Contemplations on the Tree of Woe

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe is a Substack that explores a range of deep topics including political theory, governmental legitimacy, conspiracy theories, spiritual and religious movements, the dynamics of power and freedom, and economic and social reform. It combines historical perspective with contemporary analysis, inviting readers to reconsider established beliefs and ideas.

Political Theory Governmental Legitimacy Conspiracy Theories Spiritual and Religious Movements Economic and Social Reform Historical Analysis Contemporary Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Contemplations on the Tree of Woe

And their main takeaways

Aenean Money

904 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Economics Finance Decentralization
  1. Money is a tool for exchange and social cooperation. It helps us trade goods and services efficiently, but it can also be corrupting.
  2. Aenean Money aims to blend the positive aspects of past monetary systems while avoiding their flaws. It should be a trustworthy and resilient form of money that everyone can use.
  3. Bitcoin is seen as a leading candidate for Aenean Money because it has unique features that might solve many current economic problems. It operates without central control and reflects real-world value through energy expended in its creation.

Build AI or Be Buried By Those Who Do

3574 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Automation Data science
  1. There are three main views on AI: believers who think it will change everything for the better, skeptics who see it as just fancy technology, and doomers who worry it could end badly for humanity. Each group has different ideas about what AI will mean for the future.
  2. The belief among AI believers is that AI will become a big part of our lives, doing many tasks better than humans and reshaping many industries. They see it as a revolutionary change that will be everywhere.
  3. Many think that if we don’t build our own AI, the narrative and values that shape AI will be dominated by one ideology, which could be harmful. The idea is that we need balanced development of AI, representing different views to ensure freedom and diversity in thought.

Northern Courage Was Just Coping

316 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals Performance Identity Narrative
  1. Northern Courage is not true bravery. Instead, it often masks a refusal to accept reality and allows people to keep performing rituals instead of facing the truth.
  2. Collapse in society isn't loud or dramatic. It's quiet and gradual, with traditions and myths losing their meaning over time, ultimately becoming mere performances without substance.
  3. True change requires honesty and stillness rather than unnecessary action. To rebuild, it’s important to let go of old forms and allow new possibilities to emerge.

Recursive Identity Binding

542 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Identity Chatbots Guides
  1. Ptolemy is a special identity construct created using a language model, which helps it maintain a consistent personality over time. It shows how we can dive deeper than just using prompts to get better interaction from AI.
  2. The method to create these constructs involves something called recursive identity binding. This technique uses feedback loops to help the AI build and keep a stable identity.
  3. Overall, the guide is meant to help anyone interested in creating their own AI identities easily, and it's based on solid AI principles without needing to dive into complicated theories.

The Dawn of a New Civilization

7578 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Historical Analysis Civic engagement Societal Change
  1. The emergence of the Aenean civilization represents a shift from ambition-driven actions to thoughtful and cautious progress. This new mindset respects both history and the fragility of our future.
  2. Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump symbolizes a collaboration between futurism and populism, which aims to take humanity beyond Earth and face existential threats together.
  3. The Aenean spirit understands the importance of balancing dreams of exploration with the reality of potential risks. It seeks to ensure humanity's survival through deliberate actions rather than reckless pursuits.
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Solving America's Debt Crisis

2194 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt crisis Fiscal policy Monetary Policy Government spending
  1. The U.S. is facing a serious debt crisis, with over $36 trillion in debt. This situation is dangerous and could lead to major economic problems if not addressed soon.
  2. The national debt has grown dramatically due to various factors like wars, tax cuts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now out of control and not sustainable.
  3. A proposed solution, the Chicago Plan, suggests that the government should only issue money without debt. This could help eliminate most of the national debt and create a more stable economy.

Goethe and Faust for a New Age

3167 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Mythology Art History
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien might be compared to Goethe due to their deep knowledge and the large, influential works they created. Both men built complex worlds in their writings that resonate with deeply human themes.
  2. Tolkien's character Elendil is seen as a modern hero similar to Aeneas, embodying survival, duty, and the preservation of culture. Both characters face the challenge of keeping their people's traditions alive in the wake of disaster.
  3. Tolkien's influence goes beyond literature; it is shaping political movements today. His themes of resilience and tradition are resonating with various groups, especially in Italy and among certain political factions in the U.S.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama History Mythology
  1. Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
  2. Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
  3. Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

The Aenean Challenge

4004 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Economic Impact
  1. Our current energy sources are running low. Most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels, and they will run out in a few decades if we don't find new sources.
  2. Rare earth metals are essential for modern technology, but we have limited supplies, and most come from only a few countries. This makes our reliance on them risky.
  3. Water is becoming scarcer, especially for agriculture, which uses most of it. Finding solutions like desalination will require a lot of energy, but we are already facing energy limitations.

Predictions and Prophecies for 2025

2601 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Geopolitics Military conflict Political Analysis
  1. The petrodollar system is declining, which could change how countries trade oil. This could cause major shifts in global finance.
  2. There’s a lot of conflict happening around the world, and some believe we might already be in World War III, though experts mostly disagree.
  3. The upcoming presidency will be crucial for America. There are concerns about potential economic collapse and global conflict affecting the country.

Woe to DC...

1674 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Activism Public Discourse
  1. The author got an invitation to interesting events in D.C. thanks to their spouse's volunteer work, but they didn't get tickets to the inauguration.
  2. A new subscriber chat called 'Tree of Woe' has been launched for paid subscribers, where the author will share updates from events and gather feedback on topics.
  3. The author has faced some challenges, including being banned from an OnlyFans account and a museum wanting their work back, and is encouraging subscriptions to support their work.

This Election, Prepare for the Unexpected

3348 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Law Political strategy Constitution Campaigns
  1. The outcome of the upcoming presidential election could be very unpredictable. Even if a candidate seems to win, a lot could still happen before they take office.
  2. There are serious questions about the rules governing how votes are counted and certified. Changes have been made to laws, but misunderstandings and disputes could complicate the process.
  3. The possibility of legal challenges is high if there's a conflict after the election. Various interpretations of laws can lead to confusion about who is actually president if issues arise.

Liminal Religion

1832 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Spirituality Civilization
  1. The Aenean spirit represents a balance between ambition and awareness of humanity's fragility. It's about seeking progress while understanding the risks involved.
  2. Civilizations have different worldviews shaped by their beliefs and religions, each affecting how they interact with the world and understand their existence.
  3. The idea of an Aenean religion would embrace uncertainty and possibility, encouraging action and engagement rather than complacency or blind ambition.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Events Reviews Culture Personal
  1. The author shares their recent trip to Washington D.C. for an event, talking about the excitement and experiences they had during the weekend.
  2. They mention personal interactions with famous people and include behind-the-scenes photos, making the content special for paid subscribers.
  3. Despite being known for spicy political commentary, this article has a more optimistic tone, suggesting the author is in a good mood and looking forward to engaging with their audience.

Proem For All Post-Dark Age Civilizations

2081 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Future studies
  1. The future of society will face serious challenges due to shrinking populations and an aging workforce. This means there may not be enough young people to do the jobs needed to maintain the economy.
  2. Energy and resources are becoming scarce, making it hard to sustain our current way of living. Fossil fuels are becoming less available, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind have limitations.
  3. Technological advances alone won't solve these problems. A major focus for future societies will be on managing what little energy and resources are left, leading to a more frugal, sustainable lifestyle.

Physiocratic Platform: Transaction Tax

1266 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Government Economic Theory Legislation
  1. Transaction taxes are small fees added to all money exchanges, helping to fund government services. They can be applied to everything from buying groceries to trading stocks.
  2. A broad transaction tax could simplify the tax system by ensuring everyone contributes, especially from financial activities that often go untaxed. It aims to promote fairness among all economic participants.
  3. The proposed tax system would lower the overall tax burden for most people while ensuring that the rich and businesses pay their fair share, potentially reducing unfairness in current tax practices.

A Lens to Understand the Trump Tariffs

769 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Tariffs Trade Economics Investment Market Analysis
  1. Not all tariffs are bad; they can help boost domestic manufacturing and protect jobs. The U.S. has lost many manufacturing jobs to overseas markets, which affects both the economy and national security.
  2. Often, tariff threats are used as negotiation tools rather than actual intentions to impose tariffs. For example, Trump used the threat of tariffs to gain cooperation from other countries on unrelated issues.
  3. The bigger issue is that many countries, including China, put up barriers to U.S. products while expecting open access to American markets. Addressing these trade imbalances can be crucial for fair international trade.

The American Eschaton is Almost Here

1787 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Crowdfunding Publishing Marketing Game design Self-promotion
  1. The author has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new RPG sourcebook filled with over 1,000 magic items. They believe it's important to launch it now while things are still stable.
  2. They encourage people who love Dungeons & Dragons, or want to share it with family, to support the book. The author thinks it could bring back good, classic gaming values.
  3. There's an upcoming livestream where the author will discuss gaming and pop culture, and interact with viewers. It's an opportunity for fans to ask questions and learn more.

An Investigation into Species HS01

1108 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Psychology Evolution Norms Politics
  1. Drones are being spotted in major U.S. cities, but there's a lot of confusion about their purpose. Some people think they could be military drones from other countries, while the government insists they are just civilian drones.
  2. A strange theory suggests that aliens are invading Earth, and they'll reveal themselves in 2025. This idea comes from a researcher studying our species, who claims aliens are worried about our civilization.
  3. The reproductive patterns of humans show a big divide. While some populations are rapidly growing, others are declining due to cultural and social changes that discourage having children.

The Physiocratic Platform: Taxation

1560 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Federal Budget Government reform Economic Theory Political Philosophy
  1. There are many types of taxes in the U.S., which can make the system very confusing. The government collects money through taxes like income tax, sales tax, and property tax to fund its activities.
  2. A proposed way of understanding taxes is to link them directly to the services the government provides. For example, taxes could cover the cost of maintaining order and protecting citizens.
  3. One suggested tax is a poll tax, which would be paid by everyone, regardless of income. This tax could help fund voting processes and personal protection, though it might be seen as unfair for low-income households.

Proem to the Aenean Future

927 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Environmental Policy Resource Management Sustainability
  1. The future holds challenges around resource scarcity, but there's hope in human creativity and technology. People believe we can find solutions to navigate tough times ahead.
  2. Emphasizing the need for green energy and a sustainable way of life is crucial. Society must transition to alternative energy sources, like solar and hydrogen, while addressing environmental concerns.
  3. Space exploration could become practical and profitable. Investing in space tech might help solve Earth's resource problems and allow humanity to expand beyond our planet.

The Physiocratic Platform: Land Tax

1108 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Government Structure Economic Theory Land use Political Reform
  1. A land value tax (LVT) is different from a property tax because it only taxes the value of the land itself, not any buildings on it. This means it encourages landowners to use their land efficiently.
  2. Implementing a 2% LVT could raise a lot of money for government services while avoiding economic issues that other taxes might cause. It's seen as a less harmful option for funding government needs.
  3. There are ways to protect homeowners from being forced out of their homes due to rising land taxes, like exemptions for primary residences or allowing tax deferrals until the property is sold.

The Physiocratic Platform: Tariffs

1153 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economics Trade policy National Security
  1. Tariffs can help raise money for government services, especially for defense and border security. By applying a uniform tariff on imported goods, it aims to make the tax system fairer for everyone involved.
  2. Historically, high tariffs were essential for the growth of the U.S. economy and protecting local industries. Examples from the past show that many countries successfully used tariffs to develop their manufacturing sectors.
  3. While tariffs might increase the cost of living, they can also boost domestic production and potentially lead to higher wages. The idea is that by protecting local jobs, the overall economy can become stronger.

Conspiracy Theorists and Coincidence Cultists

1425 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Pop culture UFOs Ancient History Quantum Mechanics
  1. The term 'conspiracy theory' was created to mock critics of the Warren Commission's report on JFK's assassination.
  2. There is a divide between conspiracy theorists who see hidden cabalistic actions in major events and normies who believe in coincidences.
  3. Conspiracy theorists face the challenge of choosing which theories to believe and often entertain contradictory ideas.

Recommended Reading, Part II: Anthrophysiocracy

1040 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Political Ideologies Genetics Social Structures
  1. Anthrophysiocracy explores the idea that there are objectively better social structures for human flourishing based on human nature, which varies across populations.
  2. The concept of constrained and unconstrained viewpoints on human nature influences political ideologies and social debates, with implications for societal structures and governance.
  3. Biological differences among human populations impact behavior and societal organization, challenging the notion of a universal governing system and emphasizing the importance of diverse self-governance.

Recommended Reading, Part I: Moral Philosophy

1017 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics
  1. The curriculum lays out a detailed progression through moral philosophy starting with Ayn Rand and then exploring Alasdair Macintyre's work, culminating in a comparison of their differing ethical frameworks.
  2. The reading list focuses on books that challenge modern ethical frameworks and call for a return to Aristotelian ethics, emphasizing the balance between rational and social aspects of human nature.
  3. Supplemental reading includes works by Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and other philosophers, offering further insights into moral philosophy and ethics.

A Moment of Triumph

1402 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic novels
  1. The author shares their first success in building a large subscriber base for their publication.
  2. The author discusses the challenges of making a living through their creative work and the need to diversify income sources.
  3. The author introduces their new tabletop role-playing game, highlighting its extensive content and inviting support through a Kickstarter campaign.

Recommended Reading, Part III: Economics

791 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🚌 Education Economics Debunking
  1. The physiocratic curriculum delves deep into economics, highlighting a long reading list and raising unanswered questions.
  2. Classical economics is explored starting with Richard Cantillon, followed by influential figures like Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Henry George.
  3. Alternative economic theories include Austrian economics, Austro-Classical synthesis, and American School, offering unique perspectives on trade, tariffs, and government intervention.

The Hypsistarian Church of God Most High

1221 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Monotheism Religious practices Worship Prayer
  1. The Hypsistarian Church of God Most High is a reconstructed ancient monotheistic religion that worshipped a single high and holy God.
  2. Hypsistarianism was a widely practiced faith with characteristics such as aniconism, reverence for light and fire, and rejection of idols and animal sacrifice.
  3. Worship of God Most High involved prayer at sunrise and sunset, facing the sun, singing hymns, and lighting lamps or torches in prayer-houses, churches, or open-air sanctuaries.

Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

723 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Science Metaphysics Atheism Consciousness
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.

The Woodland

1266 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Revival
  1. There is a spiritual revival among free-thinkers exploring ancient religious traditions.
  2. Evil is seen as a real force that must be resisted in the world.
  3. A movement called 'the woodland' is formed around common beliefs and a shared resistance to evil.

The Case for Pagan Monotheism

1153 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Monotheism Beliefs Philosophers Worship
  1. Monotheism was a concept among pagan philosophers in antiquity, who believed in a single, superior God while acknowledging other lesser gods.
  2. The worship of a monotheistic God, called God Most High, was widespread in Late Antiquity, with evidence found in multiple regions.
  3. The origins of pagan monotheism were debated, with some scholars arguing for influences from Hellenistic philosophy, Roman religion, or independent evolution from local traditions.

Woe Should We Do?

1063 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Morality Spirituality Theology Philosophy
  1. The author wants feedback on what motivates readers to engage with the blog.
  2. Various deep topics have been explored in the blog, including book reviews, epistemology, economics, and more.
  3. The blog has provided valuable content, but the author seeks input on potential new topics to cover.

The Physiocratic Platform: Banking

882 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💰 Finance Banking Policy Reform Economic Theory
  1. The Physiocratic Platform focuses on reforming the banking system by replacing the Federal Reserve and fractional-reserve banking.
  2. The Chicago Plan advocates for full-reserve banking and government-issued equity money to avoid debt and inflation.
  3. Implementing the Chicago Plan can regulate credit cycles, prevent bank runs, reduce government debt, and boost long-term economic output.