Square Circle

Square Circle delves into spirituality, philosophy, ethics, and the search for enlightenment through a critical yet introspective lens. It challenges conventional beliefs by examining the multifaceted nature of truth, the limitations of scientific rationality, and the importance of integrating diverse viewpoints. The Substack also explores modernity's conflicts, cultural narratives, and the quest for a higher moral understanding.

Spirituality Philosophy Ethics Enlightenment Modernity Cultural Narratives Art and Expression Consciousness

The hottest Substack posts of Square Circle

And their main takeaways

What a Bird Should Look Like

7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Philosophy Psychology Personal Growth
  1. People often change themselves to fit what others expect, which can be unconscious. It's a common struggle that nearly everyone faces at some point.
  2. We also tend to judge and reject others who don't meet our expectations. This can teach us to accept both ourselves and others more fully.
  3. Lastly, we may want reality to match our ideals, leading to disappointment. It's important to recognize and accept the world as it really is, flaws and all.

Don't be a spiritual nerd

3 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Self-reflection Mindfulness Metaphysics
  1. Being overly obsessed with spirituality can lead to an imbalance in your life. It's important to keep a healthy perspective and not let it consume all your attention.
  2. Spirituality should be approached with a sense of balance, not just as an academic or nerdy pursuit. Finding real-world connections can enhance your spiritual journey.
  3. It's okay to step away from spiritual obsessiveness and focus on being present in the world. Real growth often comes from being firmly grounded in everyday life.

The Era of Truth is Coming

7 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Ethics Ontology
  1. Many people think big changes are coming in the 21st century, including climate problems and advances in AI. But things might just go on pretty much as they have been for a while.
  2. Some believe we are in a dark time that will eventually lead to a new era, called the Era of Truth, where better things can emerge. This could involve major breakthroughs in technology or a return to simpler, more human ways of living.
  3. The future is uncertain, and there are various possibilities. We might see a technological renaissance, an end to our current ways of life, or simply a continuation of the status quo.

Paradise In A Rotted Apple

7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Personal Reflection Human experience
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  3. Cto,hond,oryb,orbthSnot,ydynIn,othndonyd,or,imOnong,tFor,or,gwith,
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We Have Never Seen Jesus

18 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Beliefs God Silence
  1. Jesus was a significant figure with diverse impacts on society and culture over 2000 years.
  2. Depictions of Jesus in art often omit certain aspects of his character, such as smiling or laughing.
  3. The story of Jesus challenges traditional views and rules, emphasizing the limitations of words and rules in understanding spirituality.

The Truth Is Literally A Vibe

11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Truth Intuition Reality
  1. Philosophy often starts with an 'itch' that something is wrong and needs to be explored further.
  2. Truth can evoke both good and bad 'vibes', making it multifaceted and not purely subjective.
  3. Acknowledging and facing truths, even when they bring bad vibes, is essential for understanding reality and making ethical choices.

Josef Mengele Broke Reality

11 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Reality Ethics Human nature Morality
  1. Josef Mengele committed horrifying acts of evil in the name of 'research'.
  2. Mengele's actions defy naturalistic explanations, showing depth of evil beyond the physical world.
  3. His atrocities challenge us to confront the existence of metaphysical evil and the need for a higher moral elevation.

A Cage For Your Head

11 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Science Art Reason Truth
  1. The world can be seen as an encounter with God in various aspects of life.
  2. The scientific viewpoint can act as a restriction or a 'cage' for understanding truth, but is necessary for certain insights.
  3. Truth is a multifaceted concept found in science, religion, art, philosophy, and more, and engaging with diverse viewpoints can lead to a deeper understanding.

The Mole

7 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📖 Philosophy Religion Reason Spirituality Atheism Mysticism
  1. Moles adapt to live underground, losing some abilities in exchange. This can be compared to different beliefs about spirituality and religion.
  2. The contrast between science/reason and mysticism/spirituality is explored, questioning the idea of only affirming one over the other.
  3. The text encourages embracing both the 'sunshine' of reason and the 'moonshine' of spirituality, suggesting there is value in both perspectives.

The Trap, the Rocket

3 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem called 'The Trap, the Rocket.'
  2. The poem explores concepts of freedom and regret in a unique way.
  3. The author encourages sharing of the poem using social media platforms.

Consciousness, the Skeleton Key

2 HN points • 31 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Dualism Idealism
  1. Physicalism argues that only the physical exists, but falls apart when trying to explain consciousness.
  2. Eliminativism denies the existence of consciousness, but faces challenges in explaining basic human experiences.
  3. Dualism suggests the presence of both mental and physical realms, yet struggles to explain how they interact.