Erik Torenberg's Thoughts

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts explores diverse themes around the intersection of technology, society, and morality. It critically examines contemporary political divides, the role of beliefs and commitments in personal life, morality's evolution, the implications of freedom, energy choices, and the complexities of group dynamics within a broader cultural and philosophical context.

Political and Social Dynamics Technology and Society Moral and Ethical Perspectives Personal Development and Decisions Energy and Climate Change Group Identity and Dynamics Philosophy and Religion

The hottest Substack posts of Erik Torenberg's Thoughts

And their main takeaways

Build Nuclear. Frak. Drill.

455 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Emissions Policy
  1. Nuclear energy is a cost-effective and clean solution for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  2. Modern nuclear energy plants are safe, produce minimal waste, and are more efficient than other renewable energy sources.
  3. Choosing nuclear energy is crucial for addressing climate change and has been successfully implemented in countries like France.
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Group Narcissism

429 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Ethnicity Religion Ethics
  1. The concept of group narcissism can explain conflicts within society where groups exaggerate their own virtues and respond disproportionately when threatened.
  2. Vicarious group narcissism occurs when a group cannot exhibit its own narcissism, so it projects this onto another group, creating additional issues.
  3. Maintaining civility in a diverse society requires allowing old ethnic and religious bonds to fade, but current conflicts globally suggest these bonds are being strengthened, leading to rising group narcissism and vicarious group narcissism.

What are the Limits to Growth?

416 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Nature Technology Reality Existence
  1. The debate of growth limits involves prophets advocating for living within our means and wizards innovating to overcome limits.
  2. The sustainability question divides opinions - from Cowen's optimism to concerns about exponential growth and hitting future limits.
  3. The distinction between Progress Studies and Transhumanism showcases a shift from wizards versus prophets to wizards versus transhumanists, creating new fault lines in technological advancements.

Introducing Turpentine

416 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Tech Business Culture Media Creators
  1. Turpentine is a new tech media company focusing on podcasts and newsletters.
  2. Their mission is to provide expert insights and unique perspectives in tech, business, and culture.
  3. They are looking to partner with new talent to create niche, high-quality podcasts and seek partnerships with brands.

Different Scopes for Different Folks

455 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality Society Meritocracy
  1. Our moral intuitions can lead us astray when it comes to communal versus systematic modes of living.
  2. There is a need for a balance between tribalism in communities and capitalism in the economy.
  3. Finding the balance between egalitarianism and meritocracy is a significant challenge for society.

The Rise of Anti-Heroes

1 HN point • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Society Entertainment Politics Media
  1. Trump, Elon, and Kanye transformed from heroes to anti-heroes, captivating audiences with their controversial personas and shows.
  2. Society now resonates more with anti-heroes than traditional heroes, embracing a culture of grim determination over unironic positivity.
  3. The Western world lacks universal heroes due to fragmentation, leading to the rise of anti-heroes like Bukele from El Salvador.