage of resources and rising crime.
  2. The city government has been criticized for neglecting infrastructure improvements that could help in emergencies, like building water storage facilities. Years of red tape have delayed these critical projects.
  3. Environmental regulations are impacting water availability for firefighting efforts, with a small fish called the delta smelt blocking water releases. This situation highlights the tension between environmental concerns and urgent resource needs.

America’s Air-Traffic Control System Is an International Disgrace

1048 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Aviation Infrastructure Safety
  1. America's air-traffic control system is outdated and struggling, with too few controllers using old technology.
  2. Recent incidents highlight the mismanagement and dangers of the air traffic system, showing it has become one of the worst in the developed world.
  3. In comparison to systems in other countries like Canada, America's methods feel very outdated and inefficient.

The Owner of the LA Times Takes the Red Pill

1326 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Race Journalism Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
  2. The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
  3. Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.
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The Short Arm of Trump’s Diplomacy. Plus. . .

2049 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Immigration Public Health Technology
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy focuses mainly on the Americas, which could leave the U.S. vulnerable in other parts of the world. It's important for the U.S. to stay influential globally as it affects everyone back home.
  2. The release of DeepSeek, an AI model from China, could push the U.S. to enhance its technology efforts. This represents a big moment for innovation, similar to the space race.
  3. San Francisco is reconsidering its harm reduction strategies for drug addiction as overdose rates rise. Some leaders are looking for stricter laws, including mass arrests to get users into treatment.

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.

Hamas Murdered Their Son. What Do They Think of the Ceasefire?

3134 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Human Rights Terrorism
  1. Three women were recently released after being held hostage by Hamas for 15 months, marking the start of a ceasefire. This exchange includes bringing back some Israeli captives in return for Palestinian prisoners.
  2. Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young Israeli man, was taken by Hamas during an attack at a music festival where many were killed. His fate was uncertain for a long time, which caused great distress to his family.
  3. The ongoing situation involves deep emotions, with the families of the hostages expressing their feelings about ceasefires and the impact on their loved ones. They seek answers and hope for peace in a troubled region.

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.

L.A. Was Built to Burn

4363 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Ecosystems Urban Development Natural Disasters Environmental policies
  1. Los Angeles is built in a way that fire is part of its natural environment. This means wildfires will keep happening regardless of who is in charge.
  2. The area has a history of being described as a grassland, not a desert, and fires are a normal part of this ecosystem.
  3. Some experts believe that certain areas in L.A. should never have been developed because they are prone to burning, making homes there very risky.

DeepSeek Turns the Cold War Hot

1993 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Civil Rights AI Technology Entertainment industry
  1. A Chinese AI start-up named DeepSeek has unexpectedly affected the U.S. stock market, outpacing the popular app ChatGPT with a cheaper and potentially better product.
  2. Trump has made significant changes by repealing long-standing diversity and affirmative action programs, which has stirred much debate about the impact of these policies.
  3. A movement called MAHA is emerging, led by influencers focused on health and wellness, which represents a shift in how people approach health and nutrition in America.

The Biggest Peacetime Crime—and Cover-up—in British History

5546 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Justice Government Scandal
  1. Thousands of young girls in England were victims of grooming and serial rape for many years, and it continues to be a serious issue. Many people in power ignored these crimes for too long.
  2. The scandal has led to public outrage and demands for accountability, as many feel that both Conservative and Labour governments tried to hide the truth. People are calling for a full investigation into the matter.
  3. Elon Musk's comments on social media brought attention to the case, leading to a larger conversation about the need for justice for the victims and reform in British politics.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘He Died Standing Up’

5634 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🌐 International Terrorism European Politics
  1. Ten years ago, a terrible attack happened at Charlie Hebdo, killing many people, including the editor. It was one of the worst attacks on free press in recent history.
  2. The world seemed to unite in support for the victims, but not everyone was truly in favor of defending free speech. Many participated in demonstrations but didn't stand up for the values that were attacked.
  3. The notion of freedom of speech is worth defending, even if it comes at a cost. True support for the press means standing firmly by the principles, not just holding pencils in solidarity.

Meet the MAHA Moms. Plus. . .

1683 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Health Legislation Political movement
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing strong opposition in his Senate confirmation hearing as Trump's pick for Health and Human Services. The situation shows a surprising shift in political relationships as former friends now oppose him over party lines.
  2. The rise of the MAHA moms is being compared to the influential soccer moms of the past. These women are rallying around health issues for their children and using their voices to impact legislation.
  3. Critics of the MAHA movement warn that it may overlook the needs of working-class Americans who struggle with health issues and don’t have the means to support the lifestyle changes promoted by the movement.

Martin Gurri: The Great American Debate Begins Again

2058 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Policy Speech Media Public Opinion
  1. Free speech is very important right now, more than just political policies. People should feel safe to express their opinions without worry.
  2. There are many big questions about current events, like the truth about January 6 and climate change. We need to discuss them openly instead of being scared to answer.
  3. The debates we have today are deeply divided and complicated. It's necessary to ask tough questions to understand each other better.

Martin Gurri: Make America Debate Again. Plus. . .

1929 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Censorship Immigration Political Debate Government actions
  1. Trump is taking a tough stance in foreign policy, like imposing tariffs on Colombia after a standoff over deported migrants. This new approach marks a change from the previous administration's methods.
  2. The discussion around the origins of COVID-19 has shifted, with intelligence now suggesting a lab leak might be more likely. This shows that long-suppressed debates are starting to resurface.
  3. The fight over foreign policy direction in the Trump administration continues with key staffing choices at the Pentagon. These decisions will impact how the U.S. engages with the world.

Some Say AI Is the Greatest Invention of All Time. I Don’t Get It.

1553 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Silicon Valley Economic Impact
  1. Many people believe AI is a game-changer, but it's mainly hype and not a real solution to life's problems. AI won't solve the everyday struggles we all face.
  2. The conversation around AI often seems disconnected from reality, with exaggerated claims about its impact. Recent events, like falling stock prices for AI companies, highlight that the excitement may not match what's happening in the real world.
  3. While some powerful figures praise AI as a major invention, skepticism remains. It's important to question if AI really lives up to the lofty expectations set by its advocates.

What Socrates Teaches Us About Love, Politics, and Death

1163 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political Philosophy Metaphysics History Education
  1. Socrates teaches us about living deeply through inquiry and exploration. We often think we know enough, but there's always more to learn.
  2. Despite being poor and not a great speaker, Socrates became a key figure in philosophy. His life shows that wisdom and character matter more than wealth or appearance.
  3. Socrates' way of questioning others helps uncover true wisdom. He challenged people to think deeply about love, politics, and death, which are still relevant today.

Trump Is Uncool. And That’s a Good Thing.

2504 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Elections Public Opinion Political Leadership Media
  1. The idea is that having a president who isn't seen as 'cool' could be a positive change. It suggests that style and image might matter less than the actions they take.
  2. The comparison with Obama shows how being cool can influence public perception of a leader. When Obama took office, his cool demeanor made many feel hopeful.
  3. The text hints that after years of trendy leaders, it might be time to appreciate a more straightforward, less flashy approach to leadership.

Bari Weiss: The Comprehensive Failure of Justin Trudeau

4437 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Leadership Government International relations Liberalism
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.

How Intellectuals Found God

5958 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theism Philosophy Intellectualism Conversion Religion
  1. Many intellectuals, who once questioned or rejected God, are now finding faith. It's interesting to see a change in perspective among respected thinkers.
  2. One example is Matthew Crawford, who felt lost in his early life but experienced a spiritual transformation through personal connections and discussions about faith.
  3. The journey to finding God can often feel like a personal story of searching and discovery, rather than a simple acceptance of religious beliefs.

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade E-commerce Marketing Retail Economics
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.

The Hostage Deal Is the Price of Israel’s Failures

3046 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Conflict resolution Peace negotiations Geopolitics
  1. Israel is close to making a deal with Hamas to release captives. The first step involves freeing 33 hostages, including children and the elderly.
  2. The deal has three phases that could lead to the end of the conflict, but each phase relies on the success of the previous one.
  3. If the deal works, it will bring mixed feelings in Israel, with joy for the hostages' return but also anger and disappointment about the circumstances.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

2295 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Election Analysis Policy Changes Leadership Government actions
  1. Trump's second inauguration was marked by dramatic actions, including pardoning people linked to the January 6 Capitol riot and bold proposals like taking back the Panama Canal.
  2. His inaugural speech focused on a national revival linked to his comeback, promising to address issues like immigration and inflation while rejecting political norms.
  3. There's an ongoing debate about TikTok's future and whether Trump will uphold the law in light of Congress's moves against the app, as he contrasts with the legal expectations set by his predecessor.

‘Everything Is Gone’

3542 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📰 News Disaster Economics Personal Stories
  1. The recent fires in Los Angeles have caused massive destruction, burning more than 36,000 acres and destroying nearly 10,000 structures. That's a huge area, larger than the city of Miami.
  2. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to these fires, which have resulted in around 11 confirmed deaths so far. However, many are still unaccounted for, raising concerns for their safety.
  3. Even after losing everything, the people affected by the fires are holding on to hope. They share their stories and experiences, showing resilience despite the devastating circumstances.

Can These Moms Get RFK Jr. Confirmed?

1363 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Health Activism Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Eating store-bought food can sometimes lead to health issues for kids. It's important to be aware of what we feed our children.
  2. Switching to an organic diet made a big difference for Zen Honeycutt's children. She reported that many of their health problems disappeared after this change.
  3. Parents should trust their instincts about food and health. Zen Honeycutt felt compelled to change her family’s diet when she noticed severe reactions in her son.

In Defense of the Great American Sleepover

5420 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Childhood Parenting Social norms Education Traditions
  1. Sleepovers are an important part of childhood and can help build friendships and social skills. They create lasting memories and experiences together.
  2. Some people believe that fewer sleepovers could lead to better academic outcomes and more focus on studying. They suggest prioritizing education over social activities.
  3. Critics of eliminating sleepovers argue that balance is key. Both social experiences and academic pursuits are important for a well-rounded development.

The Truth About Bob Dylan’s Falling Out with Pete Seeger

4229 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Film Politics History Art
  1. Bob Dylan's conflict with Pete Seeger was more about differing political views than Dylan going electric. Seeger and others were concerned about Dylan's lack of interest in their leftist politics.
  2. Dylan's career has played tricks on fans and critics alike, creating misunderstandings about his true beliefs and intentions. His complex lyrics and infrequent interviews lead to lots of interpretations, some far from the truth.
  3. The film 'A Complete Unknown' attempts to provide a straightforward take on Dylan's early career, but it misses the bigger picture of his unique relationship with the political scene around him. Dylan chose his own path, moving away from the expectations of his folk singer peers.

The End of DEI? Plus. . .

1947 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Elections Civil Rights Media
  1. Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. This move is seen by some as a return to a more merit-based approach.
  2. San Francisco is shifting towards a more practical governance style, moving away from radical ideas that previously plagued its leadership. The new board president promises to restore effective governance.
  3. The launch of meme coins like $TRUMP has raised questions about their legitimacy and potential risks, with debates on whether they're just fun investments or something more questionable.

TGIF: Three Days In, Two Terrorist Attacks and a Subway Shove

4428 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Crime Law enforcement Public Safety Government Response
  1. A man drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans while displaying an ISIS flag, leading to multiple fatalities, but authorities downplayed it as terrorism.
  2. In Las Vegas, another terrorist attempted to cause harm with a vehicle loaded with explosives but ended up only injuring himself and a few others.
  3. A subway incident in New York involved a random shove of a commuter, highlighting rising crime and dangerous behavior in public transport.

My Conversations With Luigi Mangione

6093 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Media Commentary Public Figures Crime Social Issues
  1. Surrendering your freedom to make choices can lead to losing everything else that's important in life. It's essential to maintain your agency.
  2. It's easy for people to jump to conclusions about someone's actions without really knowing them. Personal experiences can provide deeper insights.
  3. Detachment from intense situations can help gain clarity and allow for more reasoned thoughts afterward. Taking time to reflect is valuable.

Elissa Slotkin Just Wants to Be ‘Normal.’ Will Her Fellow Democrats Listen?

2364 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Political strategy Social Issues
  1. Elissa Slotkin believes being a 'radical pragmatist' is key for the future of the Democratic Party. She wants to focus on practical solutions that resonate with everyday voters.
  2. Slotkin's recent campaign was successful because she emphasized economic issues that truly matter to people, instead of getting caught up in political drama.
  3. The Democratic Party is currently struggling to find a clear purpose and leadership to unite its members and appeal to voters, especially after significant losses to Republicans.

Can Trump Transform America with a Stroke of His Sharpie?

1961 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Tariffs Political Commentary Government Regulation
  1. Trump pardoned many individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, raising questions about his use of power. Some Republicans are concerned this could be seen as an overreach.
  2. There are debates about whether Trump can effectively use executive orders to change significant policies, like birthright citizenship or halting TikTok's ban.
  3. Plans for tariffs on imports have sparked worries that they could lead to inflation and empower lobbying groups, instead of truly reducing government power.

BREAKING: Politician Gives Good Speech

361 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Artificial Intelligence Regulation Public Policy
  1. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which surprised many people who don't expect politicians to speak well.
  2. He warned about the dangers of overregulating artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of keeping it free from strict rules.
  3. This speech stood out because it's rare to hear a politician articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively on such a complex topic.

How Jonathan Haidt Won the Fight Against Smartphones in Schools

4655 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Child development Digital Literacy School Policy Parenting
  1. Having rules about smartphone use in schools helps students connect better with their teachers. Many teachers noticed students paying more attention and being more respectful after limiting phone use.
  2. The shift away from screens in the classroom has made a positive difference in students' behavior and engagement. Teachers are seeing students who are more willing to participate and communicate.
  3. Promoting more unsupervised play can help children develop important social skills. This balance is important to counteract the heavy use of technology in their lives.

Deporting ‘Pro-Jihadist’ Students: Censorship or Good Governance?

779 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Policy Civil Rights Student activism
  1. Trump's executive order aims to deport noncitizens who support terrorist groups. This means students who protest in favor of jihadist movements could face serious consequences.
  2. There is a debate about whether this action is a necessary step for good governance or just censorship. Two experts who usually agree on free speech strongly disagree on this topic.
  3. The situation highlights the tension between protecting national security and upholding free expression on campuses. It's a complex issue that raises important questions about rights and responsibilities.

Can a Critic of the Deep State Run the Deep State?

1066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Government Elections Legislation Policy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is being considered for a top intelligence role, but she faces questions about her stance on Edward Snowden. This has made some senators uneasy during her confirmation hearing.
  2. Gabbard has previously praised Snowden, which complicates her nomination to oversee the country's spy agencies. Her views are causing tension among both Republican and Democratic senators.
  3. Despite initial support from some senators, Gabbard's unwillingness to clearly label Snowden as a traitor is raising concerns about her leadership in national intelligence.

Things Worth Remembering: The Empathy of J.K. Rowling

6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Public Speaking Media Art Philosophy
  1. J.K. Rowling reminded everyone how powerful imagination can be during her speech at Harvard. It's a great reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives.
  2. Rowling is praised for being a brilliant and successful writer, despite facing controversy in recent years. Her talent and impact on literature shouldn't be overlooked.
  3. It's essential to appreciate remarkable people like Rowling while they are still alive. We often wait too long to celebrate the contributions of influential figures.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Awards Media Entertainment Arts
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.