The Joyous Struggle

The Joyous Struggle Substack explores deep, transformative ideas on personal and societal renewal, focusing on shifts in consciousness, ethics, and perceptions to address crises and envision a sustainable, peaceful future. It delves into the complexities of human and societal conditions, offering visionary insights and promoting a spiritually and ethically enriched society.

Societal Transformation Spiritual and Ethical Renewal Future Visioning Crisis and Change Management Personal Growth Peace and Conflict Resolution Philosophy and Ethics Politics and Governance Environmental Sustainability Technology and Society Education and Learning Cultural and Societal Shifts

The hottest Substack posts of The Joyous Struggle

And their main takeaways

Teach us to Care and not to Care

632 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Faith Beliefs Philosophy
  1. On Ash Wednesday, the reminder of mortality through rituals like smudging ash can help us embrace the impermanence of life
  2. It's important to reflect on what truly matters in life, learning to care deeply about important things while also letting go of what is not worth our attention
  3. Exploring different spiritual paths and beliefs can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery and understanding

Winging It

553 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Life philosophy
  1. Winging it means demonstrating competence in the absence of knowledge
  2. Confusion can be a tool for growth and self-discovery
  3. Leading from confusion can be a valid leadership approach

The Future of Peace (2/4)

671 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Peace Conflict Racism Colonialism Denial
  1. The quality of our initial perception of a problem space is crucial. Understanding peace requires moving beyond individual areas and issues to see global interconnections.
  2. Perception, 'whiteness', and denial are key areas of inquiry highlighted when reflecting on complex situations like Gaza. It's important to challenge default ways of viewing the world and moral sensibilities.
  3. The notions of racism, colonialism, and denial play significant roles in how we perceive conflicts like the one in Gaza. Troubling boundaries, acknowledging historical influence, and combating denial are vital for achieving peace.

Acting ourselves into new ways of thinking

474 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual Practices Transformation Beliefs
  1. It's easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than think your way into a new way of acting.
  2. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change, but it requires effort and consistency to make significant changes.
  3. Cultivating spiritual practices can lead to structural changes in the brain and help develop qualities like empathy, compassion, and patience.

The Future of Peace (1/4)

612 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Peace Conflict
  1. Peace is not just the absence of war, but also encompasses qualities like harmony, reciprocity, and peaceful leadership. It is a creative and humanizing process that involves conflict resolution.
  2. The concept of structural peace involves addressing social and economic structures that cause harm, aiming to reduce inequality and support ecological sustainability. It focuses on fostering peace through societal design principles.
  3. Ensuring enduring peace in the 21st century requires embracing the interconnectedness of systems, souls, and society, and working towards open society norms, wise governance of technology, economic equality, and transformative education.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Inner Life of the Future

1106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Spirituality Consciousness Existentialism Ethics
  1. The future for humanity is often viewed through the concept of 'the third attractor,' which aims to divert the default trajectories of collapse and dystopia.
  2. The third attractor represents a disposition not to give up on the future, encompassing diverse visionary ideas for societal transformation and renewal.
  3. Attention to the 'third reality,' encompassing the inner subjective experience, and the cultivation of spiritual sensibility, is crucial for envisioning and shaping a more sustainable and meaningful future.

The Future of Peace (3/4)

375 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Peace War Society Technology Spirituality
  1. Peace is a vital challenge of our time and a necessary condition for a well-governed world.
  2. There are three possible futures: two lead to global conflict, while the third envisions a more positive, evolving society.
  3. Modern-day equivalents of 'Death Stars' like nuclear weapons and Moloch symbolize threats to peace that need to be addressed to secure a peaceful future.

Moloch in Therapy

691 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy God Existentialism Love
  1. Moloch is a complex demonic figure invoked to represent negative outcomes from competitive logic and lack of imagination.
  2. Moloch reflects on his identity crisis and the misunderstanding surrounding him, seeking love and power but feeling the pain of his oppositional nature.
  3. Despite craving power, Moloch also longs for love and struggles with his role in resisting God, revealing a desire for maternal love and the ability to create.

The Flip, The Formation, and The Fun

691 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Politics Education Culture
  1. The flip involves changing our understanding of reality to see consciousness and value as primary, leading to a sacred view of the world.
  2. The formation requires a shift from utilitarianism to virtue ethics, focusing on shaping desires towards higher purposes and societal good.
  3. The fun pertains to a shift in societal goals from growth to intrinsic ends like spiritual and creative fulfillment, aiming for an attractive and galvanizing future.

The Conversational Nature of Reality

592 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Reality Identity Dialogue Theory
  1. The Antidebate project aimed to create a space for more meaningful public conversations, bridging the gap between debate and dialogue in addressing modern challenges.
  2. The concept of 'the conversational nature of reality' by David Whyte emphasizes the importance of the interaction between self and the world in shaping our existence and relationships.
  3. The evolution of the Antidebate project showcases the struggle of translating theory into practice, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties of introducing new social practices.

Bearing Witness to Gaza (audio dispatch 14)

355 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Human Rights International Law Conflict Geopolitics
  1. When discussing complex issues like the situation in Israel and Gaza, it's important to move beyond simplistic notions of 'goodies and baddies' and approach conversations from a more mature and nuanced perspective.
  2. Understanding different perspectives and historical contexts is crucial in comprehending complex conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza, and it can help in fostering empathy and effective communication.
  3. Engaging in continual learning, having epistemic humility, and staying politically engaged are essential for the health of open societies and for citizens to understand complex global issues like the situation in Gaza and The Hague.

Five Flavours of Betweenness

711 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Cultural Metaphysical
  1. The concept of permacrisis suggests a long period of instability and insecurity resulting from prolonged catastrophic events, impacting society's historical transition.
  2. There are five significant shifts taking place in society: cultural change, systems change, paradigm change, ontological change, and metaphysical change, each requiring different kinds of work and engagement.
  3. This period of transition is compared to historical turning points like the Axial Age, indicating a profound shift in collective consciousness, pointing towards a new paradigm in understanding reality and existence.

The Whole of the Moon

651 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tribute Loss Family Mental health
  1. Mark's life, though marked by schizophrenia, was celebrated and remembered for his unique spirit and experiences.
  2. The relationship between Mark and his brother Jonathan was deep and influential, guiding Jonathan's growth and shaping his life.
  3. Despite the challenges Mark faced due to his illness, his family and friends, especially his mother, provided unwavering support and care throughout his life.

Three wise men talk about wisdom and power.

355 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom Power Conversation Reflection
  1. The conversation discussed how our capacity for wisdom at a small scale contrasts with the large-scale problems we face
  2. There was a reflection on the different perspectives of the three speakers when discussing world issues
  3. The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of different aspects like society, soul, and systems when bringing about changes

The Inner Development Goals on Trial

671 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Humanity Critique Progress
  1. The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) were created in response to the failure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to enhance human capacity.
  2. The IDGs are challenged for their perceived emphasis on personal growth as a means of achieving goodness, their modernist perspective, and their alignment with existing power structures.
  3. Critics question whether the IDGs are truly disruptive and transformative or if they reinforce immunity to change by not addressing systemic risks and structural injustices.

What do I know about Artificial Intelligence?

395 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Ethics Risk Assessment Innovation Future implications
  1. Many people have mixed feelings about technology, especially artificial intelligence, due to fear of missing out, lack of understanding, and a sense of exclusion from the tech world.
  2. The author shares a sense of 'tech incredulity' toward AI, questioning its potential impact, limitations, and whether it truly warrants the level of concern it receives.
  3. Despite not having expert knowledge, the author acknowledges a responsibility to learn more about AI, to demystify the complexities surrounding it, and to understand the risks, potential, and ethical implications better.

Beyond Busyness (audio)

158 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Prayer Philosophy Spiritual growth Meditation
  1. The post discusses the concept of busyness as a dubious status claim and why time feels to pass quicker as one ages.
  2. There is a reflection on how two Harry Potter films led to thinking about Gaza, along with a positive outlook on the Perspectiva antidebate.
  3. The post includes a reading of 'Beannacht' by John O'Donohue as an antidote to late January blues.

Planetization

395 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate Crisis
  1. We live on a planet in outer space, which can be an amusing and perspective-shifting realization.
  2. There is a growing sense of 'planetization' where we are increasingly interconnected globally and feel a sense of responsibility towards the world as a whole.
  3. The current societal shift includes integrating a planetary perspective into our understanding and actions, making issue-based thinking within global contexts crucial.

The Alchemy of Crisis

276 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Crisis
  1. The concept of crisis should be viewed with discernment to free oneself from its hold and not default to crisis-thinking as the primary mode of existence.
  2. The alchemy of crisis involves transcending crisis-thinking to uncover hidden potential and engage in a meaningful way with the world, shifting from crisis-oriented language to exploring prefigurative elements of a better world.
  3. Different stages of crisis perception like crisis, polycrisis, permacrisis, metacrisis, and postcrisis reflect evolving relationships with crises, emphasizing the need to move towards a mature understanding of crisis as one aspect among many in societal dynamics.

Why do people drink alcohol?

434 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Spirituality Addiction Well-being
  1. People drink alcohol to reduce associations in their minds, helping them live in the present and elevate mood by weakening neural connections.
  2. Alcohol can facilitate an escape from self-consciousness, leading to unmediated connections with others, but it may also cause cognitive narrowing and self-centeredness.
  3. Drinking alcohol is intertwined with breaking taboos, often influenced by cultural perceptions, and can offer a glimpse of unity and transcendence, providing a shared spiritual experience.

Dancing with a permanent emergency

454 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Activism
  1. The author shifted focus from climate change to the meta crisis due to frustrations with prevailing climate praxis and a desire to address broader societal challenges.
  2. Climate change is a porous and permeating issue that manifests in various aspects of life, from military waste to education, and requires a shift in perspective to understand its global impact.
  3. Approaching the climate crisis as part of a larger meta crisis, including systemic inertia and the need for a fundamental shift in perspective, is crucial for meaningful action and addressing the root causes of the issue.

What is a Visionary?

533 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Future Consciousness Humanity Transformation
  1. Visionaries see the future and offer direction, often through inspiring ideas and stories.
  2. Visionaries work to bring new worlds into being through language and action, shaping collective perception.
  3. Today's visionaries need to address challenges in a digital and planetary context, inspiring viable and desirable futures through qualities like fluency in different realities, questioning paradigms, and envisioning transformative struggles.

Forgive yourself for speaking on behalf of the world

276 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Language Identity Politics Humanity
  1. The challenge with collective action problems, like climate collapse, is complicated by the ambiguity of the term 'we' in English, lacking the distinction between inclusive and exclusive pronouns.
  2. English's status as a predominant global language, particularly online, influences communication dynamics and power structures due to historical reasons.
  3. The inherent ambiguity in the term 'we' in English complicates addressing pervasive collective challenges, leading to speaking on behalf of everyone without acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests that exist.

Audio Dispatch (11)

138 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. The post is discussing Chickenpox, AI, and Weltschmerz as life goes on during chaotic times.
  2. The content includes a wooden advent calendar with chocolates inside the boxes, created by Siva Thambisetty.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to The Joyous Struggle for 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

What chess taught me about the differences between men and women

335 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Psychology Equality Education
  1. Men and women are different, and these differences are reflected in chess aptitude, with implications beyond just biology or psychology.
  2. The gender question involves social, cultural, political, and historical factors, and the conversation must be navigated carefully.
  3. Chess aptitude differences between men and women are complex, with sociological explanations being compelling but not fully convincing.

A Festival for the Soul

395 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Connection Transcendence Community Meaning
  1. Experiencing emotions and interactions at events can lead to profound realizations and connections with others.
  2. Creating spaces for shared experiences and personal growth can have a meaningful impact beyond the event itself.
  3. Focusing on the soul, personal connections, and transformative education can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and society.

Discomforting Political Admiration

375 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Interview Policy Podcast Democracy
  1. The author examines their admiration for a conservative thinker, Rory Stewart, despite their own social democratic background, highlighting the complexity of political views and personal beliefs.
  2. Rory Stewart's unique blend of experiences, from academia to politics to charitable work, offers valuable insights that challenge traditional political boundaries and encourage reevaluation of societal values.
  3. The interview with Rory Stewart reflects a broader shift in political discourse, exploring contrasts between old and new political ideologies, unveiling tensions between incremental change and the need for more profound societal transformation.

Introducing The McGilchrist Manoeuvre

474 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Reality Perspective Metaphysics Perception
  1. The McGilchrist Manoeuvre highlights the importance of acknowledging the different but equally valuable perspectives of the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
  2. It emphasizes the relative trustworthiness of the right hemisphere's viewpoint in guiding us on understanding reality and making progress in philosophy.
  3. The maneuver involves transcending contradictions and recognizing the generative nature of coinciding opposites, ultimately enriching our perception and understanding of complex aspects of life.

Primary Schools are the Cradles of Civilisation

296 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Primary schools play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and interactions, laying the foundation for civilization.
  2. Primary school teachers help us develop various skills, learn the importance of effort, compromise, and respect, and navigate the joys and struggles of growing up.
  3. Headteachers in primary schools shoulder immense responsibilities, from ensuring safety and happiness of children to managing complex tasks and challenges, all while maintaining a deep connection to the essence of education.

Audio Dispatch (10)

79 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎙 Podcasts Reflections
  1. The post reflects on three significant shifts in emphasis the author hopes to promote.
  2. The author encourages further reading on 'The Flip, The Formation, and The Fun'.
  3. A 7-day free trial is offered for readers to access the full post archives.

Audio Dispatch for paid subscribers (7)

98 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual Arts Music
  1. The post discusses the idea of selling the future using a love poem and the impact of revolution and existence.
  2. The writing touches on themes of injustice, humanity, and the connection between love and revenge.
  3. There's a reflection on the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the commitment to following love even in times of extinction.

Audio Dispatch (12)

59 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. The audio update reflects on parenting alone, discusses the concept of Moloch as a way to understand the world's issues, and highlights a key conversation moment on framing challenges.
  2. The audio dispatches are described as 'rough around the edges' streams of consciousness due to time constraints, but are still considered worthwhile.
  3. The post also mentions a 25-year relationship with the author's wife and provides a link to further content from the author.

Audio Dispatch for Paid Subscribers(8)

79 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The post is about an audio dispatch for paid subscribers by Jonathan Rowson
  2. The content discusses 'Hotel Breakfasts as Existential Encounters'
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial or by being a paid subscriber

If Human Rights is the Answer, what is the question?

118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. The human rights movement may need to evolve to address the complexities of the modern world and reconsider its foundational questions.
  2. Human rights can be seen as both essential for progress and also at risk of being hijacked by powerful interests, prompting critical examination.
  3. Critical questions around governance, rule of law, democracy, and societal values emerge, urging a re-evaluation of the role of human rights in contemporary global challenges.

The Goat and the Scapegoat

335 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture
  1. In a morality tale of The Goat and the Scapegoat, the story explores themes of leadership, forgiveness, and unfair accusation.
  2. The story portrays the consequences of scapegoating, misunderstandings, and the importance of differentiating between past actions and current events.
  3. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, and the power of communication in resolving conflicts.

The Meaning of Sacrifice at Easter

177 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Meaning Sacrifice Easter
  1. Easter Saturday represents the struggle between despair and hope, reflecting the human experience of living in uncertainty.
  2. Many individuals today seek a spiritual perspective that is intellectually robust and personally meaningful, navigating a complex and varied spiritual outlook.
  3. Sacrifice, as seen in the Easter story and in chess, is about giving up something valuable for a greater goal, involving emptiness, self-dispossession, and a transition from weakness to power.

Audio Dispatch for paid subscribers (2)

59 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Reading
  1. The post discusses an audio dispatch for paid subscribers that includes personal musings and a reading of a draft on the idea of Planetization.
  2. To access the full post and archives, a 7-day free trial to The Joyous Struggle subscription is offered.
  3. Existing paid subscribers can sign in to listen to the audio dispatch discussed in the post.