Mind & Mythos

Mind & Mythos explores psychology, philosophy, mythology, and culture with in-depth essays and reflections. Recurring themes include personal growth, the importance of beauty, understanding personality, the role of mythology, and societal issues. The Essay Club offers concise discussions on varied topics, promoting engagement with classic and modern essays.

Psychology Philosophy Mythology Culture Personal Growth Beauty Personality Mythology Societal Issues Mental Health Writing and Storytelling

The hottest Substack posts of Mind & Mythos

And their main takeaways

Essay Club: The Extended Mind by Andy Clark and David Chalmers

159 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Mind Beliefs Cognitive Science Philosophers
  1. The idea of the 'extended mind' suggests that our thinking isn't just in our brains; it includes tools and objects around us. For example, using a calculator isn't just a help; it's part of how we think.
  2. The authors argue that relying on external objects, like notebooks or smartphones, can be essential for forming beliefs and ideas, similar to how we use our memories. This means our minds can extend into the world around us.
  3. While some people disagree with this view, saying real thinking should only happen in our heads, the authors believe that our connections to our environment and the tools we use are important parts of how we think and behave.

Stop Using Fiction to Push Politics

159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Narrative Criticism Modernism
  1. When writing stories, it's important to focus on storytelling first. Characters and plots should come alive naturally without feeling forced.
  2. Hemingway's approach shows that exploring deep themes works best when they arise from character experiences, rather than pushing a political agenda.
  3. Readers lose interest if the story feels too political or preachy. Good stories engage emotions and allow ideas to unfold organically.

Essay Club: Wotan by Carl Jung

299 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Psychology Mythology History Literature
  1. Carl Jung believed that the rise of the Nazis in Germany was tied to a spiritual crisis, which he symbolized with the ancient god Wotan. He saw this as a sign of a deeper psychological unrest rather than just economic problems.
  2. Jung introduced the idea of the 'collective unconscious', suggesting that everyone shares certain archetypes or collective thoughts that can influence entire cultures. Wotan, for Jung, represented a part of the German psyche that could manifest in times of crisis.
  3. Jung argued that rather than being purely responsible for their actions, people could be seen as victims of these powerful archetypes. He thought this could help explain the extreme behaviors of nations, especially in challenging times.

Perhaps We Expect Too Much of God

159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Parenting Expectations Human condition
  1. We often put too many demands on God, expecting Him to handle everything like a superhero. This can create unrealistic expectations that even an all-powerful being might find overwhelming.
  2. Just like a mother needs help at home, we should recognize that God doesn’t have to do everything alone. We should take more responsibility for our own lives and help out where we can.
  3. While it’s okay to hold God in high regard, we should balance our expectations with what is realistic. Understanding this can help us have a healthier relationship with faith.

The Stories We Tell: Myth, Memory, and the Self

159 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Identity Psychology Narrative Self-Improvement
  1. The stories we tell about ourselves are important for understanding who we are. They help us make sense of our experiences and give our lives meaning.
  2. Everyone creates a personal narrative or myth that shapes their identity. This story involves past events, emotions, and lessons learned, influencing how we view ourselves and our future.
  3. Rewriting our personal story can improve our mental health. By changing how we interpret challenges and failures, we can craft a more positive narrative that enhances our sense of purpose.
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How Great Writers Become Great

219 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Philosophy Education Creativity
  1. Great writers often have time and space to focus on their work. Many famous writers dedicated their time to thinking and writing without many distractions.
  2. Younger writers may have more time but lack experience. Older writers have knowledge but often struggle to find time to write.
  3. Finding balance between family, work, and writing is tough. It's important to prioritize what matters most in life, even if it means having limits on achievements.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Religion Literature Mythology Tradition
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

In Defence of Beauty

419 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Aesthetics Art Architecture Philosophy Traditions
  1. Beauty matters in our lives. It's not just about looking pretty; it's about how things make us feel emotionally and spiritually.
  2. There are some rules of Beauty that many people agree on across cultures. This suggests that Beauty isn't just personal preference, but something more universal.
  3. When we ignore Beauty in our society, we lose touch with important values like kindness and hope. Reconnecting with Beauty could help uplift our culture.

Essay Club: The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment by C. S. Lewis

339 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Justice Humanism Legal theory Literary Criticism
  1. C. S. Lewis argues that punishment should be based on what a person deserves, rather than just trying to deter others or cure the criminal. This is important for justice to exist.
  2. When punishment is only about deterrence or cure, it can lead to abusing people as mere tools for society's goals, rather than treating them as individuals with rights.
  3. Lewis warns that a system focused just on helping or fixing people can end up being very oppressive, especially if those in power ignore the concept of what someone deserves for their actions.

Essay Club: Cryptocracy by John Carter

99 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Current Events Political Identity Essays
  1. Power can be hard to see and understand in a managerial state, making it feel confusing and hidden.
  2. John Carter's essay, 'Cryptocracy', dives into political themes and critiques the modern elite's control, and it's thought-provoking even if you disagree with it.
  3. Carter writes in a bold and experimental style, using vivid imagery to explore complex ideas about society and power.

Contra Hanania: Why Reading Books is Good, Actually

539 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Reading Books Critique Cognition Memory
  1. Reading books helps with remembering and understanding ideas better than just quick posts or tweets. It's about taking time to fully grasp concepts.
  2. Books can connect new ideas with what we already know, making them more meaningful and easier to recall later.
  3. Not every book is worth reading, but the long tradition of books shows they still have a special value in learning and reflection.

Essay Club: Myth, History, and Pagan Origins by John Michael Greer

199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology History Spirituality Philosophy Literature
  1. Myths help people understand who they are and how the world works. They are not just stories, but reflect deeper truths and beliefs.
  2. Modern views often separate myth and history into 'true' and 'untrue' but this limits how we see the importance of myths. Myths can shape our behaviors and beliefs even if they can't be proven.
  3. Many cultural conflicts stem from enduring myths like the struggle between good and evil. Rethinking these myths might help us find new ways to relate and resolve conflicts.

On Becoming a Father (August 2023 Update)

319 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
  1. Becoming a father has been a life-changing experience, filled with ups and downs. It’s a big adjustment, and it takes time to feel fully comfortable in the role.
  2. The support from midwives during childbirth can make a huge difference. One midwife's decision helped avoid an emergency C-section, which was a relief for the family.
  3. With a new baby, time becomes very limited. The father plans to adjust his writing and other commitments to make space for family life and the challenges that come with it.

Essay Club: In Praise of Silence by Vernon Lee

199 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Essays Fiction Biographies Art Music
  1. The author values silence and suggests that it can be more comforting than chatter. Sometimes, less talking can lead to deeper thoughts and peace of mind.
  2. Silence allows for reflection and helps us connect with our inner selves. It gives us space to think and appreciate our surroundings.
  3. Constant conversation can feel overwhelming and distracting. Embracing quiet moments can improve our mental well-being and creativity.

Essay Club: The Origins of Cognitive Thought by B. F. Skinner

199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Behaviorism Critical Thinking
  1. Skinner believed that all behaviors, including thoughts and language, are learned through our environment. He claimed that we respond to rewards and punishments, shaping how we act and think.
  2. He thought that understanding our feelings and thoughts is best achieved by looking at the history and meaning of the words we use to describe them. The words we choose reveal a lot about our experiences and behaviors.
  3. Skinner emphasized the importance of focusing on observable behavior in psychology. He felt that many internal mental states are too complicated and not easily measurable, so we should concentrate on what we can see and test.

God Help Us, Let's Try to Understand the Self-Memory System

119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Identity Cognition Autobiography
  1. Autobiographical memory is how we remember our personal life experiences, like childhood or important events. It’s not just about facts but also how we feel about those memories.
  2. The Self-Memory System connects our memories to our sense of self. It has three parts: the Episodic Memory System for short-term details, the Long-Term Self for broader life stories, and the Working Self that manages our thoughts and goals.
  3. When we recall memories, we don’t just pull them up exactly as they happened. Instead, we reconstruct them based on our goals and how we see ourselves, which can sometimes change over time.

Reflections On a Year

179 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
  1. 2023 was a year full of major life changes for many people. It included moving in with loved ones and starting new family roles.
  2. Turning 30 often brings reflections on personal growth and change. It can be a milestone that encourages people to evaluate their lives.
  3. Big events like having a baby or changing jobs can be both exciting and challenging. They often require adjustment and can transform daily life.

INTRODUCING: Essay Club

239 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
📚 Literature Essays Book clubs Writing Discussion Reading
  1. Essay Club offers a relaxed way to engage with essays instead of long books. You can read short essays and still discuss deep ideas with others.
  2. The club meets every two weeks, and you can suggest and vote on new essays to read. Everyone can join the discussion by sharing their thoughts online.
  3. The first essay for the club is George Orwell's 'Why I Write.' It's a good start for anyone who enjoys exploring interesting topics.

Can People Change their Personalities?

339 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Personality Psychology Change Identity Development
  1. Personality can change depending on the situation. For example, a person might act differently at work compared to how they are around family.
  2. People’s personalities can evolve throughout their lives, especially between ages 20 and 40. People often become more conscientious and agreeable during this time.
  3. Intentional changes to one’s personality are possible. Life experiences and therapy can help people adapt and change their traits over time.

Essay Club: The Death of the Author by Roland Barthes

99 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Philosophy Critical Theory Text Analysis Cultural Studies
  1. The idea of 'The Death of the Author' suggests that once a piece of writing is out in the world, it's not just about the author's intention anymore. Readers can find many meanings in it, beyond what the author might have intended.
  2. By removing the author from the center of a text, we open up new interpretations and dialogues. This means that literature becomes a space where multiple voices can interact and create a richer understanding.
  3. This perspective challenges the traditional view of authorship, making it possible for everyone's interpretation to hold value. It emphasizes the importance of the reader's role in creating meaning from a text.

Essay Club: Why I Write by George Orwell

179 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Essays Fiction Non-fiction Writing Criticism
  1. George Orwell wanted to make political writing more artistic and impactful. He believed that writing should not just inform, but also engage the reader emotionally.
  2. Orwell reflected on his personal motivations for writing, showing that his experiences shaped his views and style. He felt that understanding one’s own reasons for writing is crucial.
  3. His work reminds us that writing can be a powerful tool for social change. Orwell believed that through good writing, we can influence thoughts and inspire action.

Jordan Peterson, Revisited: Is Peterson the Most Interesting Thinker of Our Time?

259 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Psychology Narrative Religion Ideology
  1. Jordan Peterson's ideas have resonated with many young men during a time when traditional masculinity was criticized. His practical advice encourages personal growth in a relatable way.
  2. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding the world through both scientific facts and the stories we tell. These narratives can help us navigate life by showing us how to act and what is significant.
  3. He suggests that traditional beliefs and rituals have value because they offer guidance that empirical reasoning alone can't provide. Many past ideologies, despite their flaws, aimed to create a better society but often resulted in disaster.

Essay Club: Fragments From an Education by Christopher Hitchens

99 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Authors Literary Criticism Personal reflections Cultural Commentary
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a known writer and debater with strong opinions. He wasn't afraid to challenge the mainstream views of his time.
  2. In his essay, he shares personal reflections on education. He looks at how his life experiences shaped his understanding of learning.
  3. Hitchens combines humor and deep thoughts in his writing. His style makes even complex ideas easier for readers to grasp.

Cybernetics: The Key to a Unifying Framework for Psychology

299 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Mental health Therapy Personality Behavioral Science
  1. Psychology lacks a unifying framework like biology's evolutionary theory. This makes it hard to connect different areas of psychology effectively.
  2. Human personality can be explained using the Big Five traits, which show how people behave and react. These traits can also help us understand mental illness.
  3. Psychopathology, or mental illness, happens when there's a breakdown in managing personal goals. It's linked to how we handle challenges based on our personality traits.

Looking Ahead to 2024

119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
  1. The writer is adjusting their writing schedule for 2024 due to having a baby. They plan to write less frequently now, but still want to share meaningful content.
  2. Time has flown by, and they're reflecting on how quickly the year is ending. It's a reminder that change is constant and needs to be embraced.
  3. The writer is hopeful about their future writing despite the changes in their personal life. They are committed to finding a way to keep writing even with less time.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: A Cybernetic Perspective

259 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Psychology Mental health Behavioral Science Cognitive Science
  1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps people deal with mental health issues by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on understanding one’s feelings and gradually facing fears to feel better.
  2. The Cybernetic Theory of Psychopathology suggests that mental health issues relate to how well a person's goals and strategies match their experiences. If a person struggles to meet their goals, it can lead to anxiety and depression.
  3. In therapy, helping clients identify their goals and tackle their negative thoughts is key. Techniques like behavioral experiments and scheduling enjoyable activities can help clients regain confidence and improve their mood.

What the DSM-5 Gets Wrong About Mental Illness

299 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Psychology Diagnosis Health Systems
  1. The DSM-5 categorizes mental illnesses, but it fails to recognize that human traits exist on a spectrum. This means someone might feel varying levels of anxiety on different days, rather than simply being anxious or not.
  2. People often show symptoms of multiple disorders at once, making current diagnostic categories too rigid. For example, two people diagnosed with the same mental illness might have very different experiences and symptoms.
  3. Instead of labeling normal behaviors as disorders, we should focus on a person's distress and functioning. A new model called HiTOP offers a better way to understand mental health by looking at underlying dimensions rather than strict categories.

July 2023 Update

139 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Life events Reflections Milestones Writing
  1. Turning 30 can be a big milestone, and it often brings a sense of reflection on life. It's a time that can feel both exciting and tiring.
  2. The year has been busy with writing, working, and preparing for a baby. Balancing different responsibilities can be challenging.
  3. Updates and personal growth are important, especially for paid subscribers who want to stay connected and engaged.

September 2023 Update

119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Wellness Art Community Personal Growth
  1. The author is starting a new work program that has been slow initially but is now gaining momentum. They express enjoyment as the program begins to take off.
  2. Starting a new job involves a lot of challenges, but the author is navigating through the busy period.
  3. The update highlights a sense of personal growth and adaptation as the author settles into their new role.

Understanding Human Personality

319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Personality Mental health Behavioral Science Emotional Wellbeing
  1. Personality describes who people are and can change over time or in different situations. It's not just about traits, but also about how people can act differently under various circumstances.
  2. The Five Factor Model (FFM) outlines five major traits—Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness—which help us understand how personality affects our actions and relationships.
  3. Cybernetic Big Five Theory explains how our personality traits drive our goals and behaviors. It shows how feedback from our environment helps us adapt and achieve what we need.

A Welcome to New Subscribers

199 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Humanities Personality Mythology
  1. Psychology connects many fields, and the author sees it as a mix of art and science. This blend leads to a better understanding of the human mind.
  2. The blog focuses on personality psychology, which ties together different areas of psychology. It's a way to explore how personality influences behavior and thoughts.
  3. The author plans to publish at least one essay each month and share shorter posts when inspired. Readers can find a guide to the content on the About page.

SPOOKtober 2023 Update

79 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Childhood Celebration
  1. Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Australia, but it is becoming more popular. Many kids now expect to celebrate it, including going trick-or-treating.
  2. The author is unsure how Halloween became such a big event in the US. They find it a bit confusing but recognize its growing acceptance in Australia.
  3. This update is mainly for paid subscribers, highlighting that the content is intended for a specific audience.

March 2023 Update

159 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
  1. The author and their partner are expecting a baby, which is exciting news for them.
  2. They are around 17 weeks into the pregnancy, and it's starting to feel real.
  3. The author experienced some work-related challenges but has grown wiser through the ups and downs of the month.

April 2023 Update

139 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
  1. They got a new cat named Hazel, and she's adjusting well to her new home.
  2. Hazel loves to play, scratch, and show affection by rubbing against people.
  3. Cleaning up after the cat can be challenging, especially when she watches while being cleaned.

Chaos, Order, and the Struggle for Survival

219 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Survival Chaos Existence
  1. The universe is constantly changing and fluctuating between chaos and order. When chaos meets other elements, some order can emerge if it is strong enough.
  2. Survival is a key instinct for all living creatures. Over time, instincts arose to help organisms protect themselves, find food, and reproduce.
  3. In social species, like wolves, gaining status can also impact survival. A wolf's strength and ability to provide food can attract mates, showing that social behaviors improve chances of survival.

Addendum to What the DSM-5 Gets Wrong About Mental Illness

159 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Diagnosis Health Systems
  1. The HiTOP model offers a different way to look at mental health by using sliding scales instead of strict categories for diagnoses. This helps avoid labeling people in a way that might cause stigma.
  2. Unlike the DSM-5, which uses clear diagnoses, the HiTOP focuses on understanding a person’s unique traits and where they fall on various scales. This allows for a more personalized approach to mental health treatment.
  3. There is a connection between the HiTOP model and the Big Five personality traits, suggesting that mental health issues can overlap with broader personality traits rather than being completely separate categories. This creates opportunities to better understand and treat mental health challenges.

Does Using Social Media Cause Mental Health Problems?

119 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social media Psychology Research Wellness
  1. Using social media doesn't seem to cause more mental health issues, according to a large study.
  2. The research looked at many studies and found no strong link between smartphone use and negative mental health effects.
  3. It's important to keep exploring how social media affects people since the findings can be different in various situations.

February 2023 Update

79 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Self-care Wellness Trends Personal Development
  1. The author shared an exciting update about their essay that gained attention recently. This recognition brought many new subscribers to their platform.
  2. They expressed gratitude to another writer who referenced their work, showing the importance of collaboration in writing.
  3. The post is specifically for paid subscribers, indicating a focus on exclusive content for a dedicated audience.