The Novelleist

The Novelleist is a Substack dedicated to exploring ideas related to philosophical utopias, societal change, and the future of work and economics through the lens of literature and personal essays. It covers a range of topics from the potential of internet friendships to envisioning utopian societies, and reflects on both historical and futuristic perspectives on capitalism, socialism, craftwork, and the impact of technology and political ideologies on societal structures.

Utopian Societies Internet and Real-life Friendships Future of Work Political Ideologies Literature and Essay Writing Economic Systems Social Movements Environmental Sustainability Gender and Society Capitalism and Income Equality Cultural Imaginings

The hottest Substack posts of The Novelleist

And their main takeaways

We can terraform the Earthβ€”not just Mars

380 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Geoengineering Climate change Ecosystems
  1. We have the technology and creativity to improve our planet, not just Mars. Projects like reforesting deserts are proof that we can restore ecosystems and make uninhabitable areas livable.
  2. Innovations in geoengineering allow us to control weather and climate. This means we can potentially cool down our planet, make it rain where needed, and reduce the effects of climate change.
  3. By shifting away from livestock farming and using plant-based alternatives, we can free up land for other uses. This could allow us to create new forests, cities, and renewable energy sources.

TERRAFORM: An essay collection about the future of our planet

195 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Essays Writing Publishing Discussions
  1. TERRAFORM is an essay collection where six writers discuss how we can shape the future of our planet. It'll be published online and also in a print pamphlet.
  2. You can support this project by buying a digital or print version for $5, which helps pay the writers and fund future projects.
  3. There will be a discussion event about the essays on July 23rd, and anyone can join for $10, while paid subscribers can participate for free.

How Silicon Valley got rich

521 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 25
πŸ’Ό Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investing Corporate Governance Wealth Inequality
  1. The rise of Silicon Valley demonstrated how entrepreneurship and venture capital can change the economy. A group of engineers creating a new tech company set the stage for tech innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
  2. Employee equity programs allowed many workers to gain a stake in the companies they helped build, leading to wealth creation among employees. However, there is a growing inequality, where top executives earn much more than regular workers.
  3. For a fairer economy, we need to increase employee ownership in companies. This could help reduce wealth inequality and provide more opportunities for workers to benefit from their contributions.

Our community round has openedβ€”let's fund this book!

282 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 25
πŸ’Ό Business Investment Crowdfunding Publishing Economics Capitalism
  1. The community funding round for the book 'We Should Own The Economy' has opened, allowing readers to invest and share in potential profits.
  2. They have already raised almost $60,000 and invite everyone to confirm their investments through a provided link.
  3. There's an open call tonight where participants can ask questions about the book and contribute ideas on how to shape the future of capitalism.

Who should control AI?

336 implied HN points β€’ 20 May 25
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Ethics Corporate Governance Tech regulation Employee Rights
  1. Who controls AI is a big question. It matters because the interests of investors and the mission of nonprofits can clash, affecting how AI is developed.
  2. Some suggest that employees should have more control over companies, especially in tech. They understand how to make sure technology is used safely and ethically.
  3. Having a board made up of employees could help hold CEOs accountable. If a CEO acts unethically, employees could step in and make changes to protect the company's values.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

I’m building a cooperative media ecosystem

2736 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Writing Collaboration Creativity Community
  1. The goal is to create a media platform owned by the writers, not big media companies. This helps ensure that stories and ideas come from creative individuals, fostering a better media environment.
  2. Instead of focusing on problems, the aim is to spark ideas and solutions for a better future together. This will include publishing various themes in print magazines and books, sharing profits fairly.
  3. The plan involves inviting other writers to collaborate on projects, learning from the process, and slowly building a community. It's about teamwork to make meaningful content and potentially inspire change.

Social Development > Self-Development

1846 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Self-development Social Responsibility Humanitarianism
  1. Helping others is more important than just focusing on ourselves. When we pay more attention to our communities, we find more happiness and purpose in our lives.
  2. A balance is needed between caring for our loved ones and thinking about the broader world. We should take care of our families, but also show concern for others beyond our immediate circle.
  3. Self-development is good, but too much can lead to selfishness. It's better to use our skills and time to help those around us instead of just working on improving ourselves.

Companies are the new City-States

619 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 25
πŸ’Ό Business Corporate culture Economics Globalization Innovation
  1. Companies are becoming wealthier and more influential than many countries. For example, Apple has a market value that's larger than the GDP of most nations.
  2. Businesses are more flexible and can adapt quickly to changes. They often provide better working conditions and rights, such as parental leave and healthcare, ahead of government regulations.
  3. Companies can address social issues like education and housing, stepping in where government services may fall short. This makes them more effective at creating positive change in society.

What my cooperative media ecosystem could look like

912 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Collaboration Creativity Ecosystem
  1. The idea is to create a network of independent writers who can work together while still keeping their own unique styles and incomes. This allows for more creativity and collaboration.
  2. By teaming up on projects like podcasts, films, or books, writers can reach a larger audience and make more money together than they could alone.
  3. There's a new platform called Metalabel that helps artists collaborate easily and split their earnings, making it possible for them to launch exciting media projects together.

This Chinese philosopher reformed politics in one generation

923 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social reform Humanism
  1. Mòzǐ believed that political corruption in ancient China came from leaders acting in their own self-interest. He thought that if everyone cared about the community instead of just themselves, society would improve.
  2. He started a movement called 'inclusive care' that focused on helping others and making decisions for the benefit of all. This idea gained support among the middle class, leading to initiatives that helped the poor and promoted social welfare.
  3. Mòzǐ's efforts led to changes in government where more community-minded leaders emerged. His teachings inspired reforms that improved society, but ultimately Confucianism became the dominant philosophy in China.

Am I a Democrat or a Republican?

836 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Political Ideology Bipartisanship Public Policy Federalism Economic Policy
  1. It's okay to mix ideas from both Democrats and Republicans. You can believe in a strong economy while also caring about worker rights and environmental issues.
  2. Labels like 'Democrat' or 'Republican' can limit how we think about solutions to problems. Focusing on what we want to achieve together can help us find common ground.
  3. Instead of being stuck in party lines, we should talk about real solutions that improve people's lives. Working together is better than arguing over which side is right.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

1303 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Cultural Studies Writing
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

Are Democrats too liberal? Or too conservative?

879 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social Welfare Immigration Policy
  1. The Democratic Party needs to focus on social welfare and helping all citizens, instead of worrying about being seen as too left or right.
  2. The party should consider practical solutions like building more affordable housing units to reduce homelessness, rather than letting politics dictate inaction.
  3. Democrats can gain more support by boldly addressing real issues without fear of public opinion, similar to how some politicians have succeeded by being open and authentic.

Deep-research an article with me

445 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 25
🚌 Education Workshops Research Writing Learning Collaboration
  1. There is a six-week workshop for writers where they can learn about researching articles in real time. It will involve weekly calls to discuss research processes.
  2. Participants can bring their own story ideas or topics to explore alongside the main research topic. This helps everyone stay engaged and learn together.
  3. The workshop is open to paid subscribers who want a more intimate learning experience and will have access to recordings if they miss a session.

One essay could change the future

1118 implied HN points β€’ 21 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. Writers have the power to inspire new ideas and change the future. Their words can make us think differently and encourage action.
  2. There is a need for more positive and solution-focused writing. Many writers currently focus on problems, but ideas that show what's working can help us imagine better futures.
  3. Supporting independent writers is important for a healthier media landscape. By funding those who create constructive content, we can promote better discussions and potentially create a brighter future.

A grassroots political party for the middle

586 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Political parties Civic engagement
  1. A new independent political party could better represent the average American, focusing on their needs instead of wealthy donors. This party would be supported by citizens, not just by rich individuals.
  2. Citizen's assemblies could play a key role in deciding which candidates and policies to support. These assemblies would include random citizens, making sure choices reflect what most people want.
  3. Focusing on local and state governance is crucial. By strengthening local governments, we might eventually have federal representatives that truly reflect the interests of their communities instead of just party agendas.

The rich are controlling our government

608 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Campaign Finance Political Influence Wealth Inequality
  1. Wealthy individuals and organizations have a lot of control over politicians through campaign donations. This creates a system where elected officials might favor the interests of their donors over the general public.
  2. Dark money in politics makes it hard to track where campaign funding comes from, which gives even more power to wealthy donors. This lack of transparency can lead to policies that mainly benefit the rich.
  3. To change this system, we can either amend laws to limit corporate donations or create grassroots movements to support independent candidates. Building a political party that truly represents the public, not just the wealthy, is essential for a fairer democracy.

Will you explain anarchism to me?

781 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social movements Anarchism
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.

The Cooperatist Manifesto that inspired Mondragon

879 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 24
πŸ’Ό Business Economics Labor Entrepreneurship Social justice
  1. JosΓ© MarΓ­a Arizmendiarrieta believed workers should own their companies, promoting equality and fairness in the workplace. He thought that if workers shared in profits, it would create a better community for everyone.
  2. He emphasized the importance of education, encouraging workers to become skilled and capable of managing their own businesses. This led to the creation of cooperatives where everyone could participate and benefit.
  3. Arizmendiarrieta's model showed that creating jobs and opportunities for workers was essential for a prosperous society. He taught that by working together and sharing resources, communities could thrive without relying solely on government intervention.

How would anarchist societies protect themselves?

553 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Anarchism Society Conflict Protection Governance
  1. Anarchist societies might struggle with conflict and violence without a police force or official laws, as history shows many groups resolved issues through harsh means.
  2. The idea of countries without states not going to war seems optimistic; history shows that powerful groups have often conquered more peaceful societies.
  3. It's unclear how communities could operate without structured work and schools while still getting things done, and more examples are needed to understand how this could work in practice.

Writing Prompt: What movement does the world need right now?

412 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social movements Philosophy Creative Writing Activism Community Building
  1. We are facing a time of change and uncertainty, and we have opportunities to shape the future. It's a chance to creatively think about what the world needs right now.
  2. Writing is important, but taking action is also necessary. We should focus on building movements that align with the changes we want to see.
  3. There are many areas to explore for creating change, like politics, economics, or philosophy. We should brainstorm actionable ideas to make those changes happen.

One year of my work, printed

510 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Essays Publishing Writing Books Collectibles
  1. A yearly collection of writing is printed to show the progress and creativity of the author. It's exciting to see your work in a real book format.
  2. The 2024 volume has a unique design inspired by the idea of creating connected communities. It reflects deep themes about society and its future.
  3. The author offers subscriptions for collectors to receive this printed work, along with other benefits at a lower cost this year.

Is America about to fall? Or flourish?

412 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Humanism Democracy Political History Economic issues
  1. Humanism focuses on logic and making gradual improvements for society, aiming for better jobs and life for everyone. It's about working together and using reason to solve problems when times are stable.
  2. Anti-humanism arises from feelings of personal instability and distrust in political systems. It leads people to prioritize their own needs over the community and seek radical changes when they feel ignored or threatened.
  3. Currently, society is leaning towards anti-humanism due to real grievances, and while logic has helped progress in the past, emotional responses are becoming more common as people seek immediate solutions.

Elysian gatherings around the world

271 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Events Community Literature Travel Social
  1. There will be informal gatherings called Elysian picnics in different cities like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and San Francisco. They're open to anyone who wants to join.
  2. These picnics are a chance to meet new people and talk about interesting topics, especially literature and community improvement.
  3. If many people show interest, the event will be held in a larger space; if not, it may be canceled. It's about bringing people together in fun, public spaces.

What is the goal of anarchism?

347 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Society Governance Conflict resolution
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.

Your ideas for improving capitalism

445 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 24
πŸ’Ό Business Economics Corporate Governance Innovation Sustainability Social Responsibility
  1. Employee ownership and cooperatives can help create a fairer economy. When workers own part of their companies, they may feel more invested in their success.
  2. Protecting housing as a basic need is important. Just like utilities, housing should be safe from big corporations that inflate prices and make it hard for everyday people to afford a home.
  3. Encouraging pro-social behavior, like investing in renewable energy, can help tackle climate change. Companies can be incentivized to do better for the environment and communities.

Am I an anarchist?

304 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political theory Anarchism Social theory Governance
  1. Small communities can self-govern effectively, but larger groups may need some form of governance to ensure good behavior among members. This raises questions about whether a decentralized system still counts as anarchist.
  2. People want similar goals across different ideologies, like a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The focus should be on improving our current systems rather than starting from scratch.
  3. Open borders could change the dynamics of power between countries. If people can easily leave bad governments, those governments might be less likely to wage war or act poorly to keep their citizens.

Maybe women should design our sci-fi future

1411 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Technology Future Art Literature
  1. Reimagining the design of our technological future with more feminine perspectives can lead to more visually appealing, sustainable, and community-oriented innovations.
  2. Women-led tech companies often prioritize healthcare, environmental conservation, and community well-being over traditional futuristic themes like cars and spaceships.
  3. By encouraging more women sci-fi writers to envision the future and women technologists to build it, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and beautiful vision for our technological advancements.

Humans are good (except for that one guy)

1075 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Human nature Ethics Social Structures Anarchism
  1. There are good people who do positive things, but also 'that guy' who causes harm and makes rules and regulations necessary.
  2. Bad actors may be a small percentage, but their impact can be significant, leading to the need for larger systems to handle such individuals.
  3. While rules and regulations are essential for addressing bad behavior, they can sometimes become burdensome due to the actions of a few individuals.

This could be our future

141 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Philosophy Futurism Art
  1. The Elysian is a media collective that aims to create a better future through journalism and creative projects. They focus on positive solutions and new ideas.
  2. They produce things like magazines, podcasts, and books that explore innovative concepts, such as autonomous governments and capitalism.
  3. The collective is built on collaboration, allowing creators to share profits and resources for their projects, which can lead to bigger and better outcomes.

Introducing The Elysian (and my new job)

2432 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Enlightenment Philosophy
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of having literary thinkers over journalists for societal progress.
  2. The author discusses the nostalgia for the Enlightenment period and the need to revive philosophical and utopian thinking.
  3. The author introduces The Elysian as a platform for stimulating discussions around envisioning a better future through essays, literature, and discourse.

In pursuit of a masterpiece

901 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Novels Art Creative Process Inspiration
  1. The author values creating a masterpiece in their writing, taking time to explore and research different elements.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal experiences and uniqueness into artistic work to differentiate it from others.
  3. The author recognizes the need to slow down the creative process to pursue a masterpiece, allowing for deeper exploration and refinement.

We should remove electives from higher education

912 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed
  1. Some universities are considering removing electives from bachelor degrees to reduce tuition cost and completion time.
  2. The traditional liberal arts education model is being challenged, advocating for more vocational-focused education.
  3. Online and asynchronous degree programs are making education more accessible and affordable for students worldwide.

The "letters to an anarchist" post-mortem

141 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Ethics Social Change Correspondence
  1. Peter and Elle wrote a year-long series of letters about anarchism, discussing various topics related to the philosophy. It's an effort to understand and explain anarchism more deeply.
  2. They published their correspondence in eight parts, covering ideas like the goals of anarchism and how societies can protect themselves without traditional governance.
  3. They also held an event to share their experiences and respond to readers' feedback, highlighting the importance of open dialogue in exploring complex ideas.

Will we return to craftwork?

1183 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Hobbies
  1. Hobbies can turn into full-time jobs with platforms like Etsy making it possible.
  2. The distinction between work and hobby has blurred, with many finding fulfillment in turning craftwork into a source of income.
  3. There is a growing interest in returning to craftwork, blurring the lines between work and pleasure.

Wakanda isn't an ideal utopia for Africa

575 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Natural resources Economic Development Poverty Corruption
  1. Wakanda in Black Panther is a positive portrayal of African prosperity with advanced technology, boosting pride and dignity.
  2. The economic model of Wakanda, relying on a magical substance for wealth, ignores the realities of gradual economic development involving valuable goods and services.
  3. The obsession with natural resources as a source of wealth can hinder economic growth due to corruption, lack of policy improvements, and misinformation about their true benefits.