The Free Mind

The Free Mind, authored by Laura Dodsworth, explores critical issues around culture, politics, media, gender, and free speech, challenging mainstream perspectives. It frequently critiques government actions, societal trends, and censorship, while advocating for critical thinking, individual liberty, and freethinking in the face of contemporary challenges.

Culture Politics Media Criticism Gender Issues Free Speech Critical Thinking Government Policies Societal Trends Censorship Individual Liberty

The hottest Substack posts of The Free Mind

And their main takeaways

Sadiq Khan’s Techno Feudalism

1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Climate Technology Economics Society
  1. Sadiq Khan's plans reflect a clear long-term vision, gradually changing private car ownership and lifestyle expectations.
  2. Cities like London are aiming for radical changes by 2030 to combat global warming, pushing for zero meat, dairy, and limited clothing consumption.
  3. The concept of 'radical incrementalism' involves small changes leading to significant impacts in shifting public behavior, like the introduction of pay-per-mile road charging.
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Amnesty for Covid Fines.

2024 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Suggests pardoning and returning 120,000 Covid fines.
  2. Emphasizes the importance of forgiving fines over fining more partygoers.
  3. Reflects on Boris Johnson's speech on enforcing Covid rules.

Fright Night

1867 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Government Pandemic
  1. It has been three years since Boris Johnson's stay-at-home speech.
  2. The post is an extract from Laura Dodsworth's book on the UK government's fear tactics during COVID-19.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription.

Whether you are a Monarchist or a Republican, you should be concerned about the Coronation crackdown on peaceful protest.

1847 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics Protest Monarchy Freedom
  1. It's important to be concerned about the Coronation crackdown on peaceful protest, regardless of being a Monarchist or a Republican.
  2. Six Republican protestors were arrested and detained without charge for sixteen hours on the day of the Coronation.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Free Mind for more insights and a 7-day free trial of full post archives.

A year in three psychological biases

1670 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🔬 Science
  1. 2022 was a year filled with extraordinary events and happenings
  2. Weirdness prevailed as seen with the quick resignations and political changes
  3. Consider subscribing to The Free Mind for more insights and access to full post archives

People desperately want to believe lockdown was for the greater good - even when the evidence of manipulation is clear.

1611 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Behavior Perception
  1. People want to believe lockdown was for the greater good, even when evidence of manipulation is clear.
  2. Cognitive dissonance can make us deny, minimize, or rationalize uncomfortable truths.
  3. Lockdown may have influenced how people perceived the severity of Covid risk, based on government actions.

The self(ie)

1572 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Identity
  1. Social media is turning people into everyday propagandists.
  2. Filters on apps can drastically alter people's perceptions of themselves.
  3. Consider the impact of social media and filters on self-image.

The Decay of Democracy

1336 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌍 World Politics Democracy Liberty Parliament
  1. Democracy and liberty are seen to be decaying beneath the scaffolding at Parliament.
  2. Visitors to London are often amazed by the city's grand buildings.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Free Mind for access to full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

Who fact-checks the fact-checkers?

1277 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📰 News Fact-checking COVID-19 FBI
  1. The US Energy Department and the FBI suggest the Covid-19 virus likely leaked from the Wuhan lab.
  2. Specialized scientific knowledge is not necessary to observe the possibility of the Covid-19 virus originating from the Wuhan lab.
  3. Access to the full post archives and more content is available through a 7-day free trial on The Free Mind.

The Church of England's Road to Davos moment.

1257 implied HN points • 29 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Climate Environment
  1. The Church of England has a focus on 'Net Zero', which may be worrisome due to associations with past movements that led to destruction.
  2. Individuality and self-individuation are crucial in resisting mass movements, as emphasized by Carl Jung.
  3. Religion can offer meaning, purpose, and social stability, but caution is needed when religious zealotry shifts towards extreme ideals such as 'Net Zero'.

The crumbling pillars of society

569 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Identity Antisemitism
  1. The 'Pride Pillar' at London Bridge railway station showcases confusion with its array of flags about sexual identity.
  2. Some public figures fail to address important issues like the Holocaust adequately, revealing bad pillars in society.
  3. Society is facing challenges with identity politics and the need for clear communication and genuine understanding.

An interview with Emma Webb

550 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Interview Common Sense Conservatism Religion
  1. Emma Webb is involved in various organizations like The Common Sense Society, Save Our Statues, and New Culture Forum, and is a contributor on GB News.
  2. Common sense is still present but often overlooked in metropolitan areas and needs to be reclaimed.
  3. There is hope for our culture through resistance and perseverance, as historical fortunes can change and people are fighting for important values.

Aliens are one of this election season’s hottest trends.

589 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Trends Conspiracy Theories Psychological impact
  1. Aliens are trending in the current election season, with increased interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena.
  2. The media and governments may be influencing public perception of aliens, tapping into deep-rooted fears and beliefs.
  3. Our fascination with aliens could reflect societal anxieties and the inner darkness that emerges during times of revolution and chaos.