The Take (by Jon Miltimore)

The Take by Jon Miltimore explores societal and political issues, focusing on the consequences of government actions, individual rights, censorship, and manipulation. It critically examines historical and contemporary events, advocating for skepticism, liberty, and the dangers of centralized power and political correctness.

Societal and Political Issues Government Actions and Individual Rights Censorship and Information Control Historical Analyses Economic Observations and Critiques Media and Cultural Criticism Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of The Take (by Jon Miltimore)

And their main takeaways

Is the New Super Mario Bros. Movie Really Anti-Woke? No and Yes

79 implied HN points • 07 May 23
  1. Consumers still enjoy good movies that focus on storytelling over preaching
  2. The new Super Mario Bros. Movie is viewed as neither anti-woke nor woke by many
  3. The movie provides nostalgia and fun without heavy political or social messages

5 Causes of the Civil War (Besides Slavery)

99 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
  1. Sweeping economic changes intensified Southern political insecurity.
  2. The Union rapidly changed with new states causing tension between North and South.
  3. Breakdown of decorum and civil discourse led to violent events between North and South.

The Deadliest School Attack in US History

99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
  1. The Bath School Massacre in 1927 was the deadliest school attack in US history, killing 44 people.
  2. The attack by Andrew Kehoe was a revenge plot due to personal issues, like losing an election and facing foreclosure.
  3. The bombing is often forgotten due to limited national attention, lack of ongoing trend, and not fitting into modern narratives on mass killings.
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7 Things This Entrepreneur Did to Go From Door Man to Running a $3 Billion Hotel Empire

59 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
  1. Starting with early experience can lay a strong foundation for success in the future.
  2. Being open to taking on more responsibilities without declining shows a willingness to grow and learn.
  3. Taking mundane work seriously and learning from every opportunity can lead to valuable mentorships and career advancements.

6 Books That Will Rewire Your Brain (in a Good Way)

118 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
  1. Books have the power to shape who we are and reveal hidden truths
  2. Reading 'Atlas Shrugged' can reveal the struggle of the individual against collectivist forces
  3. 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' by George Orwell warns about the manipulation of truth through surveillance and propaganda

6 Pulitzer Prize-Winning Books Worth Reading

99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
  1. Don't dismiss Pulitzer Prize-winning books and explore rich literature.
  2. Consider reading 'American Pastoral' by Phillip Roth for its exploration of powerful ideas.
  3. Check out 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway for a captivating story of an aging Cuban fisherman.

Hitler's Frightening Boast about His 'Great Achievement'

99 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
  1. Hitler believed in subordinating individual rights to the state for the collective interest.
  2. Understanding the distinction between means and ends is crucial, as Hitler's philosophy led to catastrophic consequences.
  3. It is important to be wary of those who justify unjust means to achieve their desired ends.

The Bob Dylan Song That Can Guide a Generation Lost in Protest

79 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
  1. In 1963, Bob Dylan expressed disillusionment with the folk protest movement through his speech and song 'My Back Pages.'
  2. Dylan's song 'My Back Pages' reflects his growth and doubts about his earlier zeal for protest causes.
  3. Dylan's message encourages self-awareness, humility, and empathy in protest movements, warning against fanaticism and the danger of ignoring the potential for evil in each of us.

Why Harvey Keitel Got Fired by Stanley Kubrick While Filming 'Eyes Wide Shut'

99 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
  1. Harvey Keitel was fired by Stanley Kubrick due to disagreements over Kubrick's perfectionism and shooting style.
  2. Keitel stood up for himself and refused to be disrespected, showcasing the power of personal agency.
  3. The incident highlights the importance of setting boundaries and standing by one's principles even in professional settings.

Americans Must Stop Fomenting Group Hatred After Every Mass Shooting

79 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
  1. Blaming innocent groups for mass shootings is unfair and dangerous.
  2. Dehumanizing individuals or groups by blaming them for crimes they didn't commit leads down a dark path.
  3. Discussing topics like transgenderism and gun control is okay, but avoid blaming others for crimes they had no part in.

Alexander Hamilton Predicted Exactly How the Colonies Would Win the American Revolution

79 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
  1. Alexander Hamilton had intuitive judgment in predicting how the Colonies would win the American Revolution.
  2. Hamilton's essay described a strategy that closely matched George Washington's tactics during the war.
  3. Hamilton's foresight and contributions likely played a role in the Colonies' victory over the British.

Communism Delivered the Worst Car in History: The Trabant

99 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
  1. The Trabant was a terrible car produced under communism in East Germany.
  2. The Trabant was incredibly expensive, costing more than a year's wages for an average worker.
  3. Despite its flaws, the Trabant played a significant role in history, showcasing the failings of communism in the automotive industry.

Why Has the US Been at War Almost My Entire Adult Life? (I am 43.)

99 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
  1. War is a way for the state to enhance its power and control.
  2. Government programs, including war, exist to perpetuate their own existence.
  3. War has become a common element in the United States' actions, often driven by political and economic interests.

Why An Ancient Ruler Confiscated All the Swords in Japan—Except For the Samurais'

79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
  1. In 16th century Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi confiscated all swords except those owned by samurai and lords.
  2. The ruling class historically tries to control weapons to prevent resistance from the lower classes.
  3. Hideyoshi's sword hunt in Japan aimed to maintain social order by targeting peasants with weapons.

A Psychological Explanation for Why Your Boss is a Moron

99 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
  1. The Dunning-Kruger effect explains why incompetent people often overestimate their own skills.
  2. Incompetent individuals fail to recognize actual skills in others.
  3. Competent individuals may underestimate their own abilities.

The Danger of Secret Governance

79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
  1. The CIA may make Americans less safe according to whistleblower John Kiriakou
  2. There are concerns about secret governance and surveillance by US agencies
  3. Rogue federal agencies like the CIA raise questions about their role and necessity

How the Founding Fathers Viewed Human Nature

79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
  1. The Founding Fathers were suspicious of human nature and designed a system to prevent the concentration of power.
  2. Different Founding Fathers had varied views on human nature, from a mix of depravity to virtues like bravery and heroism.
  3. Despite skepticism of human nature, there was also an underlying belief in the importance of liberty and virtues like truth and virtue.

G.K. Chesterton's Greatest Novel

99 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. G.K. Chesterton wrote a powerful allegory in his novel 'The Man Who Was Thursday.'
  2. The novel explores themes of moral relativism and faith versus nihilism.
  3. C.S. Lewis described the book as a portrayal of the struggle each individual faces with the universe.

Why Miller Lite Jumped on the Woke Bandwagon With Bud Light

59 implied HN points • 18 May 23
  1. Beer companies are involving themselves in controversial topics like transgenderism and feminism.
  2. Miller Lite launched an ad campaign criticizing its own brand for sexism.
  3. There is a public backlash against beer companies like Bud Light for their 'woke' marketing strategies.

The Wild Story of How Vladimir Putin Joined the KGB

79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
  1. Vladimir Putin joined the KGB officially in 1975 at the age of 22.
  2. Putin's decision to study law and excel in sports eventually led him to the KGB.
  3. Putin's upbringing, love for his country, and interactions with the KGB shaped his path to power.

Yes, 'I've Never Been To Me' Is One of the Best Songs Ever

79 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
  1. The song 'I've Never Been To Me' carries a profound message about the pursuit of pleasure and material things not leading to fulfillment.
  2. Weight, in terms of responsibility, is what ultimately gives life meaning, as seen in the song and explored in 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being.'
  3. The song 'I've Never Been To Me' may seem corny to some, but it has resonated with many people and even played a significant role in changing someone's life.

New Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer Teases a Great Lesson on Utopianism

59 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
  1. Guardians of the Galaxy films emphasize the importance of family.
  2. The new trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 touches on the idea of utopianism and the dangers it may bring.
  3. The character Rocket provides insight into the true motivations behind the villain in the upcoming movie.

Sin City and Solzhenitsyn Agreed: Power Comes From Lies

79 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
  1. True power comes from lying and getting others to believe in falsehoods.
  2. Violence and lies go hand in hand, as violence cannot sustain itself long without lies.
  3. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's message is to not participate in lies and falsehoods, even when they seem to reign supreme.

1984: 3 Real-Life Inspirations for George Orwell’s Dystopian Masterpiece

79 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
  1. Orwell's 1984 was inspired by real-life totalitarianism, war, and state propaganda
  2. Communism, particularly Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany, influenced Orwell's depiction of the totalitarian government in 1984
  3. Orwell was influenced by Yevgeny Zamyatin's novel WE, which explored conformity in an authoritarian society and had similarities to 1984

What Kant Would Say to the Stripper Going Viral After Saying 'It Was Fun' Breaking Men

79 implied HN points • 07 Jan 23
  1. A woman's actions of intentionally hurting someone can be seen as immoral, especially when it involves treating people as means to an end.
  2. Immanuel Kant's ethics emphasize the importance of treating humanity as an end in itself, not just a means to fulfill desires.
  3. It's important to reflect on the impact of our actions on others and consider the ethical implications of using individuals solely for personal gratification.