Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky explores societal and cultural issues through the lenses of free speech, critical thinking, and diverse thought. It addresses self-censorship, social justice, censorship, media bias, cultural appropriation, trust in society, and the impacts of technology and politics on freedom of expression and individual behavior.

Free Speech Critical Thinking Censorship Social Justice Media Bias Cultural Appropriation Trust and Society Technology and Society Politics and Ideology Individual Behavior

The hottest Substack posts of Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky

And their main takeaways

Why rationality (almost) never wins

4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Rationality Emotion Decision-making Cognition Disinformation
  1. People often make decisions based on emotions rather than facts. This shows that logic does not always win in arguments and discussions.
  2. Disinformation campaigns use emotional appeals to convince people, rather than relying on logical arguments. They aim to evoke strong feelings that can overshadow rational thinking.
  3. When emotions are triggered, parts of our brains responsible for logic can become less active, making it harder for us to think critically. This highlights the power of emotions in shaping our beliefs.

Headlines of Interest - Week of March 1st

56 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
📰 News Culture Technology Science Politics Health
  1. China is telling its AI experts not to travel to the US due to fears of espionage. This shows a growing tension in international relations over technology.
  2. A new mRNA vaccine shows promise in treating pancreatic cancer, with early trials indicating a high percentage of patients cancer-free after a few years.
  3. Biohybrid robotics are emerging, combining living materials like fungi with machines to improve their abilities. This could lead to smart robots that are more aware of their environment.

The Influencer Era

140 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Influencers Public Discourse Opinion Entertainment
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.

What REALLY happened in Afghanistan?

37 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Journalism Afghanistan Taliban Society
  1. Habib Khan Totakhil witnessed the events in Afghanistan first-hand and shares those experiences. It's important to hear stories from people who lived through major changes, like the Taliban takeover.
  2. He emphasizes that we should support the Afghan resistance and not accept Taliban rule as normal. This helps us understand the ongoing struggles in Afghanistan.
  3. The role of journalism in conflict zones is crucial for revealing the truth about situations. Totakhil’s work highlights how important it is to share accurate information during times of war.

New column: Headlines of Interest

121 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Politics Science Technology Entertainment
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.
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Book Offer

65 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Writing Authors Publishing Narratives
  1. There are physical copies of the book 'No Apologies' on sale for half off. It's a good chance to grab a deal!
  2. The book discusses how people face silencing and punishment for their opinions. It encourages everyone to find their voice and speak up.
  3. Silence can have serious downsides. Speaking out helps build real connections and allows for open discussions, which can change minds.

What the heck is free speech?

220 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Constitution Political Views Public Discourse
  1. Different people have their own ideas about what free speech means, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to clarify what we mean when we talk about it.
  2. The author sees free speech as mainly about being free from government punishment, but acknowledges there are limits to this freedom, like laws against violence.
  3. Private companies can set their own rules for speech on their platforms, and this shouldn't be mistaken for a violation of free speech rights.

Which facts matter?

18 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Communication Persuasion Conflict resolution Psychology Social Dynamics
  1. It's important to share facts that the other person cares about, not just what you think is important. This makes it more likely for them to be persuaded.
  2. Changing someone's mind is difficult and sharing facts alone often isn’t enough. You need to understand their perspective first.
  3. Identifying the right facts to share takes effort and skill. It's worth it if you want to connect and communicate effectively.

Am I cheating?

37 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Creative Process Collaboration Authorship
  1. Using AI to improve writing can feel like cheating for some people. It's normal to wonder where to draw the line with technology helping us.
  2. Finding a better word in a dictionary or getting feedback from a friend seems more acceptable than using an AI. It raises questions about our ideas of authorship and creativity.
  3. If AI makes suggestions that improve writing, should it get some credit? We need to think about what makes using AI different from asking a friend for help.

Are we the media now?

159 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📰 News Media Journalism Social media Accountability
  1. Many people think that traditional media has lost its credibility and is biased, leading them to support citizen journalism instead. They want news that feels more trustworthy and real.
  2. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are popular for sharing news, but they often spread repurposed content rather than original reporting. This raises questions about where the news is really coming from.
  3. Quality journalism still matters because it aims to uncover the truth and hold power accountable. We need to support good reporters and news organizations that provide thorough, accurate information.

The believers

46 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Ideology Social media Politics Identity Community
  1. Facebook has become a place for reconnecting with friends and networking, especially after the pandemic disrupted many social lives.
  2. The mood on social media is often political and can feel intense, as people express strong beliefs around topics like DEI initiatives.
  3. Many people are feeling disturbed about the changing social landscape and are debating issues they never considered before.

Daniel Penny: The Good Samaritan?

145 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Legal issues Mental health Public Perception Crime Policy
  1. Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter after a subway incident where he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was threatening passengers. This event raises questions about when it's okay to intervene and how much force is necessary.
  2. Public opinion is split on whether Penny acted as a hero or a villain. Some support him, arguing that he was trying to protect others, while others believe he used excessive force.
  3. The case highlights issues around mental health and safety. Many people find themselves in tense situations with individuals who may be mental health crises, making it hard to know what actions are appropriate to take.

Uncertainty

159 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Civil Rights Political parties Political Ideologies
  1. Uncertainty can feel scary, like someone else is controlling your life. It's natural to worry about what might happen next.
  2. We can’t always predict the future, and our fears often feel worse than reality. It’s better to focus on what we know and can control right now.
  3. Life is unpredictable and sometimes out of our hands. Learning to accept uncertainty and live in the moment can help us cope better.

Gratitude?

56 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Meditation Gratitude Self-care Mindfulness
  1. Meditation classes can focus on specific themes, like gratitude, which may surprise you. It's important to check the class details to see what you'll be learning.
  2. Experiencing anger during meditation is normal and can be a part of the process. It's okay to feel frustrated sometimes, even when you're seeking calm.
  3. Gratitude practices can be challenging and may not always lead to instant peace. Remember that finding peace takes time and patience.

Hyperactive Righteousness Syndrome: A Cross-Ideological Affliction

32 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Identity politics Political Ideologies
  1. Both the right and the left can have a strong sense of righteousness, judging others based on their own strict moral standards.
  2. On the left, this can show up as demanding social justice and cultural correctness, where people are labeled as 'bad' for not meeting certain expectations.
  3. People often feel pressured to align with specific social issues or language rules, leading to a culture of policing others' beliefs and actions.

The small things

42 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Reflection Inspiration Creativity
  1. Small moments in life can really shape our mood and creativity. It's important to notice and appreciate these little things.
  2. Private experiences often influence what we feel inspired to write about. Writing can be deeply personal and connected to our feelings.
  3. Taking the time to reflect on our daily experiences can help us understand ourselves better. This can lead to richer and more meaningful writing.

Atrocity denial in real-time

346 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics
  1. The post discusses atrocity denial in real-time
  2. The content focuses on events of October 7 and their rewriting
  3. The author reflects on waking up to news of atrocities by Hamas

Pushing back against aggressive voices

107 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
  1. It's important to not allow aggressive, radical voices to dominate our society as the majority of people often remain silent, giving the radicals power.
  2. Perceiving what others think can be challenging when loud voices overpower the discourse, making it hard to gauge the actual majority opinion.
  3. To accurately understand the prevailing sentiment, it's vital to push back against extreme voices and value the quieter expressions of the majority.

Beyond the White Picket Fence

140 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Community
  1. Our idea of 'community' is changing to match our online lives.
  2. Some are preparing for a future centered on virtual connections.
  3. Consider subscribing for more insights on modern societal shifts.

Big announcement...

238 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📚 Literature Book release Writing Freedom of Speech Censorship Authorship
  1. The author has written a book that sheds light on silencing, shaming, and bullying for different views.
  2. The book includes stories of public harassment, interviews with well-known figures, and lessons on using one's voice freely.
  3. The author encourages principled individuals to resist authoritarianism and to find and free their own voices.

NO APOLOGIES

112 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books Free speech Cancel Culture Podcasts Criticism
  1. Katherine Brodsky has a new book titled 'No Apologies' focusing on freedom of speech in today's society.
  2. The book highlights the importance of open discourse in various fields like science, art, and academia.
  3. Brodsky's book aims to empower individuals to speak up against enforced silence and radical ideas.

Saying goodbye to 2023...

117 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Story Self-discovery
  1. The author reflects on the events of 2023, including heartbreaks and new friendships.
  2. The writer mentions learning about themselves and other people throughout the year.
  3. There's an invitation to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to read more posts from Katherine Brodsky.

Genesis of a News Story

79 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
📰 News Reporting Ethics Resources
  1. Story assignments can involve staff writers, editorial discussions, or pitches from freelancers, with a focus on relevance, timeliness, and writer expertise.
  2. Journalists often gather story ideas from various sources like industry relationships, events, document research, and personal interests, contributing to the newsworthiness of a piece.
  3. Determining newsworthiness involves subjective factors like public impact, reader interest, and editorial priorities, along with practical considerations such as resource availability and space constraints.

Accused

74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society Religion
  1. The author has been accused of Zionism, considered by some as a punishable offense.
  2. The author mentions being put on lists and facing threats due to the accusation of Zionism.
  3. To access the full post and archives, readers can start a 7-day free trial of Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky.

Me and Elon Musk - A Conversation

74 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Interview AI Journalism Partnership Futurism
  1. The interview with Elon Musk delved into topics like freedom of speech, journalism, AI, and more, showcasing different perspectives on the future of journalism.
  2. The conversation unexpectedly lasted over three hours, involving an array of audience questions and chaotic, entertaining moments, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live discussions.
  3. Elon Musk hinted at news about Neurolink and a potential partnership with Midjourney, indicating ongoing developments in technological advancements.

The Rise of the Right Wing Woke

163 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cancel Culture Symbols Identity politics Echo Chambers
  1. The rise of the right wing 'woke' has led to a shift in identity politics, victimhood culture, and cancel culture tactics towards the conservative side.
  2. The 'woke right' mirrors the behavior of the 'woke left' by adopting symbols, engaging in book bans, and suppressing freedom of expression.
  3. Echo chambers and intolerance are prevalent among the 'woke right,' leading to a reluctance to engage with opposing viewpoints and an increase in ideological polarization.

Community Aesthetics

65 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society Community
  1. The breakdown of community might be a root cause of societal challenges.
  2. Reinventing and rejuvenating communities could be a solution to these challenges.
  3. Consider exploring the theory that reviving community aesthetics can have a positive impact on society.

Self-Censorship

421 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
  1. Self-censorship can be insidious and can happen voluntarily but out of fear or coercion.
  2. Over time, self-censorship can harm the exchange of ideas and stifle creativity in society.
  3. Art and culture can suffer greatly from self-censorship, impacting the richness of human expression and narrative.

A Crisis of Trust

79 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Trust Misinformation Technology AI Ethics
  1. Trust is becoming scarce in our rapidly evolving world, leading to a crisis that affects both our personal lives and society.
  2. The digital age and the advancements in artificial intelligence make it challenging to discern truth from misinformation, posing a threat in how we perceive reality.
  3. In navigating the landscape of distrust, critical thinking is crucial, and seeking out diverse perspectives and reliable sources can help us identify trustworthy sources in a climate of uncertainty.

The Industrial Outrage Complex

149 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Social Issues Activism Society Behavior
  1. Outrage is used to drive engagement and profit in a manipulative way.
  2. Industrial outrage complex thrives on anger by amplifying it through media and political manipulation.
  3. Solution involves being critical of consumed content, slowing down emotional reactions, and engaging thoughtfully to combat outrage culture.

Artists under Tech Censorship

112 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Censorship Digital Platforms
  1. Tech platforms have been de-platforming content creators based on speech, affecting regular individuals as well.
  2. Many artists face financial and professional repercussions when tech companies cut off their services without explanation.
  3. Balancing private company rights with free expression and addressing discrimination in tech censorship is a complex issue that requires more public discourse.

Budapest

89 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Destination Experience Culture Conversation Local produce
  1. Budapest is a familiar and comfortable city with interesting coffee shops and high ceilings.
  2. Hungarians manage to thrive in Budapest despite rising prices and lower salaries.
  3. Having genuine conversations and engaging in meaningful discourse is essential for understanding different perspectives and getting along.

Relinquishing control

84 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Human nature Critical Thinking Ethics Values Leadership
  1. Relinquishing control can lead to blind compliance, which has historically resulted in significant atrocities.
  2. Human nature inclines people to seek charismatic leaders, but it's important to maintain personal identity and critical thinking.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals should develop critical thinking skills, recognize psychological manipulation tactics, and build independence.

What did Elon do?

126 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms Transparency Content Moderation Trust
  1. Users of Substack had issues posting links and engaging with content, mirroring past actions by Elon Musk.
  2. Search bans were placed on accounts and terms, leading to difficulties in accessing Twitter content.
  3. The situation raised questions about transparency, trust in Elon Musk, and the fairness of link restrictions on Twitter.