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

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.

American Eagle 5342 and the Worst Club There Is

788 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📰 News Disasters Aviation Journalism Reporting Current Events
  1. The crash of American Eagle flight 5342 was sudden, giving passengers only a couple of seconds to react before impact. This highlights how quickly disasters can occur in aviation.
  2. The author reflects on a past aviation incident involving their father, suggesting that experiencing a longer fall can be more agonizing for those on board.
  3. Overall, the piece touches on the complexities and emotional toll associated with air disasters and the personal connections many have to such tragedies.

My Friend Max

2624 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Memoir Friendship Art Travel Death
  1. Max was a unique and thoughtful person who had a passion for living life to the fullest. He was obsessed with exploring new places and tried new adventures often.
  2. He valued the concept of 'value' in various forms, whether it was calculating the best meal deals or considering the impact of choices he made in life, like his charitable efforts.
  3. Despite his quirky habits and passions, Max had a deep love for the people in his life. His friendships were authentic, and he left a mark on everyone he met.

When Elon Musk Offers Government Buyouts

639 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Public Opinion Political strategy Elections
  1. Some federal workers feel insulted by the buyout offers they're receiving. They worry it doesn't truly benefit them.
  2. Employees are confused about whether to accept the deal or risk losing their jobs. It's a tough choice for them.
  3. Many workers are anxious about the future of their agencies and whether they will still exist in the months to come.

DeepSeek Is a Wake-Up Call. Is America Listening?

1219 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Startups Innovation Market Trends Competition
  1. DeepSeek, a small Chinese company, has created powerful AI models for much less money than American companies, challenging the idea that the U.S. leads in technology. This means other countries can compete more easily in AI.
  2. The surprising success of DeepSeek caused significant drops in the stock prices of major tech companies, showing how big of an impact one smaller player can have on the market.
  3. DeepSeek's technology is accessible for anyone with limited resources, which could change the future of AI development and create potential instability in the tech landscape.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Here’s to the First Million Free Pressers—And the Next

4405 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism Media Public Trust Subscriptions Content creation
  1. The Free Press has grown to one million subscribers by focusing on delivering honest journalism. People are looking for trustworthy news that reflects reality.
  2. Instead of just rejecting old media, The Free Press aims to provide valuable content that people need. They emphasize the importance of pursuing truth in their reporting.
  3. The growth of The Free Press shows that many people still care about real journalism and want to support it. This gives hope for the future of journalism as a whole.

TGIF: Welcome to America, Greenland

4511 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Government Legislation Political Commentary
  1. Trump is reportedly serious about acquiring new territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal, marking a shift in America's approach to territory expansion.
  2. A Republican congresswoman has been found living in a senior care facility, raising questions about the effectiveness of political leadership in D.C.
  3. There is a clash within the MAGA movement as traditional conservatives and tech advocates clash over policy decisions, highlighting divisions in the party.

Facebook’s Fact-Checkers Changed the Way I See Tech—and Speech—Forever

3093 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Big Tech Media influence Censorship Social media
  1. Fact-checking on social media can drastically affect the visibility of certain stories. Sometimes, a story can go viral and then suddenly lose all traction because it's flagged as misinformation.
  2. There are alternative theories about major events, like Covid's origins, that may be dismissed initially but can gain credibility over time. It's important to keep an open mind to different viewpoints.
  3. The way tech companies manage information can shape public discourse and control which narratives are heard. This raises questions about free speech and the power of online platforms.

I Raised $50 Million for the Democrats. This Week, I Voted for Trump.

12571 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
  1. Working in politics can lead to unexpected choices, even for longtime supporters of a party. It shows that beliefs can change over time.
  2. Voting for a candidate from the opposing party can be a way to express frustration with your own party. It's a bold move that some people might not understand.
  3. Personal experiences and feelings can sometimes outweigh party loyalty. This suggests that individual judgment is important in making political decisions.

Bari Weiss: The Old World Is Not Coming Back

9974 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
  1. Things we used to trust and rely on have changed and become uncertain. It's scary to realize that our stability is not guaranteed anymore.
  2. We are not outside of history; we are part of it and experiencing its shifts firsthand. This means we have to adapt to new realities.
  3. The world we knew is fading, and a new one is emerging that feels unpredictable. It’s important to acknowledge this change and prepare for what’s next.

Matti Friedman: Israel’s Prisoner’s Dilemma

1993 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Government Public Opinion
  1. Israel faces tough decisions about negotiating with terrorists to free hostages. Many believe it shows their commitment to saving lives, while others worry it encourages future attacks.
  2. A significant portion of Israelis support these hostage deals, reflecting a strong desire to rescue captives regardless of the risks involved.
  3. This debate about saving individuals vs. long-term security has been ongoing for decades, highlighting deeper questions about strength and vulnerability in Israel.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Wildfires Environmental Science Public Health Renewable Energy
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

Stop Making Cents?

282 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Public Opinion Trump
  1. The cost of making a penny is greater than its value, leading to debates about whether they should continue to be produced.
  2. Some people believe that the penny has sentimental value and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't seem practical.
  3. The argument against the penny includes the huge losses the government faces from minting them, which may outweigh any emotional reasons to keep them.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

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.

Why Did Trump Just Start a Trade War with Our Neighbors?

746 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Impact Executive Power International relations
  1. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, causing concern for many. This decision appears sudden and lacks a clear reason.
  2. The tariff could disrupt the economy and long-standing trade agreements. It might lead to increased costs for consumers and harm relations with neighboring countries.
  3. While there's a limit on tariffs for Canadian energy imports to avoid spiking energy prices, the rules are inconsistent and confusing for trade with Mexico.

The Year of McDonald’s

5810 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food culture Social Commentary Media Analysis Identity
  1. McDonald's is a key part of American culture and daily life, often reflecting larger social issues. It's more than just a fast-food place; it represents community and familiarity for many people.
  2. Recent events involving McDonald's, like a controversial Trump campaign stop and a notable arrest, highlight how deeply intertwined the brand is with current affairs and public interest.
  3. Some media reactions to incidents at McDonald's show a disconnect from the everyday experiences of regular customers, indicating a lack of understanding about what the restaurant means to people.

The Rising Democratic Coalition Fell. Now What?

1711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Civil Rights Demographics
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to keep the support of minority voters, which was once a stronghold for them. Changes in the political landscape mean they can't take this loyalty for granted anymore.
  2. Many believed that the growing diversity in America would always benefit the Democrats, creating a lasting majority. However, recent election results have shown that this may not be the case.
  3. Donald Trump's political rise is challenging the Democrats to rethink and address their relationship with voters of color, prompting a need for change in strategy.

The January 6 Pardons and the Rule of Law

1534 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Donald Trump has pardoned many people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those who assaulted police. This move has raised questions about the fairness of justice for violent actions.
  2. Some Republican leaders believe that only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, indicating a divide in opinions about accountability for violence.
  3. The mass pardoning contrasts with previous statements from officials who suggested a more selective approach to granting pardons for the events of that day.

The Girlboss Is Sleeping with the Intern

2606 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Society Gender Art Literature
  1. There is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among women, leading some to seek out new experiences or break commitments. Many women feel trapped in their current lives and long for excitement or change.
  2. The film 'Babygirl' explores the character Romy, who seems successful but feels unfulfilled in her marriage. Her search for pleasure and connection leads her to an affair with her younger intern.
  3. Romy's journey highlights the complexities of desire and the risks people take when chasing what they think will make them happy. It raises questions about love, commitment, and personal satisfaction.

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.

Donald Trump 2.0

1623 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democracy Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump is starting his second term as president and this time has a clear mandate to act, likely bringing a new energy to his leadership style.
  2. The Democratic Party is losing support among minority voters, and it needs to listen more to the concerns of working-class people of color to win them back.
  3. The internet's influence on politics has led to significant shifts, with figures like Trump using effective public speech to gain and maintain power in a complex political landscape.

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.

1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Political Commentary Elections Media
  1. Populism is a strong feeling in America that often pits ordinary people against the powerful elite. It's more about emotions and attitudes than strict political plans.
  2. Trump's approach to politics echoes past leaders like Andrew Jackson, who also promised to challenge the established order and 'drain the swamp.' This shows how deeply rooted populism is in American history.
  3. Populism can lead to big changes in government, where people express their frustration with the ruling class and demand action. It can shake things up and even remove those in power.

The Miracle of the Light

3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism Religion Philosophy Tradition History
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

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.

Farewell to Canada’s Golden Boy. Plus. . .

2633 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policies Public Opinion Governance
  1. Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nearly decade-long term as Canada's prime minister. His fall from grace is attributed to controversial ideas on various issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the safety and stability of New York City, with ideas on how to restore order amid rising lawlessness. Some suggest that banning masks could help reduce crime-related anonymity.
  3. Recent tragedies have sparked a debate about the impact of language and narratives on societal safety. Conversations are emerging about the consequences of divisive rhetoric, especially in light of recent violent events.

TGIF: The Lame Duck

4488 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Budgeting Political parties Government Policy Elections
  1. President Biden is facing criticisms about his mental health and lack of engagement with key government officials, raising concerns about his leadership capabilities.
  2. President-elect Elon Musk and Donald Trump are disrupting the traditional budget process, causing Congress to struggle with passing a new budget amid rising tensions.
  3. There's a contrast in political styles between Biden, who presents a moderate image, and Musk, who is approaching governance in a radically different way, hinting at significant changes ahead.

Rep. Chip Roy: Why I’m Backing RFK Jr.

741 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Government Appointments
  1. Chip Roy supports RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services despite having different opinions with others. He believes RFK Jr. knows how to improve America's health.
  2. Both Roy and Erick Erickson have had life-threatening health issues, and they credit innovative drugs by Big Pharma for their recoveries.
  3. Roy shares his personal story of overcoming cancer with a revolutionary drug, showcasing the importance of medical advancements.

Memo to Trump: Beware the ‘Reverse Teddy’

908 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Political strategy Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions have shown strength in dealing with issues in Latin America, but it may come at the cost of ignoring global concerns.
  2. In his first term, Trump managed to maintain a strong presence in Europe and Asia, avoiding new conflicts and making significant deals.
  3. There are worries that in his second term, Trump might focus too much on the Western Hemisphere and neglect vital international relationships.

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.

‘I Don’t Think My Business Can Survive These Tariffs’

635 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade Tariffs Small business Economics International Trade
  1. Many small businesses in Canada are struggling due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S., especially under Trump's trade policies. This means they might face serious financial challenges unless these tariffs are lifted.
  2. Darrin Smith, who runs a successful woodworking tools company, is worried that the 25% tariffs will threaten the survival of his business. He relies heavily on sales to the U.S.
  3. The tariffs were created to address issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but the actual impact on businesses could be quite damaging, raising concerns about the broader economy.

Joe Biden’s Unpardonable Last Act

1386 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Political Power Partisan Politics
  1. Donald Trump promised to fix what he sees as a biased justice system against him. He believes the Justice Department was unfairly used as a political weapon.
  2. Before leaving office, Joe Biden pardoned his family members and allies, which is unusual and seen as controversial. This includes pardons for people who hadn't even been charged yet.
  3. Biden's actions are compared to Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, as this is one of the first times a president has given such broad clemency before convictions.

Joe Biden Was Never a Moderate. Plus. . .

1910 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential politics Political Commentary Social Issues Immigration Policy
  1. Joe Biden has been seen more as a progressive leader than a moderate. Despite his campaign promises, actions during his presidency show a focus on significant social changes.
  2. Venezuela is facing serious political turmoil as the current president, Maduro, claims victory despite protests and claims of a rigged election. Many citizens are unhappy and have fled the country.
  3. A recent misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's highlights problems in the healthcare system. It shows that patients sometimes have to fight to get proper care and that the system can fail even those with trained professionals.

The Explosion of Jew-Hate in Trudeau’s Canada

5147 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Government Public Safety Social Issues Civil Rights
  1. There has been a huge spike in antisemitic incidents in Canada, increasing by 670% recently. This alarming trend shows a significant rise in hatred and attacks against Jewish people.
  2. Many Canadian Jews feel increasingly unsafe and targeted, with feelings of victimization growing. Surveys indicate that a lot of them doubt the situation will improve anytime soon.
  3. Incidents of overt antisemitism have become more common on campuses and in communities, leading to a troubling normalization of hatred. This shift in attitudes is deeply concerning for those affected.

Things Worth Remembering: Winston Churchill’s Christmas Message to America

3913 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💾 History World War Speeches Political Leaders
  1. Churchill's Christmas message during a tough time reminded people to find peace in their spirits despite the ongoing war. It's a reminder that hope can exist even in dark times.
  2. The speech shows how powerful words can inspire and unify people, especially during challenging moments in history. Great leaders use their voices to encourage others.
  3. Reflecting on Churchill's ability to lead through words makes us wonder about our current leaders. We often crave charismatic leaders who can guide us through struggles.

TGIF: It All Comes Out

4915 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Economy Policy Media
  1. Melania Trump is promoting Christmas ornaments this year, showcasing her designs and emphasizing their patriotic theme. This may hint at a future where political events are paired with merchandise.
  2. Janet Yellen has acknowledged that the U.S. is facing a significant deficit, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility. She suggests that future spending needs to be more careful to manage this debt.
  3. There’s criticism regarding recent government spending, particularly on student loan forgiveness, which some believe primarily benefits wealthier individuals. This has sparked debate about fiscal sustainability.

The Plays About the End of the World

222 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Art Literature Media Performance
  1. New plays about AI are popping up everywhere, showing how people respond to new technologies. They don't predict an apocalypse, but they reveal our emotions and reactions.
  2. Theater might seem like a strange place to talk about complicated tech ideas. But these plays manage to make tough topics more relatable and human.
  3. Rather than traditional, boring themes, these plays bring fresh perspectives on current issues with technology that are important to us today. They offer entertaining yet thoughtful reflections on our future.

Letters to the Editor: ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Gets the Facts Wrong

792 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Nutrition Wellness Policy
  1. There's a new movement called MAHA, or 'Make America Healthy Again,' which includes people with different views on health and nutrition.
  2. Some people are questioning the accuracy and safety of vaccines and other scientific claims, which has led to strong opinions and debates.
  3. Doctors are particularly concerned about the misinformation being spread by the MAHA advocates, especially regarding children's health and vaccines.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio. Plus...

1641 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Government Policy Media
  1. Marco Rubio has shifted his stance from a hawkish perspective to a more realist approach regarding U.S. foreign policy, focusing on opportunities in war-torn regions.
  2. Biden's $42 billion broadband program aimed to provide internet access to rural areas has faced major setbacks due to bureaucratic issues and regulatory challenges.
  3. A researcher argues that factors beyond climate change contribute to events like California wildfires, suggesting a need for a more balanced view on climate issues.