Wondering Freely

Wondering Freely, a Substack by Helen De Cruz, explores intersections of philosophy with diverse areas such as religion, art, politics, literature, and personal growth. The content ranges from intellectual analyses of societal trends to personal musings on productivity, the value of philosophy across different strata of society, and the impact of technology.

Philosophy Religion Art Politics Literature Personal Growth Technology Societal Trends Productivity Intellectual Analyses

The hottest Substack posts of Wondering Freely

And their main takeaways

On reading Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The sea and why kids these days can't read

991 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Classics Reading Education Cultural critique
  1. Many students today struggle to read long novels and often rely on summaries instead. This shift shows how reading habits have changed in recent years.
  2. Reading literary fiction can be a journey that helps us grow as people. It lets us explore complex characters and their lives, which can lead to self-reflection.
  3. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, which makes it hard to enjoy reading. It's important to slow down and allow ourselves to simply enjoy a good book.

Some good news

1309 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pain management Wellness strategies
  1. The latest PET scan showed that the spread of cancer has been resolved, which improves the prognosis significantly.
  2. Although there is still pain from the tumor, it is now less aggressive than before.
  3. There is hope for future treatment with immunotherapy, and this positive news has inspired thoughts about future projects like writing a book.

A well-lived life means wasting some time

1468 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Stoicism Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to waste some time in life. Taking things slow can actually help you enjoy life more than just rushing through every moment.
  2. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean doing everything on a checklist. Sometimes, just relaxing and being yourself is more fulfilling.
  3. Feeling guilty for not being constantly productive is normal, but learning to rest and take breaks is important for your happiness.

Whatever happens, do not cry in the conference room

853 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Academic writing Emotions Cultural Issues Professionalism Gender Studies
  1. In academia, showing emotions is often discouraged. People learn to hide their feelings and act confident even when they feel insecure.
  2. Criticism can be harsh in academic settings, making it hard to respond without getting upset. Many people try to maintain composure despite feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's important to find a balance between professionalism and emotional expression. Emotions can be valuable in understanding and engaging with philosophical ideas.

The Purpose of Twitter and the case for leaving

1230 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Consider leaving Twitter due to moral issues like spreading misinformation.
  2. Staying on Twitter might not make a significant impact, focus on building relationships.
  3. Leaving Twitter can deprive the platform of oxygen needed for survival.
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On letting yourself be

615 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Eric Satie's absurd daily schedule is not meant to be taken seriously. It's a satire that challenges our ideas of productivity and routine.
  2. Creating space for leisure and letting ourselves simply be is important. Satie's schedule can inspire us to reconsider the value of emptiness and free play.
  3. The virtue of letting be extends to allowing ourselves and others to break free from strict productivity mindsets. It's about resisting the urge to constantly be productive and finding freedom in playful, non-deterministic engagement.

How I almost became an evolutionary psychology proponent

495 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
  1. The author initially delved into evolutionary psychology but later became disenchanted with its canonical construction.
  2. The author had reservations about the assumption of mental modules in the brain and the focus on the Pleistocene era in evolutionary psychology.
  3. The author critiqued evolutionary psychology's gender essentialism and reductionist explanations, leading to a shift towards broader evolutionary frameworks.

Museums, elitism and activism

376 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Attacking artworks can lead to damage and limit public access to masterpieces
  2. Art and the planet do not need to be in opposition; art can be sustainable and enriching
  3. Art helps us reconnect with our world and foster sensitivity, rather than promote numbness and despair

Shall the epistemically meek inherit the earth?

515 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. Epistemic courage involves saying uncomfortable truths, risking reputation and relationships.
  2. In the noisy information landscape, the loudest voices often overshadow the most courageous ones.
  3. Intellectual humility is key - being aware of unpopular ideas but standing for them with integrity.

Schopenhauer's flute and Descartes's lute

357 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Schopenhauer played the flute and loved Rossini, highlighting a contradiction in his philosophy
  2. Descartes thought about lute playing in relation to memory and muscle memory, showing a connection between music and cognition
  3. Both Schopenhauer and Descartes demonstrate how playing music can lead to unreflective freedom and delight

Wishful thinking covid policy

396 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. There is no evidence to suggest that repeat infections of Covid will lead to protective immunity.
  2. The idea of needing to catch Covid to reduce its lethality is concerning, especially for young children.
  3. Long Covid is a serious concern, and the economic drive to return to pre-pandemic consumption patterns may be influencing Covid policies.

The philosophizing factory worker

396 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Philosophy is for everyone, not just those who can afford leisure or hold middle-class jobs. It is essential for mental self-improvement and should be accessible to all.
  2. Engaging in leisure and 'useless' pursuits like philosophy is important for the soul, regardless of one's social or economic status. All individuals should have the opportunity for such pursuits.
  3. The ability to philosophize is a fundamental human impulse, requiring not only material conditions and security but also enough leisure time and freedom to pursue it.

The good of becoming old: Human life history and the "natural" human lifespan

277 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Our human life history is unique in its phases of infancy, childhood, adulthood, and old age, compared to other living creatures.
  2. Hunter-gatherer populations show that humans can reach old age even without modern healthcare.
  3. Humans have cultural practices and physiological adaptations that support the trend of living longer, embracing old age as a source of wisdom and valuable life experience.

Imagining green revolutions and freeing ourselves from zero-sum thinking

337 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. Uruguay's successful green energy transition proves it's possible with a clear plan, expert oversight, and societal buy-in.
  2. Zero-sum thinking limits our imagination and leads to irrational decisions, like billionaire bunker-building.
  3. Ridding ourselves of zero-sum thinking is vital for progress, and we should learn from successful examples like Uruguay's green revolution.

You've got to live your life

257 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Understand the limitations of your life and don't pursue limitless knowledge.
  2. Living your life involves embracing risks and experiences, including the acceptance of mortality.
  3. Society plays a role in creating safer and healthier environments for individuals to live out their years.

Tell them I've had a wonderful life

357 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. Ludwig Wittgenstein's last words 'Tell them I've had a wonderful life' reveal the complexity between happiness and a good life.
  2. Happiness can be seen as either the good life or subjective well-being, leading to different philosophical perspectives.
  3. The connection between joy, pleasure, and happiness can be unified in a concept like 'blessedness,' which encompasses being content, fulfilled, and having societal support for flourishing.

Nourishing our nobler sentiments

277 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Evaluate people based on what they choose to nurture - great nurtures greatness, petty nurtures pettiness.
  2. News coverage often focuses on far-right victories, neglecting noble sentiments and important protests.
  3. Mainstream media and far-right ideologies can oppress, but protests and awareness are growing.

Glad for my books

396 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. The disillusionment with big tech and its negative impact on user experience
  2. The frustration with excessive ads on platforms like Youtube and the loss of engagement on various social media platforms
  3. The appreciation for physical books and traditional forms of entertainment as a response to tech frustrations

Property, entailments and how we think of ownership

238 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Property had a moral dimension in medieval times, where individuals were stewards, not outright owners.
  2. Entailment in Regency England protected estates from being whimsically sold or managed, ensuring continuity.
  3. Modern concept of property emphasizes exchange value over moral obligations, leading to a shift in ownership ideals.

It's okay to be an inefficient writer

515 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
  1. Efficiency is not the only path to success in writing. It's okay to be inefficient.
  2. Find the writing process that works best for you, even if it's not the most efficient. Use tools that enhance your flow and ease of writing.
  3. Don't be afraid to experiment with different writing processes. What matters most is finding what works for you, not adhering to strict efficiency standards.

Why does the UK scapegoat international students?

277 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
  1. The UK scapegoats international students, even though they contribute expertise and economic benefits to the country. Limiting international student involvement will harm the UK's economy and burden local students.
  2. Denialism and paranoid nationalism influence UK policies, steering them away from realistic solutions necessary to address Brexit damage.
  3. The rise of paranoid nationalism is rooted in protecting the nation against perceived threats, emphasizing ideology and xenophobia over economic anxieties. The solution lies in promoting international collaboration and secure relations to tackle global challenges.
  4. The UK Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak may be enacting anti-immigrant policies to strengthen political positions, appealing to divisive ideologies for support.

It was good while it lasted

257 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. The author reflects on their four-year Duolingo streak and considers letting go due to ethical concerns with AI integration
  2. Differentiating between habits and streaks, the author discusses the challenge of maintaining streaks and the importance of sometimes letting go
  3. Acknowledging the concept of "enshittification," the author emphasizes the value in recognizing when it's time to move on from platforms that may not align with personal values

Advice for our time from Candide's closing lines: "We must cultivate our garden"

257 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. Voltaire's advice to 'cultivate our garden' from Candide encourages us to focus on improving our immediate surroundings and taking small steps towards a better world.
  2. The metaphor of tending a garden symbolizes the idea of making incremental efforts to make the world a better place amidst injustices and challenges.
  3. Candide's message of cultivating our garden liberates us from passivity and fatalism, urging us to engage in small actions that contribute to positive change.

"This is life now", the shining wires of covid denialism

416 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. Acceptance of the new normal of living with Covid may actually be a form of denialism, where phrases like 'it's inevitable now' mask the true implications and risks.
  2. Similar to the rabbits in the story of Watership Down, societal mechanisms discourage open discussions and reminders of the ongoing pandemic, leading to a dangerous level of denialism.
  3. Hypernormalization, similar to what occurred in the final decades of the USSR, is happening with Covid, where societal acceptance of the situation prevents envisioning better alternatives and addressing the challenges effectively.

Letter to Robin Waldun, on reviving the early modern tradition of philosophical letter writing

595 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
  1. Philosophical letters from the early modern period were used to spread philosophical ideas and connect with other thinkers, offering a more personal and approachable way into the minds of past philosophers.
  2. The practice of writing philosophical letters allowed for scholarly exchange in a time when travel was dangerous, especially for women who were excluded from formal academic circles, opening up opportunities for participation in intellectual discourse.
  3. Reviving the tradition of philosophical letters could facilitate scholarly conversation in a more reliable and eco-friendly manner than traditional conferences, making it easier for a wider range of people to engage in academic exchange.

Giovanni Zamboni's Grave from his 11th sonata for archlute

277 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Giovanni Zamboni's 11th sonata for archlute, composed in 1718, is described as being bizarre, weird, and wondrous in its music.
  2. Zamboni's collection of serene and moving sonatas for the archlute in 1718 was unusual given the decline of lute music at the time, filling a significant gap in the instrument's repertoire.
  3. The music by Zamboni combines Baroque era rhetorical devices with elements foreshadowing the later galant music period, offering an interesting blend of complexity and simplicity in expression.

Seventeenth-century music, philosophy, and science: in search for a baroque aesthetic

238 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. Baroque music in the 17th century aimed to evoke emotions in the listener using rhetorical techniques from classical rhetoric.
  2. The shift to experimental philosophy in the same period mirrors the transition in music from Renaissance to Baroque, both embracing unconventional shapes and chords.
  3. Baroque music and early modern science shared a 'grainy' quality with irregularities, setting them apart from the smoother approaches of the preceding period.

How cognitive technology can help us achieve cosmic harmony: thoughts from the Xunzi

257 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Consider technology in a broader sense to include cognitive technologies that indirectly impact how we interact with the world.
  2. Cognitive technologies help us transform ourselves by creating cultural distinctions, which can lead to living more harmoniously with nature.
  3. Ritual practices, as a form of cognitive technology, can nurture desires and help achieve a sustainable way of living by tempering them.

On studying Chinese (and other Asian) philosophy as a person of Asian heritage

257 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
  1. Asian identity is diverse and not always visibly apparent. Embracing and understanding one's heritage can be empowering.
  2. Learning about Chinese philosophy through the lens of white authors can provide new insights and understanding.
  3. Asian-heritage philosophers may face challenges in being recognized for their work in Asian philosophy, but it is important to continue meaningful engagement with the philosophies that matter to them.

Bigoted views in our philosophical heroes: the case of Spinoza's misogynistic views

337 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
  1. Recognize that even admired philosophers can hold bigoted views, such as Spinoza's misogynistic beliefs.
  2. Consider the 'child of his time' defense in analyzing past philosophers' controversial views and actions.
  3. Philosophy should be melioristic, aiming to progress and self-improve through critical examination of inherited beliefs and ideologies.

Philosophical friends and epistemic partiality in friendship

238 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. Philosophical friendships show how unique modes of engaging in philosophy can lead to mutual progress and insight
  2. Epistemic partiality in friendship involves a distinctive set of norms and practices, not just lowering the bar for beliefs
  3. Trust and benevolence in philosophical friendships allow for more meaningful and productive reasoning, free from distracting self-scrutiny

Networking: the good, the bad, and the tacky

238 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
  1. Blanket advice to network can be problematic due to unequal structures, temperaments, and backgrounds in academia
  2. Virtual conferences can help address climate and accessibility issues in academia, offering a more inclusive platform for connection and collaboration
  3. In academia, fostering true scholarly community involves collective efforts to create opportunities for networking and support, rather than relying solely on individual efforts for career advancement

What's the use of metaphysics?

277 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
  1. Metaphysical pictures are important for understanding the world, our place in it, and finding a sense of ethical guidance.
  2. These metaphysical pictures can help us in dealing with disappointments and accepting our mortal condition.
  3. Exploring different metaphysical perspectives can be enriching, as it allows us to find a livable and workable belief system that aligns with our personal truths.

The expertise of a dabbler, or, synthetic philosophy revisited

99 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. Synthetic philosophy is a style of philosophizing that aims to offer a coherent account of complex systems by connecting different sciences and philosophical projects.
  2. Synthetic philosophers need expertise in modeling practices to navigate various disciplinary languages and generate connections among different fields.
  3. The strength of synthetic philosophy lies in offering new insights and interpretations by using an eclectic approach to knowledge, breaking traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Is this Spinoza's death mask?

79 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. The alleged death mask of philosopher Spinoza was found in a box, sparking excitement.
  2. There is inconclusive evidence to believe the death mask genuinely belongs to Spinoza.
  3. Physical resemblance is not enough to confirm the identity of the death mask without further investigation.

Aging gracefully (?) with Zhuangzi

178 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. Personal quest for eternal youth through extreme measures may lead to unintended outcomes and public scrutiny.
  2. Reflection on aging, decline, and death can be approached philosophically for comfort and acceptance.
  3. Zhuangzi's perspective on death as a natural transformation can provide peace of mind and help in facing mortality with calmness.

Vibing with the ancients

138 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
  1. Reading classic works provides a unique pleasure that combines personal experience with shared participation.
  2. Experiencing a text for the first time creates a sense of wonder that cannot be replicated. As we engage with the text, our understanding becomes both personal and shared.
  3. Engaging with ancient texts allows for a communal experience and shared knowledge that transcends cultural and temporal barriers. It offers the possibility of forming a unique friendship with the authors through textual understanding.

Sweat, pain, and death -- A father's day post on what beautiful architecture requires

198 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
  1. Architecture requires pain, sweat, and even death - it's not just about beauty, but also about the labor and sacrifices of the workers behind the scenes
  2. Builders and artisans of the past and present have a deep understanding of their craft, and their skills contribute to the intricate beauty of buildings
  3. There is often a disconnect between the builders who create magnificent structures and their ability to enjoy or benefit from the works they've created, highlighting social and class barriers

The richness of reason part II -- Fontenelle's case for STEM education for women and girls

178 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
  1. Immanuel Kant expressed misogyny by discouraging educated women in STEM, believing they should focus on beauty and not difficult subjects.
  2. Bernard le Bouvier de Fontenelle advocated for women's education in STEM through his influential work 'Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds', showcasing the intelligence and capabilities of women.
  3. The Enlightenment era featured debates and differing opinions on women's access to scientific education, with figures like Fontenelle and Algarotti promoting the inclusion of women in science, while philosophers like Kant held sexist views.

DIY your own spirituality

218 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. It's okay to personalize and create your own spirituality, you don't have to stick to traditional options.
  2. Reading texts from different perspectives can provide insights and help question dominant beliefs.
  3. Examine your beliefs critically, considering evidence and being open to exploring alternative spiritual paths can lead to personal growth.