Postcards From Barsoom

Postcards From Barsoom offers critical analyses of contemporary societal, political, and cultural issues, particularly focusing on the impacts of political correctness, the disillusionment with traditional institutions like academia, military, and the corporate world, and the exploration of alternative ideologies and movements. It also discusses the consequences of technology on society and individual behaviors.

Societal and Cultural Critique Political Analysis and Commentary Military and Defense Issues Corporate and Workplace Dynamics Academic and Educational Criticism Technology and Social Media Impact Health and Public Policy Identity Politics and Discrimination Economic Trends and Employment Philosophical and Ideological Exploration

The hottest Substack posts of Postcards From Barsoom

And their main takeaways

Isekai

2795 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
  1. The blog explores a world that feels increasingly alien due to unforeseen consequences of technology and societal changes.
  2. The writer covers a wide range of topics in their essays, aiming to understand and escape the challenges of the current world.
  3. The overarching theme of the blog is to explore and escape from a bizarre and often horrific world, similar to the concept of 'isekai.'

Depopulocalypse II – Solutions That Don’t or Won’t Work

2200 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
  1. Various countries have tried different policies to increase fertility rates, but most have not been very successful.
  2. Extreme solutions to low fertility, such as euthanasia programs for the elderly or mass-producing babies in factories, are not practical or ethical.
  3. Cultural factors, rather than just economic incentives, play a significant role in influencing fertility rates, as seen in the case of Israel.

Write Wing This Week – Issue No. 15 – 29 July 2023

1705 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
  1. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics from current events to deep philosophy.
  2. Different writers contribute on various themes such as history, science fiction, and social commentary.
  3. Readers can find thought-provoking content and engaging stories in each issue of the newsletter.

Remembering Who We Are

2359 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
  1. Canada has a history as a post-national state since its inception, not fitting the traditional nation-state model.
  2. The United Empire Loyalists played a significant founding role in Canada, shaping its culture and traditions.
  3. A shift towards civilization-states, focusing on cultural identity and organic development, is seen as a remedy against liberal internationalism.

Write Wing This Week – Issue No. 13 – 15 July 2023

1784 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
  1. The blackpilled Pygmalions in the liminal trailer park could become renegade capitalists shaping the Bill of Dark Rites.
  2. The week's digest covers deep, funny, weird, rude, and noble dissident writings on Substack.
  3. Topics include the fall of the West, ancient culture versus barbarism, and the impact of COVID vaccines on cognitive impairment in adults.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

NO! (^_^)

2379 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
  1. Effective propaganda uses positivity to inspire action over fear tactics.
  2. Instead of overwhelming with problems, offer a positive vision for the future.
  3. Focus on simple, clear messaging like 'No' for a powerful impact.

Write Wing This Week - Issue No. 16 - 5 Aug 2023

1467 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
  1. The newsletter discusses various topics like political economy, literary content, and philosophy
  2. Different writers share their perspectives and insights on current events and cultural phenomena
  3. The newsletter includes long-form fiction, reviews, and meditations on a wide range of subjects

Potemkin Prosperity

2260 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
  1. Our perception of wealth can be misleading.
  2. The food industry can be deceptive, offering fake products and harmful substitutes.
  3. Society may be economically fragile, dependent on unsustainable systems.

Just Fucking Lift, Bro.

2458 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
  1. Starting weightlifting can be a transformative experience, physically and mentally.
  2. Lifting weights is about more than just physical strength - it's a symbol of resilience and dedication.
  3. The process of weightlifting can help conquer fear, pain, and complacency, leading to inner strength and discipline.

Write Wing This Week – Issue No. 14 – 22 Jul 2023

1387 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
  1. The post covers a wide range of topics, from philosophy to literature to politics.
  2. There are intriguing discussions on metaphysics, the evolution of societies, and the essence of good storytelling.
  3. Various writers share insights on current events, history, and societal trends.

This Week in the Write Wing – Issue 10 – 24 June 2023

1526 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
  1. The article discusses various cultural and political analyses from different writers and thinkers.
  2. Topics include the impact of AI, challenges in academia, and societal issues like discrimination and morality.
  3. There is a mix of stories, literary reviews, and reflections on current events in the digest.

The Journal of Write Wing Righting - Issue No. 12 - 08 July 2023

1447 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
  1. The Journal covers a variety of controversial topics from discredited science to nationalism.
  2. The issue discussed themes like Birth of a Nation, Tyranny of the Machine, and Immigration Problems.
  3. Numerous contributors shared stories and analyses on cultural, political, and spiritual topics.

Gideon’s Army

2379 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
  1. Some individuals resisted societal pressures during the pandemic and refused to comply with certain mandates.
  2. Experiencing challenges can reveal inner strength and resilience.
  3. Unity and strength can be found in a diverse group of individuals standing together against a common challenge.

Electric Yggdrasil

1923 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
  1. Debates can sometimes lead us to see the truth as somewhere in between contested positions.
  2. Metaphors shape our perspective of the world, and each metaphor emphasizes certain aspects over others.
  3. The Earth's surface area is not just a simple sphere - its topology and changing nature make it much more complex.

Lay Down and Let It Rot

3053 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
  1. The author reflects on challenges with job seeking and principles in the face of diversity requirements.
  2. The consequences of a system that rewards based on group identity over merit are discussed.
  3. The impact of societal corrosion due to incompetence being elevated and the resulting lack of motivation and productivity are highlighted.

The Unbearable Whiteness of Self-Loathing

1883 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
  1. High-profile individuals have faced backlash for questioning racial narratives and promoting self-respect.
  2. There is a trend of self-loathing among some white individuals, influenced by anti-white propaganda and social conditioning.
  3. Healthy conversations about race require mutual respect, self-respect, and the rejection of self-hate.

The Marxcissists

1982 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
  1. The term 'Marxcissists' encapsulates the toxic core of a certain group of individuals who combine Marxism with narcissism.
  2. The 'woke' left thrives on a culture of narcissism, where the self is idealized as perfect and criticism is seen as violence.
  3. Narcissism is exacerbated in today's society by social media, creating a facade of caring about social issues for validation.

I’m Already Bored With Generative AI

1606 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
  1. Generative AI in visual arts may create impressive images, but often lacks the deeper meaning and human touch of genuine art.
  2. ChatGPT and similar text generation AI can be useful for tasks like rewriting content, but may not offer significant value for creative writing or storytelling.
  3. In the natural sciences, AI may provide answers, but without understanding the 'why,' it falls short in advancing true human understanding.

The Write Wing This Week - 3 June 2023

1308 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
  1. The post provides a roundup of various articles and pieces from different bloggers on a wide range of topics.
  2. There are discussions on philosophy, health, politics, academia, and pop culture among other things.
  3. The writing style is diverse and engaging, covering academic scandals, social issues, short fiction, and more.

Weekend Neo-Reactions - 20 May 2023

1348 implied HN points • 20 May 23
  1. Discussion of Mother's Day themed posts from various writers.
  2. Exploration of the concept of 'What is a Woman?' and the influence of modern myths on identities.
  3. Insights into historical topics, such as WWII, Russian news, and pulp fiction stories.

Global Tantalus

2696 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
  1. A future where every move and thought is tracked won't happen as people resist control.
  2. Efforts to push for a posthuman slave society face strong opposition, making the vision unlikely.
  3. Attempts for total control through media manipulation are failing as alternative voices gain influence.

The War on Life

2617 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
  1. The narrative of climate emergency is being used to push for global technocratic governance.
  2. The obsession with global warming is a reflection of a cult of death, aiming to control human actions and reduce population.
  3. The focus on global warming over global cooling is a strategy to instill fear and view life itself as a threat.

The Eye at the End of History

1606 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
  1. The future seems bleak with more control and surveillance predicted.
  2. Looking to the past, we only see oppression and suffering, leading to a sense of a fixed and dismal future.
  3. By understanding and accepting the flaws and beauty of the past, we free our imagination to create a better future.

Why America Can't Win World War III

3271 implied HN points • 14 May 22
  1. America's industrial base has deteriorated and relies on imported goods, leading to potential shortages in times of conflict.
  2. The American population is divided and suffers from social, psychological, and physical issues that would hinder a war effort.
  3. The US military faces challenges in recruitment, training standards, and technology development, impacting its effectiveness in a global conflict.

reGenerative AIgronomics or UBIomass

1328 implied HN points • 03 May 23
  1. Machines like AI are reshaping industries and making many jobs redundant.
  2. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is seen as a solution for future unemployment caused by automation.
  3. Regenerative agriculture offers a sustainable alternative to destructive farming practices.

Sympathy for the Devil

1705 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Managers in the global city work to keep systems running smoothly and deal with challenges like high immigration rates.
  2. The rat utopia experiments showcased how saturation leads to social pathologies, mirroring potential issues in urban environments.
  3. Catastrophic demographic collapse is a complex issue, and solutions may require creativity beyond what the managerial class currently offers.

The Permittivity of Free Thought

1288 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. The relationship between the brain and consciousness can be understood through emission, transmission, and permission models.
  2. The emission model suggests that consciousness is generated by the brain, while the transmission model proposes that the brain receives consciousness like an antenna.
  3. The permission model views the brain as a filter for consciousness, shaping and restricting it, and highlighting the importance of constraints in the shaping of conscious experience.

The Battlefield and the Bazaar

1526 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
  1. Virtue is often overlooked in favor of values, but it plays a crucial role.
  2. Virtue is intrinsic and requires action, while values can be superficial and easily claimed.
  3. Developing virtue is hard work and signifies a hierarchy of character, not wealth or status.

Useless Eaters

2419 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
  1. Some view humans as "useless eaters" in a future dominated by machine intelligence.
  2. Prioritizing the economy over human well-being can lead to societal decay.
  3. The decisions of elites to serve themselves over society may render them useless and lead to potential consequences.

The Write Wing This Week - 27 May 2023

1150 implied HN points • 27 May 23
  1. Marx misunderstood the value of relative scarcity, undermining his economics foundation.
  2. Attention spans are short, so storytelling must hook readers immediately.
  3. Pop culture poisoning every soul; apathy, not revulsion, will end it.

Safety Last

2894 implied HN points • 01 Jun 22
  1. The emphasis on 'Safety First' can stifle freedom and hinder personal growth.
  2. Prioritizing safety above all else can lead to a society controlled by fear and complacency.
  3. Putting safety last may bring risks and challenges, but it also allows for a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Just Look Up

2319 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
  1. You don't need to fix everything on Earth before exploring space.
  2. Historically, great advancements were made by exploring beyond current problems.
  3. Investing in space exploration can lead to immense profits and abundant resources.

Weekend Neo-Reactions – 13 May 2023

1150 implied HN points • 13 May 23
  1. A varied collection of writings from different authors on Substack, covering a wide range of topics and perspectives.
  2. The importance of sharing and subscribing to support writers on Substack and help them reach more people.
  3. Insightful discussions on politics, culture, history, and current events, along with critiques of mainstream narratives.

Granny State

2081 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
  1. Cultural stagnation is observed in various aspects of society, including movies, music, and fashion, with a lack of originality and creativity.
  2. The dominance of the older generation, particularly boomers, is contributing to a sense of being stuck in the past, impacting cultural evolution and societal growth.
  3. The demographic imbalance and influence of the elder population suggest a continued period of cultural and societal inertia, with potential long-term implications.

Truth Hurts

2835 implied HN points • 09 May 22
  1. Smart people can still fall for obvious lies.
  2. Accepting truth that contradicts beliefs is painful for the brain.
  3. Physical and intellectual pain tolerance are connected, impacting the pursuit of truth.

Tonic Discussions - Ep001 - Climate Change

1130 implied HN points • 01 May 23
  1. The discussion focused on the reasons behind the popularity of climate change beliefs.
  2. They chose to delve into the philosophical, spiritual, cultural, economic, and political drivers shaping the carbon cult narrative.
  3. The group discussed moving beyond refuting claims to understanding why people believe in these 'fairy tales.'

How to Kill the Incompetocracy

2518 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
  1. The ruling class legitimacy is based on academic prestige, not money or votes.
  2. Universities focus more on ideological loyalty than competence, leading to a decline in overall competence.
  3. A new system of credentialing through granular, standardized testing could challenge the current ruling class and improve merit-based recognition.

Saturday Substack Digest - 22 April 2023

1150 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
  1. The writer enjoys spending a lot of time reading Substack essays and curating a regular digest.
  2. Authentic Intelligence focuses on AI enhancing human freedom and intensifying humanity.
  3. Tonic Femininity explores alternative competition styles and toxic femininity in a blog.

The Blade, the Flame, and the Word

1566 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
  1. Humans have a long history of using body modification for adornment and technological alteration.
  2. Cyborgization involves adding technology to enhance human capabilities, which could lead to a dramatic transformation of the species.
  3. The development and adoption of technology may eventually lead to widespread cyborgization, impacting the essence of what it means to be human.

Saturday Substack Digest - 29 Apr 2023

991 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
  1. Thinking like a predator means balancing action and contemplation.
  2. Tradition can be seen as a stabilizing low-energy state.
  3. The concept of 'indigenous' can be a tool of power dynamics and suppression.