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 do we care?

51 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
  1. Meeting people dedicated to a cause is fascinating.
  2. Some connections to causes can be quite direct.
  3. Consider subscribing to Random Minds for more content.

9 Reasons Why I'll Never Be President...

37 implied HN points • 04 Sep 22
  1. Being completely transparent with detailed plans as a political candidate can be challenging due to the need for flexibility and broad appeal.
  2. Involvement in a political party may require compromising values to climb the ranks and achieve power, potentially changing one's core beliefs.
  3. Speaking and behaving like a relatable person, rather than a typical politician, can be a barrier in a presidential campaign.

A Forbidden Conversation about Gender Identity with Colin Wright

37 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
  1. The conversation addresses the challenges of openly discussing gender identity topics
  2. The need for civil conversations on challenging topics is emphasized
  3. Encouragement for diverse viewpoints to join the conversation is expressed

Word Misappropriation: DIVERSITY

37 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
  1. Diversity is being redefined to focus more on race and less on a variety of characteristics.
  2. The new definition of diversity can lead to excluding other important aspects of diversity.
  3. It's important to question and discuss what aspects of diversity are prioritized in society.
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Is affirmative action racist or is it necessary?

37 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
  1. Affirmative action is a tradition in education to correct past discrimination by considering race in admissions
  2. There are cases at the U.S. Supreme Court challenging affirmative action programs
  3. Tech companies like Meta, Google, Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, and Apple support affirmative action programs at Harvard

Infodemic: Information Obesity

9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Information obesity is a concerning issue where people are filled with random facts but lack wisdom.
  2. It's important to be mindful of the quality of information we consume.
  3. Wisdom is crucial in navigating the vast amount of information available to us.

Masked

46 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
  1. The post discusses the topic of masks and face coverings.
  2. Masks are highlighted as a temporary escape from current concerns.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access full archives.

"Believe Science"

56 implied HN points • 24 Oct 21
  1. The phrase 'Believe in Science' is being used to shame those who have different viewpoints, particularly on topics like the pandemic.
  2. There is an implication that believing in science should align with the specific version or narrative being presented.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and keep reading more content on the topic.

A Limb & A Moral Dilemma

32 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
  1. A patient's desire to remove a limb can present a moral dilemma in healthcare.
  2. Therapeutic approaches like acceptance or medication may be considered before drastic measures.
  3. Balancing the patient's autonomy and well-being is a complex ethical issue in medical decision-making.

The Media Literacy Project

32 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
  1. Building a media literacy resource for teachers and individuals to analyze media coverage.
  2. Starting on Substack but aiming to expand to a dedicated website with educational tools and resources.
  3. Considering a voluntary certification process to promote greater transparency in journalism.

The Force-Feeding of Language

46 implied HN points • 26 Dec 21
  1. Question why certain words are deemed offensive or inappropriate.
  2. Language should be a personal choice, not dictated by others.
  3. Be mindful of the words you use, but do so because it's your choice, not due to social pressures.

Vaccine Mandates: The Case For & Against

42 implied HN points • 22 Feb 22
  1. The article discusses the case for and against vaccine mandates.
  2. The author does not intend to debate the merits of taking the vaccine.
  3. Readers can access the full post by subscribing for a 7-day free trial.

Deconstructing Beliefs

46 implied HN points • 25 Nov 21
  1. Question the origin of your beliefs and be open to change.
  2. Encourage curiosity in others by asking thought-provoking questions.
  3. Challenge yourself to consider alternative perspectives and sources of information.

The Random Minds YouTube Channel

28 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. The Random Minds YouTube Channel by Katherine Brodsky offers podcast-style conversations in addition to Substack mini-essays.
  2. You can subscribe to Random Minds for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.
  3. Paid subscribers can sign in to access content on the Random Minds Substack.

Unconscious Bias: Can you read my mind?

28 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. Unconscious biases are hard to detect because they operate without awareness.
  2. It's important to reflect on personal biases but also acknowledge that true understanding of one's mind lies within the individual.
  3. Training on unconscious bias can sometimes lead to tension and inauthentic interactions, highlighting a need for better approaches to addressing biases.

What do Russians think of the war

37 implied HN points • 12 Mar 22
  1. The article discusses what Russians think of the war
  2. The post is by Katherine Brodsky
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to read more

Should billionaires exist?

32 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
  1. The post discusses the issue of billionaires' existence.
  2. Elon Musk's recent acquisitions and plans for Twitter sparked public outrage.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access the full archives.

Falsifying Consensus

42 implied HN points • 07 Nov 21
  1. Consensus can be manipulated and falsified, affecting how we perceive the world.
  2. Media and governments use propaganda tactics to sway public opinion.
  3. Question consensus, seek diverse opinions, and be critical of presented 'truth'.

Doubt

28 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
  1. The author is struggling with doubt when writing about controversial topics.
  2. Specific topics like Roe vs. Wade and gun rights have been challenging to tackle.
  3. Consider subscribing to Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky for more content like this.

Retail Therapy—Don't Trust the Reviews

23 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
  1. Retail therapy can be misleading due to untrustworthy reviews.
  2. Consider the source when reading reviews for products or services.
  3. Personal experiences and research may provide more reliable insights than online reviews.

The question that runs my life.

46 implied HN points • 20 Jul 21
  1. Always ask yourself: What's useful?
  2. Consider your goal and audience to determine the best approach in any situation.
  3. Engage with others by connecting on a human level and exchanging ideas for a more productive dialogue.

My Bully and Me

37 implied HN points • 15 Dec 21
  1. The author reflects on past experiences with bullies and finding it easier to open up over time.
  2. The post prompts readers to explore embarrassing or uncomfortable aspects of their own past.
  3. The author invites readers to subscribe for more content and access to full post archives.

I Dream of (Better) Journalism

37 implied HN points • 07 Dec 21
  1. Journalism should be fact-driven, critical, and nonpartisan.
  2. Opinions should be clearly labeled and separated from news coverage.
  3. Journalistic content should prioritize truth above all else, and avoid influence from external players.

On Learning to Drive (and Trust)

28 implied HN points • 25 May 22
  1. Overcoming fear is key to learning and growth.
  2. Trusting strangers while driving is a common yet intense act.
  3. Taking risks, like driving, can lead to personal growth and new experiences.

Our Modern State of Narcissism

37 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
  1. The post discusses the modern state of narcissism
  2. The author references Dr. Nathalie Martinek and their insights on human behavior patterns
  3. Readers are invited to subscribe for more content and a 7-day free trial

Diffusing Difficult Conversations

37 implied HN points • 21 Nov 21
  1. Conflict often arises because people feel unheard and misunderstood, not just due to disagreement.
  2. Find points of agreement, no matter how small, to view your conversational partner as a partner, not opposition.
  3. Use phrases like 'I can see where you're coming from' and focus on what the person is saying, not the person themselves, to diffuse difficult conversations.

Books for Critical Thinkers

28 implied HN points • 06 May 22
  1. Critical thinking is important for society.
  2. Books and people can help develop critical thinking.
  3. Recommendations for critical thinking books include: 'The Double Helix', '48 Laws of Power', and 'How to have Impossible Conversations'.

Disinformation Governance Board or Ministry of Truth?

28 implied HN points • 05 May 22
  1. There is discussion about a Disinformation Governance Board vs. a Ministry of Truth.
  2. The author previously wrote about the White House's efforts against disinformation.
  3. Biden's administration is being discussed in relation to combating disinformation.

How you use AI daily

9 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Consumer
  1. Consult with AI to explore what's possible for the average consumer
  2. Utilize Google Maps for AI functionalities
  3. Subscribe to Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky for more insights

A Lesson from Tom Sawyer

28 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
  1. The post discusses the author's childhood experiences in Israel.
  2. The author reflects on the historical context of living in Israel.
  3. The post prompts readers to subscribe for more content and a free trial period.

Word Misappropriation: ANTI-VAXXER

32 implied HN points • 12 Dec 21
  1. The definition of 'anti-vaxxer' has evolved to include those against mandatory vaccinations, not just vaccines in general.
  2. Categorizing all vaccine skeptics as 'anti-vaxxers' erases nuance and diverse opinions.
  3. Labeling individuals as 'anti-vaxxers' may be a tactic to shut down critical discourse.

How to Build a Fountain of Youth

28 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
  1. The article is about building a fountain of youth.
  2. The author offers a 7-day free trial for further reading.
  3. The post includes sensory descriptions like the smell of grass and the feeling of a summer storm.

The Chants of the Freedom Convoy

28 implied HN points • 09 Feb 22
  1. People in Canada and Europe are protesting lockdowns, restrictions, and vaccine mandates.
  2. The Freedom Convoy movement shows a group feeling ignored and unheard.
  3. The protests are driven by a sense of awakening and dissatisfaction with the government.

Apology Culture and the New Flagellants

37 implied HN points • 12 Jul 21
  1. The best apology is to do better moving forward.
  2. There is a culture centered around making apologies.
  3. Apologies can take different forms like tweets, statements, and media appearances.

Thank you!

28 implied HN points • 21 Dec 21
  1. The author is expressing gratitude for support from paid members as the year ends.
  2. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.
  3. Paid subscribers can sign in to continue reading content.

An Ode to Curiosity

32 implied HN points • 12 Sep 21
  1. Curiosity drives scientific discoveries and technological innovations.
  2. Curiosity leads to more meaningful relationships and openness to new ideas.
  3. Maintaining curiosity like a child can lead to continuous learning and growth.

The Justin Amash Podcast

23 implied HN points • 02 Apr 22
  1. The post is about a podcast episode featuring Justin Amash, a former member of Congress.
  2. The guest speaker discusses various topics including trouble recognizing faces.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Random Minds for a 7-day free trial to access the full archives.

Narcissism, Con Artists, Anna Delvey and The Tinder Swindler

23 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
  1. The video discusses narcissism, con artists, Anna Delvey, and The Tinder Swindler.
  2. Dr. Nathalie Martinek, known as the 'narcissism hacker' is featured in the video.
  3. To access the full video and archives, a 7-day free trial subscription is offered.