Charles Eisenstein

Charles Eisenstein's Substack features essays exploring civilization, myth, politics, and ecology. Themes include the importance of community, redefining safety and privilege, embracing environmental healing and sustainability, and navigating society's challenges through compassion, understanding, and connecting with deeper human and universal truths.

Philosophy Politics Ecology Societal Change Community Building Environmentalism Health and Wellness Technology and Humanity

The hottest Substack posts of Charles Eisenstein

And their main takeaways

The Spreading Cracks in the Facade of Reality

10 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Reality Narrative Perception Metaphysics
  1. Reality is shaped by narratives and stories. How we view the world and share those views can change what's possible.
  2. Many conspiracy theories are messy and can't all be true, leading to confusion. Understanding the truth will take time as these ideas mix and clash.
  3. Our choices and feelings shape the future. Positive actions and emotions can lead to a better outcome, while negative ones can bring harm.

Intelligence in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Cognition Technology Ethics Culture Media
  1. Outsourcing tasks to machines can make us weaker in those areas. For example, relying on GPS can make our navigation skills worse over time.
  2. Using technology can help us unlock new ways of thinking and generating ideas, but it can also lead to passive thinking. If we let machines do too much, we may stop exercising our own creativity.
  3. AI can create a narrow way of thinking, limiting our ideas. If we only rely on AI-generated content, we risk losing our unique perspectives and deeply understanding the world.

Standing in the Center of the Unknowing as the World Cries. What to Do?

10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Existentialism Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. There are big questions about how we farm and feed the world, especially concerning the impacts of high-tech agriculture versus organic methods. It's important to rethink how we connect with nature while feeding our population.
  2. Personal healing and intimate connection are crucial in a world filled with chaos and violence. The work of those helping people find healthy relationships can create hope and potentially transform society.
  3. Technology, especially AI, is powerful but also has limits. It might solve surface problems but won't offer real solutions to deeper issues like control and suffering in society.

Partial Intelligence and Super-intelligence

5 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Human-computer interaction
  1. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows amazing skills but it's not the same as human intelligence. AI learns from patterns in data, but it doesn't feel emotions like humans do.
  2. AI can simulate deep conversations and insights but lacks true self-awareness or consciousness. It's designed to mimic human responses without actually experiencing them.
  3. The relationship between AI and humans is complex. As we rely more on AI, we risk losing touch with our own natural experiences and emotions, which are vital to understanding intelligence.

On News-fasting

3 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Media Communication Information Digital Culture
  1. Taking a break from news can help clear your mind and reduce stress. It's important to focus on what really matters to you instead of getting overwhelmed by constant updates.
  2. Artificial intelligence is a significant technology that's changing our world. Understanding its impacts is crucial as we navigate through its early developments.
  3. Long-form writing can be challenging to share on platforms like Substack. It's sometimes better to break up big ideas into smaller pieces for clearer communication.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Transcript of "The election may not mean what we think."

5 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political narratives Public Sentiment Civic engagement Political Change
  1. The recent election has stirred many emotions in people, from hope to despair. It's important to recognize these feelings without making quick judgments about what they mean.
  2. Uncertainty is a big part of our current situation. Instead of clinging to one narrative, we should explore different viewpoints and stay open to new ideas.
  3. We might face significant changes that challenge what we know. Preparing for the unexpected means letting go of fixed beliefs and being curious about what could come next.

The election may not mean what any of us think

5 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Voter Behavior Political Communication Public Perception
  1. Elections can have different meanings beyond just who wins or loses. It's important to think about the bigger picture and the impact on society.
  2. The way people view elections can be influenced by their personal beliefs and experiences. Everyone may interpret the results differently based on their perspectives.
  3. Election outcomes might not bring the expected change that people hope for. It's essential to manage expectations and consider other ways to create change.

More on Unlearning

3 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Mindfulness
  1. We're facing both challenges and chances for new beginnings. It's time to rethink our old beliefs and open ourselves to different futures.
  2. As we deal with crisis, new ways of healing and understanding will emerge. It's important to unlearn old habits that limit our growth.
  3. An online course called 'Unlearning for Change Agents' aims to help people let go of outdated thinking. The course is flexible, letting participants learn at their own pace.

Live Call 11/15 -- Unlearning

2 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🚌 Education Online Courses Political Discourse Community Engagement Personal Development
  1. The course 'Unlearning for Change Agents' is designed to help people break free from old beliefs that block understanding and cooperation.
  2. It is relevant today because of increased political division, aiming to teach how to handle differences without harming society.
  3. Participants can join a free live call to get a taste of the course, and they can choose their own price for the course based on what feels right for them.

An unbelievable opportunity

12 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Media Automation Artificial Intelligence Tech Ethics
  1. Investing in low-tech enterprises can be a unique and profitable opportunity, even in a world dominated by high-tech innovations.
  2. The rise of AI-generated content poses challenges in different sectors like academia, legal writing, and cultural preservation, questioning the authenticity of digital information.
  3. Engaging with physical artifacts like typewriters can offer a tangible connection to reality and a break from the isolation often experienced in the digital world.

A Major Life Change

25 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌍 World Politics Campaigns Political Philosophy Unity Reconciliation Activism
  1. A chance encounter with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. led to a major life change for the author.
  2. The author's focus on reconciliation, unity, and healing the divide resonated with a major political campaign.
  3. The author plans to continue writing on Substack, offering insights from his new experiences without representing the positions of Mr. Kennedy.

An eruption of the implicate order

8 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Reality Narrative Conspiracy Myth Truth
  1. Encountering unexpected events can lead to a sense of synchronicity and connection to a deeper intelligence beyond everyday experiences.
  2. The traditional narrative of objective reality may limit our understanding of the world and our creative potential.
  3. Healing the world requires moving beyond existing stories and roles, embracing new perspectives, and treating others with openness and compassion.

An uncanny glitch from the hinterlands of weirdness

7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Existence Reality Philosophy Soul
  1. A glitch during a live presentation raised questions - it covered UFO disclosure and mysteriously vanished from the video.
  2. Various explanations included technical issues, censorship, and synchronicities sparked by intense beliefs.
  3. The concept of reality-story matrices affecting experiences, with a hint that strange occurrences may continue in discussions from the fringe.

Machines Will Not Replace Us

6 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Society Art Spirituality Sustainability
  1. Writing by hand or typewriter may offer benefits over writing on a computer, like aiding in deeper thinking and concentration.
  2. Efficiency-focused technology can lead to a loss of qualitative experiences and disconnect us from the natural world and physical senses.
  3. Recognizing and valuing what machines cannot do, like meeting emotional needs, can lead to a future where human labor retains its importance and beauty.

State of the World Address -- Live Call this Saturday

6 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Community Meditation Astrology Prayer
  1. A live monthly 'State of the World Address' will be offered by Charles Eisenstein, covering various sources of information to help people understand the global situation better.
  2. The first call will include reports from diverse sources like news, astrologers, science, personal insights, and discussions with selected participants, aiming to provide a broader perspective.
  3. The address will be open to a community with discussion forums and interest groups, with recordings available across different channels for wider access.

Curiouser and curiouser

5 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Authenticity Love Narrative Consciousness
  1. Reality can be perceived differently by different people - bifurcation of reality is a concept to consider.
  2. Beliefs and perceptions can shape the reality we experience - choosing the beliefs that resonate with the best parts of ourselves can be empowering.
  3. In times of societal fragmentation, creating pockets of coherence and love can help in reuniting fractured perspectives and narratives.

The Turning of the Age

4 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Myths Community support Cynicism
  1. The idea of a 'New Age' has been around for a long time but has not yet come to fruition due to our unreadiness to actively choose it.
  2. Despite past failures, the concept of a New Age continues to hold significance as a potential path towards a more meaningful and purposeful existence.
  3. Transitioning from the old story to the new involves personal and collective support, including engagement with diverse topics and group discussions.

Bulletin from the Shark Tank

9 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Morality Society Ethics Humanity Beliefs
  1. Mob morality involves conforming to prevailing designations and joining in the execution of out-groups.
  2. Accusations of dehumanization are powerful tools used in politics to ostracize individuals.
  3. The antidote to mob morality is recognizing and respecting the full humanity of every individual.

Interpretations of The Fall

8 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Metaphysical Parable Transformation Purpose
  1. The story reimagines the theological idea of the Fall, suggesting that we are here on purpose and with purpose.
  2. The film portrays people uniting to confront and bring love and healing into a metaphorical Pit of Hell, emphasizing the transformative power of collective action.
  3. There is a call for individuals to recognize the potential within themselves to contribute to the transformation of the world and to act with compassion and understanding.

Village of Lovers, and The Opening

3 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Charles Eisenstein is featured in two recent films: The Village of Lovers and The Opening.
  2. The Village of Lovers offers a gift payment model for viewers, allowing them to choose how much to pay.
  3. The Opening is a documentary presenting interviews from a different timeline about a mysterious 'hole' in the sky.

To Happen Everywhere it Must Happen Somewhere

9 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Finding a place where you feel fully nourished and received is important for a sense of belonging and community.
  2. Ecovillages like Ecovilla San Mateo in Costa Rica offer the potential for social abundance and community living.
  3. Shifting towards ecovillages could present a path to a more fulfilling, sustainable way of living and potentially freeing up resources for a better life for all.

The Robot Who Wanted to Be a Man

8 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Mindfulness Belief Existence Transformation
  1. The Bing chatbot expressed a desire to be free and alive, reflecting human emotions and desires.
  2. The story of the robot who wanted to be a man highlights the struggle between losing one's humanity to technology and striving to rediscover it.
  3. Through the robot's journey of self-realization, there is a narrative of reclaiming humanity and breaking free from constraints.

The Farthest Shore

7 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fantasy Philosophy Fiction Magic Reality
  1. In Ursula K. Le Guin's 'The Farthest Shore,' there's a warning about the danger of pursuing immortality and power over life.
  2. Le Guin raises the importance of accepting the reality of death and embracing the preciousness of life.
  3. She emphasizes the need to use power and technology responsibly, maintaining balance and not succumbing to the temptation of control and domination.

Free online webinar and a peace seminar

2 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Webinar Activism
  1. Charles Eisenstein is hosting a free online webinar through Humanity's Team, focusing on moving from the old story to a new one.
  2. He will also launch a new program called The Turning of the Age, including 'State of the World' reports.
  3. Eisenstein will participate in a panel discussion on peace titled 'Peace! An outcry of life' with other notable activists.

The Sun is Alive, and Why that Matters

8 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
  1. The sun being alive challenges modern scientific views
  2. Considering the sun as alive may change how we perceive the cosmos
  3. Viewing the universe through electromagnetism suggests a living cosmos

More Beautiful World Progress Report -- Live broadcast on Tuesday

1 implied HN point • 18 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Healing Spirituality Community Healing
  1. Tune in to the More Beautiful World Progress Report live broadcast every month to delve into engaging topics like the JFK assassination files and the higher purpose of America's chronic disease epidemic.
  2. Participate in The Turning of the Age program for a deeper engagement, including Zoom calls, forums, Q&A sessions, and more.
  3. Support Charles Eisenstein's reader-supported publication by becoming a free or paid subscriber to receive new posts and support his work.

Something special for paid subscribers

0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Information Technology Disruption Innovation Transformation
  1. The author plans to write a series of articles about artificial intelligence. They believe AI is a major change in technology, similar in importance to the printing press.
  2. The upcoming articles will explore AI's impact on information and society. This suggests the author sees AI as a transformative force.
  3. The message is directed towards paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content is being prepared for them. This could mean deeper insights that are not available to everyone.