(hector egbert)

Hector Egbert's Substack explores the interplay between truth, ethics, societal constructs, and the human condition, within the contexts of technology, culture, and politics. It critically examines the impacts of materialism, democracy's realities, the essence of culture, and the philosophical inquiries into truth, death, and the search for meaning.

Philosophy Societal Critique Technology and Ethics Political Theory Cultural Analysis Human Rights Materialism Democracy

The hottest Substack posts of (hector egbert)

And their main takeaways

The fundamentality of truth in reality

14 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23

No one willfully believes a lie, but fiction is widely adopted by culture.
Truth exists outside human mind and is the essence of reality.
Society functions on a foundation of truth as a social contract.

Meaning and nihilism

4 HN points • 15 May 23

📖 Philosophy Meaning Nihilism

Nihilism rejects objectivity and questioned the old social order.
From nihilism came various beliefs like rationalism, atheism, and communism.
Meaning is sought after but ultimately elusive within the framework of nihilism.

The future is now

2 HN points • 21 Apr 23

The future we imagined from science fiction didn't turn out as promised - it's more dystopian.
Advancements in science and technology have led to negative impacts on health and the environment.
Society has evolved in unexpected ways with increased disease, mental health issues, and cultural decline.

The psyche and social hierarchy in American Psycho

1 HN point • 05 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Society Identity

American Psycho depicts the obsession with social hierarchy and violence in society.
Patrick Bateman struggles to fit in and maintain his identity within the societal norms and expectations.
The novel highlights the emptiness and brutality of chasing status and wealth in a rigid social hierarchy.

AI and the ethics of human rights

1 HN point • 17 Mar 23

🕹 Technology AI Ethics Human Rights

AI is changing the values in human rights
Increased AI automation threatens human labor force
Capital's focus on profit challenges traditional human rights

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Materialism society

0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Materialism Society Philosophy Morality

Modern society is heavily influenced by materialism and the belief that everything, including consciousness, is physical.
Materialism has led to a focus on maximizing pleasure and stimulants, with little value placed on reflection of morals or identity.
Modern culture's embrace of materialism is seen through societal norms and behaviors, showcasing a lack of depth and substance.

The final solution to hate

0 implied HN points • 26 May 23

📖 Philosophy Human nature Ethics Societal Issues Technology Moral Philosophy

Hate is a common occurrence in the modern world, fueled by differences and technology.
Hate is rooted in the need for self-preservation and can be justified by various reasons.
Efforts to promote tolerance have sometimes led to increased hate and societal tensions.

RESPONDEZ!

0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Walt Whitman calls for a new distribution of roles and a reevaluation of society's norms
He challenges traditional beliefs and advocates for contradictions and chaos
Whitman provokes reflection on faith, happiness, and the purpose of life

Death as a consequence of living

0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23

📖 Philosophy Death Science Religion Existence Reality

Death is a mystery observed since the beginning of life, with unknown aftermath.
Science struggles to define concepts like death and consciousness.
Many fear death due to the possibility of experiencing a real hell beyond our scientific understanding.

The paradox of faith in the Science

0 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23

📖 Philosophy Science Ethics Power Authority Morality

The public is often demanded to trust in science to solve global crises.
There is a distinction between regular science and the weaponized use of Science by governing bodies.
Trust is questioned when the motivations behind Science are seen as selfish and driven by power imbalances.

Culture is dead, long live culture

0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Diversity Globalization Identity Humanity Society

The current regime is destroying natural diversity and forcing a homogenized human race.
The individual's identity and freedom have been forfeited to the industrial machine.
Globalization is controlled by supra-national authorities advancing a singular culture.

The Grift of Concern

0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23

People in power use media control to manipulate trillions of dollars.
There is skepticism around the moral justifications for certain societal practices.
The narrative questions the existence of true moral values in a secular state.

Materialism and the soul

0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Afterlife Soul Philosophy Religions

Life is limited, leading to choices that impact the world after death.
Economy and wealth have limits, with winners and losers based on market forces.
Debate surrounds the fate of the soul after death, with theories from transmigration to eternal existence.

Democracy the illusion of choice

0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23

🌍 World Politics Democracy Communism Technology Globalization Climate

Democracy in the Western world may not offer true choice, with politicians influenced by monied interests.
Communism, once seen as a solution, led to fanaticism and unrealistic ideals.
The modern world is evolving into a technocratic autocracy disguised as democracy, with technologies like CBDC enhancing control.