The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture Substack explores the intersections of popular culture, philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and psychedelics to offer insights on personal and societal transformation. It addresses themes such as the impact of technology on society, cultural shifts, and the role of individual agency in navigating complex global challenges.

Popular Culture Philosophy Psychology Spirituality Psychedelics Technology and Society Cultural Shifts Personal Transformation Societal Transformation Global Challenges

The hottest Substack posts of The Bigger Picture

And their main takeaways

The Novelty Famine

2995 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society Creativity Spirituality Technology Tradition
  1. Novelty is a transformative force that can counter endless repetition in culture. We are living through a novelty famine where everything feels tired and commoditized.
  2. Traditionalism and spirituality are making a comeback as people seek freshness in a world saturated with repetitive content.
  3. Creating the conditions for revelation to transform culture involves aligning with the sacred, listening for its song, and fostering moments of awe that render our existing categories obsolete.

The Bright Forest: Social Media, Trans Activism, and a No-Truth World

1437 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Gender identity Online behavior
  1. Recognize the impact of social media on mental health, especially among young people, and the rising trend of seeking authenticity online.
  2. Understand the need to balance our online and offline lives, and the importance of reconnecting with reality and the present moment.
  3. Highlight the significance of gender dynamics online, including the influence of social media on cultural norms and the importance of embracing a balance of masculine and feminine qualities for emotional well-being.

The New Oracles: QAnon, AI and Divination

718 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Spirituality Technology Psychology
  1. The QAnon movement, despite failed predictions, remains a significant force with millions believing in its prophecies.
  2. Movements like Reichsbürger share an interest in divination, with some using occult practices like astrology and fortune-telling.
  3. Artificial intelligence, through generative AI models, is becoming a modern oracle on the internet, mediating between us and the virtual world.

The Ego Doesn't Die: Why Western spirituality is so confused, and what to do about it

3175 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Transformation
  1. Reality is relational, and mystical experiences are about changing how we relate to the world.
  2. Spiritual transformation is not about the ego dying, but about widening our perspective and how we relate to everything around us.
  3. Framing inner transformation as relational rather than focused on the ego object can lead to richer and more complex spiritual experiences.

Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelic Conflict Resolution and The Origins of Life

599 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Conflict resolution Healing Indigenous
  1. Psychedelics have the potential to transform how we think by changing our underlying processes of perception and enhancing cognitive flexibility and creativity.
  2. Perspectivism, embraced by many indigenous cultures using psychedelics, emphasizes becoming the subject to truly understand the object, highlighting the importance of multiple ways of knowing.
  3. Psychedelics can impact conflict resolution by amplifying existing politics and emotions, offering unique perspectives and experiences that can bring about unity and change, even across political divides.
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Choose Your Own Apocalypse: Leave the World Behind, Foundation and The Last of Us

1597 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Dystopian Technology Humanity Social Commentary Regeneration
  1. Cataclysmic destruction in stories signifies regeneration and renewal after devastation.
  2. The mainstream cultural conversation around 'metacrisis' is influencing our behaviors and responses.
  3. Post-apocalyptic tales reflect a growing awareness of the consequences of projecting our energy into technology, emphasizing the importance of returning to our humanity and deepening human connections.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers by Josh Schrei

858 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science AI Mythology Ethics Mystery Society
  1. AI's powers are seen as mythic and magical in scope, with abilities akin to those discussed in ancient stories and magical grimoires.
  2. The discussion around AI goes beyond rationality and delves into religious and spiritual questions, questioning concepts like sentience and consciousness.
  3. AI poses risks not just on a global and societal scale, but also on individual bodies, with potential impacts on embodiment, agency, and mental health.

Myth and Metrics: How social media robs us of ritual, and how to revive it

1777 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Myth Attention Connection Ritual
  1. Social media captures and monetizes attention through stoking outrage and shallow engagement, impacting social cohesion and politics.
  2. Digital communication lacks the depth and relatedness of traditional rituals, focusing on extensive content rather than meaningful connections.
  3. Repetitive practices and storytelling in rituals, like traditional music sessions, offer deep attention and a sense of belonging that can counter the shallow experiences of social media.

Castrated Utopias: What Barbie and Oppenheimer reveal about our sexual politics

1577 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Politics Film analysis Feminism Masculinity Social Commentary
  1. Memes reflect our collective desires and reveal social realities, creating powerful cultural moments through stories and rituals.
  2. Barbie's portrayal of feminism touches on complexities of social construction and biological differences, navigating between metamodern feminism and simplistic depictions of masculinity.
  3. Exploring gender politics through films like Barbie and Oppenheimer highlights the absence of mature, responsible masculine figures and the ongoing importance of fatherhood in society.

True Detective and the Challenge of Nihilism

679 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Philosophy Religion Psychology History
  1. True Detective's first season remains relevant today, exploring the exhaustion of history and society's cyclical nature.
  2. The show delves into the themes of suicide and nihilism, reflecting on the prevalence of such ideas in contemporary culture.
  3. Christianity, nihilism, and the notion of a 'flat circle' universe are intertwined in the philosophical discourse of the series, challenging viewers to ponder human nature and spiritual ambiguity.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers (Part II) by Josh Schrei

519 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Embodiment Knowledge Responsibility
  1. The process of initiation and ritual is vital for humans to understand their role in the world and to prevent misuse of power.
  2. Embarking on an initiatory journey involves patience, learning, and sacrifice to gain true wisdom.
  3. Ethics and responsibility must be deeply felt and embodied, not just imposed externally, especially in the fast-paced world of technology and AI development.

The Revolution will not be Personalised: OpenAI's Sora, Apple Vision Pro and The End of Democracy

619 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Augmented reality Politics Psychology Personalization
  1. AI and augmented reality technologies like OpenAI's Sora and Apple Vision Pro are shaping a future of highly personalized experiences tailored to individual desires.
  2. The rise of personalization in society, from technology to politics, reflects a deep-rooted belief in tailoring the world to meet one's own preferences for happiness and fulfillment.
  3. As we navigate a landscape of increasing personalization, it's crucial to question the impact on subjectivity, societal norms, and our relationship with the world around us.

Why We Pray: Israel, Gaza and Complexity Tolerance

1238 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Psychology Sociology Emotions Complexity
  1. Prayer can help us navigate complex and uncertain times, offering a blend of personal and social connection, and providing a unique space for agency and emotional processing.
  2. Expanding our 'complexity tolerance' is essential in a world filled with overwhelming information; by building emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, we can better handle and make sense of complexity.
  3. Prayer is not about escape, but a way to engage truth and beauty even in the face of horror, providing a connection to deeper truths and a return to inner sanctuaries of tranquility and vulnerability.

Protopia and The Future of Heterodoxy

1997 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
📖 Philosophy Truth Conflict Religion Transcendence
  1. Difficult conversations are necessary and can lead to new ways of thinking and understanding.
  2. The concept of Protopia suggests gradual improvement rather than aiming for perfection or utopia.
  3. Acknowledging and working with polarisation rather than trying to overcome it can lead to meaningful growth and understanding.

New Ways of Knowing: Nora Bateson, John Vervaeke, Sophie Strand, Jim Rutt, Trish Blain, Jonathan Rowson and Minna Salami

778 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🚌 Education Cognitive Science Complexity Theory
  1. We are currently facing a 'meta-crisis' with multiple interconnected challenges, presenting both overwhelming circumstances and opportunities for transformation.
  2. To thrive in today's world, we need to develop a new relationship with complexity, encompassing not just external systems but also our inner worlds.
  3. The online course 'New Ways of Knowing' offers live tuition, small group interactions, and personal growth practices to help navigate complexity, gain new perspectives, and respond to the meta-crisis.

Nazi Elves and Cockney Orcs: The Rings of Power, Class and Royalty

1817 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Class Identity politics Economic Inequality Power Dynamics
  1. We're continuously wrestling with growing wealth inequality in the current era, visible through discussions around society's power dynamics.
  2. Class plays a fundamental role in the cultural polarization, often overshadowed by conversations on identity politics.
  3. Our societal unrest stems from economic realities influencing power dynamics, creating a divide between different classes and leading to cultural tensions.

Where We Meet the World: Reflections, News and Updates

639 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Individual transformation's link to societal change is complex and not linear. We must understand the intricate dance of inner worlds and external systems.
  2. Personal growth often involves unexpected transformations that require stepping outside comfort zones.
  3. Balancing practices like meditation with relational work is crucial for holistic development and avoiding extremes.

The End of Rebel Wisdom and What's Next

1178 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Media Society Philosophy Community Creativity
  1. Rebel Wisdom is coming to an end, but new initiatives are on the horizon with a focus on sensemaking, philosophy, and cultural context.
  2. David will collaborate with Perspectiva on a new project in 2023, recasting Rebel Wisdom's YouTube channel and courses.
  3. Alexander will continue with a new Substack called 'The Bigger Picture' starting from tomorrow, featuring exclusive content on trauma, heterodoxy, and pop culture.

China, Ukraine & The Western Soul with N.S. Lyons

1298 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics National Identity Military Strategy
  1. Tragedy in Ukraine is causing a clash of cultural psychologies and shifting the world order.
  2. The concept of 'Breach events' occurs when online narratives impact the physical world and lead to unintended consequences.
  3. The invasion of Ukraine prompts a reawakening to the realities of geopolitics and a confrontation between virtual world narratives and physical reality.

Community Sensemaking Session

79 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Community Sensemaking Event
  1. The community sensemaking session will take place on April 24th, providing an opportunity to explore live cultural or political topics.
  2. Techniques on Embodied Sensemaking will be shared during the session.
  3. Attendees can connect with like-minded people and deepen their understanding through the session.

The Sensemaking Companion - Section I

1238 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Sensemaking Ideas Practices Frameworks
  1. The Sensemaking Companion is a resource that gathers useful ideas, practices, and frameworks to enhance the ability to understand complex situations.
  2. There are three sections of The Sensemaking Companion, with Section I being the starting point.
  3. Readers can access the full content and archives of The Sensemaking Companion with a 7-day free trial subscription to The Bigger Picture.

Artist as Cultural Shaman, Kendrick Lamar

738 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Masculinity Responsibility
  1. Kendrick Lamar's latest album delves deep into personal demons, triggering a collective process of healing for fans.
  2. Lamar's introspective work challenges societal norms by addressing masculinity, vulnerability, and responsibility in a raw and honest way.
  3. The album emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, highlighting the clash between personal growth and societal expectations.

The Story Behind My New Book: Desire, Failure and DMT

898 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Wellness Personal Development Therapy
  1. Participating in a study on psychedelics like DMT led to a transformative experience and a book deal.
  2. The book 'The Bigger Picture' explores how psychedelics can help us navigate current societal challenges.
  3. The journey of pursuing writing, facing failures, and eventually landing a book deal showcases the importance of persistence and adapting to change.

The Intimacy Crisis: Sex and Social Media with Katherine Dee

818 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Social media Identity Intimacy Communication Technology
  1. The internet is a carnival that can disconnect us from real intimacy, eroding our ability to make sense and find truth.
  2. Online identity is becoming more fluid, causing a clash between affinity-based and experience-based identities.
  3. Social media gamifies communication, impacting our ability to have authentic conversations and eroding relational skills needed for true intimacy.

Three Sensemaking Secrets: Subscriber Special

419 implied HN points • 14 Sep 22
📖 Philosophy Sensemaking
  1. The post discusses three new principles related to sensemaking that are being considered behind the scenes.
  2. The importance of Eastern practices like mindfulness in understanding situations is highlighted.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial by subscribing to The Bigger Picture.

The Psychedelic Trojan Horse

679 implied HN points • 19 Dec 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychiatry Therapy
  1. Psychedelics are emerging as a beacon of hope in addressing global mental health crises, showing promising results in therapy and treatment.
  2. The sacred encounter through psychedelics can lead to deep personal and cultural transformations, expanding perspectives and connections to reality.
  3. It's crucial to maintain a balance between mainstreaming psychedelics and preserving their sacred origins, ensuring ethical practices and honoring indigenous knowledge.

The Sensemaking Companion: Section III

359 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
📖 Philosophy Sensemaking
  1. The Sensemaking Companion offers insights on the Third-Person Perspective, which is discussed in Section III of the resource.
  2. Readers are invited to join Sensemaking 101, starting on February 10, for a collaborative process to enhance their sensemaking abilities with global participants.
  3. To access the full content of The Sensemaking Companion and other posts, readers can subscribe to The Bigger Picture with a 7-day free trial.

Announcing 'Embodiment and Flow'

219 implied HN points • 17 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mindfulness Breathwork Movement Embodiment
  1. The course 'Embodiment & Flow' focuses on practices like breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and rhythm to deepen our perception and meaning-making abilities.
  2. Embodiment is about connecting deeply with the world around us, shifting our psyche from the virtual to the physical, and helping us find flow states for enhanced performance and clarity.
  3. The course offers an experiential journey with expert teachers in various fields, providing tools for personal embodiment practices and linking them to cognitive science and ancient philosophies.

A Taste of Difficult Conversations

239 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Workshop Course Scholarship
  1. Difficult conversations are like sex - reading about them isn't as effective as actually doing them. Practice and experimentation are key to improving communication.
  2. In a world of political polarization and cultural divides, many struggle with navigating tough conversations due to lack of training. Learning to communicate effectively is crucial.
  3. Engaging in experiential sessions, playing games, and learning techniques can help improve creativity, flexibility, and openness in communication.

Sara Ness Live in London: The Art of Authentic Conversations

159 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🎭️ Culture Events Communication Connection Community Building Authenticity
  1. Joining events like Sara Ness Live in London can help improve conversational skills and create authentic connections.
  2. Overcoming cultural polarization requires authentic communication and curiosity instead of arguing or scheming.
  3. Learning to express oneself authentically, listen actively, and consider different perspectives is crucial for thriving in today's environment.

Making Sense Together One Last Time

119 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Sensemaking Online course Human connection Teaching Community
  1. The connections we build with others are more important than understanding how things connect. Deepening these connections leads to collective insight and understanding.
  2. Improving sensemaking involves inquiry together, bringing our whole selves to conversations, and drawing on collective intelligence. It's about listening deeply and collaborating for new ideas and solutions.
  3. Sensemaking 101 offers a transformative process with world-class teachers, group interactions, and practical exercises. It aims to empower individuals to navigate a complex world collectively.

The Art of Difficult Conversations with Sara Ness

159 implied HN points • 05 Mar 22
🚌 Education Communication Conflict resolution Psychology Relationships Ideology
  1. Learn techniques from mediation, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Nonviolent Communication, and more to enhance communication skills
  2. Understand conflict from internal, relational, and philosophical levels to bridge divides and improve connections
  3. Develop skills to engage in difficult conversations effectively and navigate polarized issues with more empathy and understanding

Can Science Fiction Fill the Religious Void?

159 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Traditions Symbolism
  1. Science fiction is a way for science to create its own mythos, filling the void left by religious narratives.
  2. Sci-fi concepts like metaverses and transhumanism relate back to ancient stories and traditions, offering a modern take on age-old themes.
  3. While sci-fi can provide imaginative and dreamlike spaces, it may not fully address the deeper sources of meaning that are essential for society.