The hottest Substack posts of thestoa

And their main takeaways

Purpose Porn

687 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Purpose Meaning Self-help Critique
  1. Question the notion of having a predefined life purpose.
  2. Living without a defined purpose can lead to a more adventurous life.
  3. Avoid getting caught up in the societal pressure of constantly showcasing a sense of purpose.

Impossible to Possible

786 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Self-help Psychotherapy Spirituality Stoicism Metaphysics
  1. Three popular strategies to respond to the sense of impossibility: self-help, psychotherapeutic, and spiritual.
  2. Beware of bypassing - engaging in good behavior in an escapist way to avoid facing real challenges.
  3. Consider the Stoic Response: do the right thing even if it feels impossible, lacks recognition, or is painful.
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Coach Industrial Complex

727 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Self-help Spirituality Friendship Existentialism
  1. Approach the 'coach industrial complex' with cynicism and criticism due to toxic positivity and overpromising.
  2. There is a market demand for 'space holders' like coaches, therapists, and philosophical counselors.
  3. The coach industrial complex has the potential to improve interpersonal skills and lead to widespread positive regard without the need for paid services.

Unpsyopable

589 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Conspiracy Theories Intellectual humility Critical Thinking
  1. Psyops are techniques used to influence minds with varying degrees of transparency and deception.
  2. In today's world, psychological manipulation is pervasive, and being aware of it is crucial to personal sovereignty.
  3. Engaging in philosophical inquiry can help individuals become less susceptible to psyops and actively construct their reality.

Unscreening

569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mindfulness Digital detox
  1. Establish a power-down ritual to disconnect from screens and be present
  2. Focus on emotional integration and value clarification to address temperance challenges
  3. Consider a less foolish relationship with screens to reduce unconscious impulsiveness

Culture of Criticism

471 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Criticism Creativity Online behavior Friendship Feedback
  1. Creating publicly online may lead to facing criticism, insults, and negative judgments.
  2. Having protocols to handle online criticism is important for emotional well-being and response strategies.
  3. Engaging with constructive criticism and developing a taxonomy of judgmental feedback can aid in intellectual and moral growth.

Temperance Contra Superabundance

471 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Virtue ethics Morality Future Technology
  1. Smith advocates reducing supply chain dependency and cultivating trusted personal networks.
  2. There are two competing futures: the end of superabundance or a techno-capital machine leading to abundance for all.
  3. Temperance is essential regardless of whether the era of superabundance is ending or beginning.

Sensefully Selling Coffee

393 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Entrepreneurship Marketing Philosophy
  1. Creating with a partner can bring about uncertainty but also deeper relational layers.
  2. The concept of a 'source role' in creative projects can lead to clarity and prevent conflicts.
  3. Focusing on the vibes and aesthetics of a product can guide business decisions and create a unique selling experience.

Culture War 2x2

314 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism Judgment Sarcasm Trolling
  1. Establish personal protocols to handle criticism online by nurturing offline friendships and developing a taxonomy of feedback.
  2. Cancellation and online harassment are real and harmful, aiming to cut people off from opportunities and psychological safety.
  3. Engage in snark and trolling online, but be aware of the impact they can have on your ego and be prepared to handle online judgment with resilience.

Private Philosophy > Public Philosophy

294 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Critical Thinking Ethics
  1. Public philosophy is engaging in philosophical discourse with the general public outside of academic environments.
  2. Private philosophy is crucial for nurturing autonomy of thoughts without succumbing to societal pressures.
  3. Balancing private and public philosophy practices is essential for genuine philosophical inquiry.