The Word Merchant

The Word Merchant by Stephen Heins explores environmental impacts, energy policies, and the economic dimensions of renewable versus traditional energy sources. It critically examines green energy initiatives, climate change narratives, and the role of fossil fuels, with an emphasis on factual information and questioning mainstream environmentalist perspectives.

Environmental Impacts of Energy Sources Economic Analysis of Energy Policies Debates on Renewable vs. Traditional Energy Critiques of Climate Change Narratives Political and Economic Influences on Energy Environmental Advocacy and Activism Global Energy Security and Infrastructure Ethical and Human Rights Perspectives on Climate

The hottest Substack posts of The Word Merchant

And their main takeaways

Things Worth Remembering: The Woman Who Captured Russia’s Pain

2949 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💾 History World War II Cold War
  1. The historiography of World War II has shifted to highlight the significant sacrifice on the Eastern front, bringing a more balanced perspective to the contributions of all parties involved.
  2. The opening and closure of Russian archives in the 1990s, along with the translation of Vasily Grossman's works, helped reveal the full extent of the Russian sacrifice during the war.
  3. Russian artists played a crucial role in recording and reflecting the Soviet experience during the Second World War, preserving a vital part of history.

How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer

324 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Arts Writing Intelligence Fiction
  1. Having a background in intelligence can improve writing skills. It helps in understanding complex characters and motivations.
  2. Reading fiction is important for writers. It builds empathy and a deeper understanding of others, which is crucial in storytelling.
  3. The journey from being a special operator to a writer can be surprising, but both roles require strong observation and understanding of human behavior.

A Note from Bari—and Our Best Deal of the Year

92 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📰 News Media Journalism Podcasts Investigations Events Subscriptions Opinion
  1. A strong sense of gratitude for the team and the growing reader community, celebrating how their supporters make the work possible.
  2. A big expansion in content and reach, including new podcasts, columnists, livestreams, an app, live events, major investigations, and a partnership to reach more people.
  3. A direct call to become a paid subscriber with a limited 25% off first-year offer (and a gift option), framed as a way to join a large community committed to plain-speaking journalism.

The Right to Laugh: A Free Press Celebration of America

41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
  1. A live stand-up event in New York will mark America's 250th with comedians who both toast and roast the country, hosted by Judy Gold and featuring acts like Colin Quinn.
  2. The night closes with a frank roundtable led by Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman where comics will unpack free speech, cancel culture, and why comedy clubs remain places where disagreement is tolerated and funny.
  3. Paid subscribers get presale ticket access before general sale, and the show is expected to sell out quickly, so early purchase is advised.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Accept Donald Trump

1270 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
  1. It's important to let go of negative feelings about the past election. Holding onto anger can hurt your health.
  2. No matter how much you disagree with Trump's words or actions, the election results are final.
  3. Focus on constructive conversations and respectful debates rather than personal attacks or negativity.
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My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Leadership
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.

Salman Rushdie Faces His Alleged Attacker

876 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Crime Free speech Cultural Conflict Media
  1. Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage and suffered serious injuries, including being stabbed 15 times. This attack left him with partial use of his left hand and loss of vision in his right eye.
  2. During the trial, Rushdie detailed his experience and shared the painful reality of his injuries with the jury. He displayed his glasses to show the effects of the attack on his eye.
  3. The key question in the trial is whether his attacker acted alone or as part of a larger agenda connected to Iran. This raises important discussions about the motivations behind such violent actions.

What Ukraine Is Teaching Worcester, Massachusetts

278 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🌐 International Diplomacy Conflict Humanitarian Government Partnerships
  1. U.S. cities like Worcester are learning disaster relief strategies from Kherson, Ukraine, instead of just providing aid. This reverse exchange highlights valuable lessons in emergency management.
  2. The partnership between Kherson and Worcester has expanded beyond just emergency relief. They've started sharing knowledge in areas like healthcare and veteran services.
  3. Despite Kherson being in a war zone, the collaboration shows how cities can support each other creatively. Even in tough conditions, they find ways to share impactful solutions.

Amanda Knox: Watching Gypsy Rose

2916 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture True Crime
  1. Gypsy Rose Blanchard's case has become a huge industry in the true crime world.
  2. Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, the mother of Gypsy Rose, faced significant consequences.
  3. There is popular subscription-based content available on this topic.

Memo to Trump: Beware the ‘Reverse Teddy’

908 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Political strategy Elections
  1. Trump's recent actions have shown strength in dealing with issues in Latin America, but it may come at the cost of ignoring global concerns.
  2. In his first term, Trump managed to maintain a strong presence in Europe and Asia, avoiding new conflicts and making significant deals.
  3. There are worries that in his second term, Trump might focus too much on the Western Hemisphere and neglect vital international relationships.

Will AI Erotica Make Us Less Lonely, or More?

92 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology AI Platforms Ethics Mental health
  1. People can now build highly customizable AI companions and steer interactive erotic stories by feeding prompts and flipping an NSFW switch.
  2. These platforms can scale extremely fast and attract millions of users, showing strong demand for virtual intimacy.
  3. The technology promises to fight loneliness but also raises ethical and social concerns, since virtual relationships might deepen isolation or enable troubling fantasies involving vulnerable people.

Trump Just Handed China the Tools to Beat America in AI

292 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Technology Economics International relations
  1. Lifting the ban on exporting advanced AI chips to China could allow them to catch up in technology and military power. This is a concern for America's global standing.
  2. The U.S. government may profit from the sale of these chips by taking a percentage of the revenue, contradicting the original purpose of the export ban aimed at national security.
  3. Access to advanced AI chips has been crucial for China's AI development, and easing restrictions will likely help them close the gap with the U.S. in artificial intelligence.

The Weedkiller Tearing Apart Trump’s Coalition

273 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Health Environment Government
  1. Glyphosate is a controversial herbicide that some believe causes cancer, but farmers find it essential for their work. This shows the clash between health concerns and agricultural needs.
  2. The Trump administration struggles to balance the differing demands of its supporters, leading to many flip-flops in policy. This highlights the challenges of governing a diverse coalition.
  3. A new commission led by RFK Jr. may backtrack on plans to challenge glyphosate, reflecting the tension between public health ambitions and agricultural realities.

Kemi Badenoch: How Liberalism Got Hacked

1085 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Freedom Ideology Governance Social Policy
  1. Liberalism is in danger due to the rise of authoritarian ideologies. It's important to protect classic liberal values like free speech and free markets.
  2. Personal experiences with poverty can highlight the importance of freedom and choice in society. Witnessing life under oppressive government helps people appreciate these values.
  3. Classic liberal principles such as equality under the law and the presumption of innocence are essential for a healthy society. These principles are currently being threatened.

How British Abortion Advocates Overplayed Their Hand

412 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Legislation Feminism Human Rights Political strategy
  1. British lawmakers recently voted to decriminalize abortion until birth, a big change for the country's abortion laws. Supporters believe this will enhance reproductive rights and prevent women from facing criminal investigations after ending a pregnancy.
  2. Some feminists are worried that pushing for such extreme changes might lead to a backlash against abortion rights. They think it's important to find a balance and not go too far too fast, which could hurt the movement.
  3. A proposed amendment aimed to establish abortion as a human right and remove almost all regulations. However, many critics argue that this could create more problems than solutions.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘I Built the Railroads Under Someone Else’s Whip’

2587 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Speeches
  1. Aristotle identified three types of rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos focuses on the speaker's credibility.
  2. In a debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley, Baldwin's credibility and controlled mastery of his subject gave him a significant advantage.
  3. The civil rights movement context and Baldwin's strong rhetorical skills were key factors in his compelling argument.

Will Trump Learn from the Epstein Affair?

338 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. Trump had a good start to July 2025 with military successes and legislation but faced unexpected challenges with the Epstein case.
  2. The announcement about Epstein stirred controversy within Trump's administration and among his supporters, leading to divided opinions.
  3. Ultimately, Trump managed to regain control of the narrative by uniting his followers against the media and Democrats, demonstrating his influence over his base.

How Much Can Trump Change with the Stroke of His Pen?

913 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Legal issues Presidential Power Immigration Policy
  1. Trump signed a lot of executive orders on his first day, more than any other recent president. This shows he wants to make quick changes.
  2. His orders included controversial topics like pardoning people from the Capitol riot and changing birthright citizenship rules. These decisions could cause legal challenges.
  3. Experts are questioning whether he can really change long-standing laws with executive orders. It raises important legal debates about presidential power.

Sly Stone: Funk Revolutionary

445 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎶 Music Influence Culture History Innovation
  1. Sly Stone was a unique artist who combined innovation with commercial success. He and his band, Sly and the Family Stone, were able to create popular music while also changing the cultural landscape.
  2. Their songs, like 'Everyday People' and 'Dance to the Music', were not just catchy; they were important messages promoting unity and breaking down racial barriers.
  3. Sly Stone's influence extended far beyond his time, inspiring many musicians from different genres and generations.

Nobody Votes for Podcasters

347 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Some people think Trump has turned his back on the working-class voters who supported him. They feel he hasn't kept important promises, especially on immigration and social policies.
  2. Critics say that Trump's recent actions, like supporting Israel and changing tax policies, align more with traditional Republican ideas than the 'America First' approach he campaigned on.
  3. These opinions about Trump's betrayal show a misunderstanding of today's political landscape in America, where many factors come into play beyond just promises made during a campaign.

The Backlash in Deep-Blue America

2508 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Candidates Polls
  1. One in ten 2020 Biden voters now support Donald Trump, indicating trouble for Biden's reelection bid.
  2. Progressive places like San Francisco and Oregon are embracing law-and-order policies, signaling a shift towards 'common sense' approaches.
  3. Conservatives are gaining ground in political fights in deep-blue areas like Washington, D.C., New York, and California, reflecting a broader conservative backlash.

Polio Ravaged My Family. Forget Its Horror at Your Peril.

1052 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Legislation Activism Family Health
  1. The polio vaccine has been very successful in the U.S., with no new cases since 1979. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.
  2. Polio had a devastating impact on families, as seen in personal stories of loss. Such experiences highlight the real dangers of the disease before the vaccine.
  3. There are concerns about vaccine skepticism today, especially with influential figures promoting misinformation. It's crucial to remember the history of diseases like polio and the importance of vaccination.

Things Worth Remembering: The Art of Nostalgia

2810 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Nostalgia Art
  1. It's common for people to look back nostalgically, especially during difficult times, but it's important to be wary of falling into the nostalgia trap by selectively remembering only the good.
  2. Resisting the nostalgia trap becomes even more challenging when reflecting on one's childhood or early adulthood.
  3. Philip Larkin's ability to find special meaning in the past and turn it into art highlights the value of interpreting our memories creatively.

Matti Friedman: The Family that Never Came Home

788 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events International relations Human Rights Media Social Issues
  1. A family from Israel faced a tragic loss, as the husband returned home alive but his wife and two children did not. Their deaths shocked the community, making it hard for people to accept the reality at first.
  2. On a certain day, masked individuals displayed four coffins at a ceremony in Gaza, while Israeli TV chose to show happy pictures of the deceased taken before the conflict. This highlights the stark difference in how narratives are presented in media.
  3. The piece reflects on the emotional impact of loss during war and how it can affect families, leading to deep sorrow and disbelief among their loved ones.

The Polls Scream Mamdani, But Cuomo Won’t Quit

347 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political trends Polls Campaigns Candidates
  1. Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls for the New York City mayoral race. A recent poll shows him far ahead of Andrew Cuomo.
  2. Andrew Cuomo, despite his past as governor, is struggling in this election. Many believe he should reconsider his candidacy.
  3. The election is shaping up to be favorable for Mamdani, highlighting a shift in voter preferences toward more progressive candidates.

Did Trump Just End a War—or Start One?

403 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Trump administration International relations Political Commentary
  1. There's a lot of discussion about whether recent military actions will bring peace or create more conflict. People have mixed feelings about it.
  2. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from joy to anger, as many express their political views on these developments.
  3. It’s unclear what the long-term effects of this situation will be. Even officials might not fully understand what's happening right now.

Natan Sharansky: A President’s Words Saved Me in the Gulag

779 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Words from leaders can have a big impact, like how Reagan's words helped people in the Soviet Union. They find hope in support from powerful figures.
  2. Trump's comments about Ukraine's president being illegitimate mirror dangerous propaganda, which is concerning. It shows a shift away from supporting freedom against oppression.
  3. Political prisoners in Russia today might feel abandoned without clear support from American leadership. Having an ally is crucial for their morale and hope.

Could ‘Hamilton’ Be Made Today?

259 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Music Politics Art History
  1. The musical 'Hamilton' is seen as a reflection of a specific cultural moment in America, particularly its significance between 2009 and 2017.
  2. Events like the White House Poetry Jam in 2009 highlight how art and music can inspire hope and action.
  3. Current political changes make the enthusiasm around 'Hamilton' and similar artistic expressions feel like a thing of the past.

Free Press Investigations Get Results

2735 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Gaza Conflict Foreign influence Academic Freedom
  1. DEI initiatives are being scaled back and in some cases shut down in various states, leading to significant reform efforts in higher education
  2. An imam in Gaza who was kidnapped by Hamas was successfully released due to public pressure and challenges to Hamas' legitimacy
  3. A New York City school apologized for removing Israel from a map, sparking discussions on bias, hate, antisemitism, and foreign influence in education

Night Falls in Venezuela

918 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Democracy Elections Latin America Authoritarianism
  1. Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for a third term as president of Venezuela, despite accusations of a stolen election. Many Venezuelans protested, but the government responded with prison sentences for opponents.
  2. María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure, was briefly released from detention, sparking some hope for change. However, the overall situation remains dark and uncertain.
  3. Recent protests against Maduro were weaker compared to previous years, and important opposition leaders like Edmundo González Urrutia are still in exile. This gives a gloomy outlook for the future of democracy in Venezuela.

Stop Saying Dating Is Terrible

1150 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
  1. Dating can be filled with awkward and funny experiences that everyone can relate to. It’s often these mishaps that lead to great stories and memories.
  2. Sharing dating horror stories can help people bond and realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Many people have cringe-worthy moments they can laugh about together.
  3. Despite the ups and downs of dating, these experiences often bring people closer and can lead to happier endings in relationships. Embracing the messiness can make love stories even more special.

Michael Shermer LIVE with Coleman Hughes!

32 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Skepticism Logic Political Philosophy Public Discourse
  1. Experts will explore how skepticism, evidence, and reason help us tell truth from falsehood amid conspiracy theories, deepfakes, and post-truth politics.
  2. There’s an intimate live conversation and a casual post-show meetup in New York where attendees can ask questions and argue in good faith.
  3. Access is limited and behind a paywall — paid subscribers get exclusive presale ticket access, and there are monthly and annual subscription options.

We’re Not Ready for the AI Power Surge

426 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Energy Data Infrastructure Innovation
  1. The rapid growth of AI technology is increasing the demand for energy, which may strain the current power grid in America.
  2. New AI models are becoming more powerful, and their popularity is likely to lead to even higher energy consumption as usage increases.
  3. Some experts express concern about the future energy needs for AI, while others believe the impact on electricity usage per query is low.

If Berkeley Wants to Protect Free Speech It Will Expel Its Rioters

2453 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Violence Academic Freedom Civil Discourse
  1. Violence should not be tolerated on college campuses as it undermines the principles of free speech and debate.
  2. Consequences must be implemented for those who engage in violent behavior or disrupt events on campus.
  3. Universities must actively defend free speech and academic freedom while maintaining zero tolerance for violence.

This Week in Canada: Don’t Try to Say No to a Land Acknowledgment

421 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Immigration Environment Mining International relations
  1. A Canadian company is trying to lead the U.S. in deep-sea mining, which could provide important minerals for technology like phones and electric cars.
  2. The U.S. government is looking to change rules that made deep-sea mining difficult since 1982, pushing to take advantage of these resources quickly.
  3. There is a debate around the idea of land acknowledgments in Canada, highlighting differing views on their importance and impact.

The Tulsi Gabbard Smears Are Unfounded, Unfair, and Unhelpful

1071 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard often focuses on her views about foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. It's important to discuss her ideas rather than question her motives.
  2. Some political figures label Gabbard as a Russian asset without strong evidence, which can seem unfair and extreme. This kind of labeling can distract from actual discussions about her policies.
  3. Gabbard's past statements about diplomacy with tyrants have raised eyebrows. Many feel that during times of aggression, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, strong responses are necessary rather than calls for neutrality.

The Truth About Banned Books

2694 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. The issue of book bans in schools is more complex than portrayed by the media, with concerns of one-sided narratives rather than outright bans being highlighted.
  2. School libraries in the US often lack books offering diverse viewpoints, with higher availability of books promoting progressive ideas compared to conservative ones.
  3. Access to a variety of viewpoints is crucial for fostering critical thinking and understanding different perspectives among students, helping bridge societal divides.

The Rule of Law After the Vibe Shift

765 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Constitutional Law Political criticism Judicial system Federal Government
  1. Trump is using a lot of executive orders to make changes quickly, without waiting for new laws, which has sparked debate about his respect for the Constitution.
  2. Some people worry that Trump's harsh criticism of judges who don’t agree with him could hurt the fairness of the courts and lead to bigger legal issues.
  3. A controversial move, like the DOJ dismissing charges against a public figure, might be legal, but it raised eyebrows because it broke traditional rules of how the justice system usually operates.