The hottest Substack posts of Mon0’s Substack

And their main takeaways
79 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 24
  1. Extreme ideas like total tolerance or non-violence can backfire. If you let negative behaviors go unchecked, they can take over society.
  2. Persuasion works in two ways: through careful thinking or quick judgments based on superficial traits. Understanding this can help us choose how to communicate effectively.
  3. Sometimes, to fight bad ideas or leaders, we might need to use their own tactics against them. This can feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to protect what's right.
39 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 24
  1. Horseshoe theory suggests that far-left and far-right groups are more alike than different in certain ways. They may share similar psychological traits, making their mindsets closer than we think.
  2. Research shows both political extremes display traits like dogmatism, intolerance, and a rigid belief system. They often think in black-and-white terms, leading to conspiracy theories and overconfidence in their views.
  3. Authoritarian tendencies can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. This means that extreme ideologies, whether left or right, can lead to similar behaviors and mindset challenges.
39 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 23
  1. STEM fields believe knowledge should follow a clear path: define terms, state propositions, and verify them. It's all about structure and clarity.
  2. Philosophers often use complicated language, which can make their ideas hard to understand. This creates a gap between STEM and humanities, where definitions aren't always clear.
  3. Some writers may choose to be vague or complex to engage readers or seem profound. However, this can confuse people instead of helping them learn.
19 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 23
  1. Power is often seen as bad, but it can actually be used for good. For example, parents guiding their children or the legal system keeping society safe are just uses of power.
  2. Many people wrongly believe that the powerful are always the oppressors. In reality, sometimes the less powerful can also act in harmful ways towards others.
  3. Using power requires responsibility and intelligence. Instead of fearing it, we should learn how to use power wisely to make positive changes in our lives and communities.
19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 23
  1. People often confuse counterexamples with comparisons in discussions. Instead of addressing the counterexample, they just argue about the differences.
  2. When someone provides a counterexample, it's important to either explain why it doesn't apply or adjust your original statement to include it.
  3. Recognizing this confusion can help make conversations clearer and more productive, leading to better understanding and discussion.
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19 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 23
  1. Utilitarian naturalism focuses on achieving the greatest good for the most people. It's about making choices that improve overall happiness.
  2. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding our natural world and using that knowledge to make better decisions.
  3. By combining practical benefits with a naturalistic outlook, we can create a more ethical and fulfilling life for everyone.
3 HN points β€’ 30 Nov 23
  1. Mainstream media often follows a 'propaganda model' where powerful owners and advertisers influence what news is shared. This means the media doesn't always provide the full picture of events.
  2. Alternative media has emerged, often sharing different perspectives and less constrained by traditional filters. While this allows for more diverse opinions, it can focus more on entertainment and engagement rather than accuracy.
  3. The lack of filters in alternative media can be risky, as not all voices are necessarily credible. We might need to be more careful about who we listen to and how we evaluate the information we get.
0 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jul 23
  1. Norms are the shared rules that help organize societies, and they can come from people known as norm entrepreneurs who want to change or create new norms.
  2. Sometimes norm entrepreneurs face challenges convincing everyone of new ideas because people naturally resist change and prefer the familiar.
  3. Interestingly, some norm entrepreneurs might use intuitive appeals or even reinforce norms through religion to bypass the need for rational debates, suggesting that manipulation might occur for the perceived greater good.
0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 23
  1. Supporting Ukraine is important during the conflict. Many believe that the people of Ukraine are showing great bravery.
  2. There are many moral questions involved in the Russo-Ukrainian War. It's tough to navigate right and wrong in such a complicated situation.
  3. It's crucial to continue discussing and thinking about these moral dilemmas. Understanding different perspectives can help in making informed decisions.