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

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.

Recommended Reading, Part II: Anthrophysiocracy

1040 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Political Ideologies Genetics
  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 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.
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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.

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.

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.

Happy Valentine's Day

248 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture
  1. The Tree of Woe celebrates Valentine's Day with the release of the Contemplator and his wife, resulting in a woe-free week.
  2. A depiction of the appearance of St. Valentine is shared in the post.
  3. The focus of the post is to spread happiness and joy for Valentine's Day with no room for sorrow.

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.

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.

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.

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 Theology of the Hypsistarian Church

746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Prayer Morality Monotheism
  1. The Hypsistarian Church focused on monotheistic beliefs in a deity known as God Most High.
  2. Plutarch's writings provide insights into the theological beliefs and practices of the Hypsistarians, drawing connections to ancient monotheistic traditions.
  3. Ancient prayers and inscriptions reveal the reverence and worship of God Most High as the eternal, just, and wise creator of the cosmos.

The Physiocratic Platform: Banking

882 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💰 Finance Banking 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.

Defining Leftism

678 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology History Philosophy
  1. The terms 'Left-wing' and 'Right-wing' originated from the French Revolution seating arrangements, with the radical sitting on the left and the conservative on the right.
  2. Over time, 'Left' became associated with progressive, socialist, and revolutionary ideas advocating for change and equality, while 'Right' with conservatism and tradition.
  3. Leftism encompasses political ideologies focusing on social equality, aiming to reduce social hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and other factors.