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The Convivial Society explores the intersection of technology, society, and the human condition, questioning the impact of technological advancement on genuine human connection, the rhythms of life, and our abilities to lead fulfilling lives. It delves into themes of digital distraction, the quest for control versus care, and the value of inefficiency and crookedness in human nature.

Technology and Society Human Connection Artificial Intelligence Mental Health Personal Fulfillment Digital Culture Parenting and Technology Societal Norms and Pressure

The hottest Substack posts of The Convivial Society

And their main takeaways

Audio Versions Are Back

443 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Essays
  1. Audio versions of recent essays are available on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for those who prefer listening over reading.
  2. Consider supporting the author's work through patronage options, including standard rates, student discounts, and permanent 20% off. This support helps sustain the newsletter.
  3. The author shares personal insights, such as literary references and nature photos, alongside updates, creating a more engaging and diverse reading experience for subscribers.

A brief update

403 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📰 News
  1. Regular posting will resume shortly
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only
  3. Author acknowledges absence of posts
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Art of Living

2 HN points • 01 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Life Art Learning Virtue Humanity
  1. Living is an art that involves working creatively within the constraints of our human existence.
  2. Embracing the idea of an 'art of living' emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues and skills rather than seeking quick fixes or hacks for self-improvement.
  3. Modern consumer culture promotes limitless consumption but does not lead to true fulfillment; practicing the 'art of living' involves accepting and celebrating the limits of our embodied existence.

Secularization Comes for the Religion of Technology: Or, how to make sense of techno-optimist manifestos, the Open Ai/Altman affair, EA/e-acc movements, and the general sense of cultural stagnation

2 HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Technology History Culture Religion Society
  1. Secularization has affected the dominant religion of technology, shifting cultural beliefs and values.
  2. The concept of the 'religion of technology' involves a deep entanglement of religious and techno-scientific elements over time.
  3. The religion of technology peaked in the 1939 New York World's Fair, exemplifying a moment of cultural dominance that has since waned.

Vision Con

2 HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Tech news Digital Media Virtual reality Tech Ethics
  1. Apple's release of Vision Pro headset has sparked discussions on the implications of technology on our perception of time and attention.
  2. The debate around using Vision Pro in everyday scenarios raises questions about living as a 'creature' vs. living as a 'machine.'
  3. Embracing fullness of presence and depth of experience in everyday moments may lead to a renewed sense of connection and enchantment with the real world.

Apocalyptic AI

9 HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Technology Philosophy History Religion Art
  1. Thinking cogently and insightfully about AI is a challenge due to its evolving nature and broad use.
  2. AI researchers often feel a responsibility to usher in a new form of intelligence, reminiscent of historical testimonies on technological advancements.
  3. AI is revealing the end of a world as modernity expires and the culture of technological modernity becomes increasingly hostile to the human person.

Render Unto the Machine

3 HN points • 08 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Automation Technology impact Ethics
  1. AI is being used to automate mundane, repetitive tasks that humans have been conforming to in various contexts.
  2. The acceptance of AI displacing humans may stem from a societal trend of deskilling and outsourcing core human competencies.
  3. Encountering genuine human interaction in a world of automated responses and efficiency-driven interactions can be a revitalizing and important experience.

The One Best Way Is a Trap

3 HN points • 22 May 23
🎭️ Culture Tech Society Philosophy Books Media
  1. The pursuit of relentless optimization can lead to a mental health crisis by creating unattainable goals and unsustainable pressures.
  2. Living in a society ordered by the search for the 'one best way' can produce anxiety, fear, compulsiveness, and self-loathing.
  3. Compensatory techniques designed to alleviate the pressure of relentless optimization can themselves succumb to the imperatives of optimization, as seen in digital technologies.