Untimely Meditations

Untimely Meditations explores a wide range of intellectual topics, focusing on the inherent complexities of understanding history, language, moral values, and the impact of technology on society. It critically examines philosophical, political, and cultural issues, often incorporating analysis of historical events, advancements in AI, and reflections on art, to question prevailing narratives and suggest new perspectives.

Philosophy History Art and Culture Technology and AI Language and Translation Political Systems Environmentalism Religion and Spirituality Ethics and Morality Science and Neuroscience

The hottest Substack posts of Untimely Meditations

And their main takeaways

Resisting Covid - Part 1

0 implied HN points • 20 Sep 22
  1. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted varied responses by governments worldwide to combat the virus.
  2. Efforts to develop and distribute vaccines and drugs played a crucial role in reducing the impact of the pandemic.
  3. There were missed opportunities for greater coordination between nations and more effective strategies to combat the virus.

Thoughts on the Real

0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 20
  1. The author is Ethan Edwards.
  2. The post is about Thoughts on the Real.
  3. Encouragement to sign up and share the newsletter.

Untimely Meditations

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 20
  1. The author discusses the importance of historical perspective and how it can benefit our understanding of the present.
  2. The author mentions the inspiration for the title 'Untimely Meditations' and reflects on their evolution in thinking.
  3. The author acknowledges writing about topics they may not have expertise in, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and discussion.

On Meditation

0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 20
  1. Meditation can involve deep thought and contemplation, not just sitting quietly.
  2. Insight and creativity can come from activities like walking, dreaming, and gardening.
  3. The pursuit of knowledge and truth leads to higher happiness and a connection to divinity.

Samsara

0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 21
  1. Zen philosophy focuses on meditation and koans for enlightenment.
  2. D.T. Suzuki introduced Zen to America, emphasizing Eastern Mysticism.
  3. The use of AI in art prompts questions about creativity and self-expression.
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The Making of Meditation

0 implied HN points • 31 May 22
  1. Enlightenment in Buddhism used to be seen as difficult to attain over many lifetimes, but was later adapted in the West to be achievable in one lifetime.
  2. The evolution of meditation and Buddhism raises questions about the authenticity of traditional practices and the need for exploration of new methods.
  3. Changes in Buddhism over time highlight the loss of ancient wisdom and the impact of modernity on religious practices.

The Federal Reserve and the Democracy’s Aporia

0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 22
  1. Throughout history, government's main role has been to ensure the prosperity of the people.
  2. Understanding of economics has been crucial for the success or downfall of civilizations.
  3. The Federal Reserve plays a significant role in shaping the economy, and its decisions have far-reaching impacts, yet there is ongoing debate on the optimal policies.

Finance and Democratic Demands

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
  1. Finance plays a crucial role in a functioning society by enabling economic growth and wealth accumulation.
  2. Scams in the financial sector, like Ponzi schemes, exploit people's desire for quick profit and pose a risk to society.
  3. Cryptocurrency, while promising financial revolution, also faces challenges due to the prevalence of scams and the need for proper regulation.

100 Generations of Horsemen

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 20
  1. For centuries, Horsemen from the Steppes were a superior military force, dominating settled civilizations with their swift and strategic horse archery skills.
  2. Civilizations attempted various strategies to defeat the Horsemen, but ultimately, only other Horsemen could effectively counter their tactics.
  3. The legacy of the Horsemen lives on in the descendants of great conquerors like Genghis Khan, impacting the cultures and histories of regions they once ruled.

Timeline of a Conflict

0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 21
  1. Great powers never see themselves as losing in conflict, only withdrawing tactically.
  2. Conflicts between nations, cultures, and powers can linger for generations.
  3. History is full of complex rivalries, alliances, and conquests that shape the world as we know it.