Underconsumed Knowledge

Underconsumed Knowledge explores the depth of human behavior, philosophy, politics, and societal trends, delving into how beliefs, biases, and societal structures shape individual and collective actions. It critically examines the influence of knowledge, empathy, ideology, and biological predispositions on decision-making and societal progress.

Human Behavior Philosophy Politics Societal Trends Psychology Decision-Making Ideology Biological Predispositions Knowledge Consumption Social Issues

The hottest Substack posts of Underconsumed Knowledge

And their main takeaways

The Culture of Narcissism (1979) Christopher Lasch

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 21
  1. Author critiques American culture as void of virtue and filled with self-aggrandizement
  2. Narcissism reflects dependence on others to validate self-esteem
  3. Recognition of need for limitations and independence from others is crucial for emotional maturity

Marxism: Philosophy and Economics (1985) Thomas Sowell

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
  1. Marxism emphasizes exploitation of labor and downplays the role of entrepreneurs and innovators.
  2. The evolution to a planned 'conscious' economy was a desire, but Marx did not provide a clear blueprint for achieving it.
  3. Marx's totalitarian and authoritarian leanings were evident in some of his writings, despite his vision for a workers' movement to bring about change gradually.

Knowledge And Decisions (1980) Thomas Sowell

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
  1. Knowledge can be acquired in various ways, not just through traditional beliefs or reasoning.
  2. Decisions involve trade-offs and can have long-lasting consequences.
  3. The role of culture, government, and individual decisions in shaping society and economic systems.

A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles (1987) Thomas Sowell

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
  1. Humans are influenced by different ideological visions: constrained vision focuses on tradeoffs within human nature, while unconstrained vision seeks solutions to all human problems.
  2. Constrained vision prioritizes incremental change and evolution based on history; unconstrained vision pushes for rapid, revolutionary change based on individual reason.
  3. Constrained vision sees inevitable injustices as part of life; unconstrained vision finds any injustice unacceptable and seeks equal outcomes.
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The Quest for Cosmic Justice (1996) Thomas Sowell

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
  1. Justice and equality should be defined by pre-determined rules, like the law.
  2. Envy is a vicious circle that cannot be truly redressed by material transfers.
  3. Cosmic justice is a vision that can be self-serving for the morally anointed, often overlooking the well-being of those it aims to help.

Black Rednecks and White Liberals (2005) Thomas Sowell

0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
  1. The driving factor in economic productivity is culture.
  2. Cultural influences from history persist into modern lower-income communities.
  3. It's important to understand and seek truth, even when it challenges existing beliefs.

"Questioning Life Assumptions" Reader Response & Counter-Response

0 implied HN points • 15 Jun 21
  1. Questioning and reevaluating the meaning of life can lead to significant changes in lifestyle and perspective.
  2. Financial independence and the freedom it provides can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
  3. Finding purpose and happiness in life often involves following personal interests and helping others in meaningful ways.

The 4-Hour Workweek (2007) Timothy Ferriss

0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
  1. Define what excites you in life and align it with how you earn a living.
  2. Avoid being busy just to avoid important tasks; focus on priorities.
  3. Lifestyle design involves taking massive action and reducing unnecessary input.

East of Eden (1952) John Steinbeck

0 implied HN points • 08 Jun 21
  1. Humans are caught in a net of good and evil, but they have a choice.
  2. Steinbeck emphasizes the importance of responding to life with goodness and overcoming evil.
  3. People often create their own illusions about reality, contorting it to fit their desires.

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (2014)

0 implied HN points • 29 May 21
  1. Humans evolved over 2 million years ago as hunter-gatherers and modernity is a recent development.
  2. Culture and beliefs greatly influence human behavior and outcomes.
  3. Rule of law, individualism, and societal values play crucial roles in economic development and global history.

The Courage To Be Disliked (Koga/Kishimi) 2013

0 implied HN points • 21 May 21
  1. Focus on self-reliance and living in harmony with society, not worrying about what others think
  2. Happiness comes from contributing to the community and feeling a sense of belonging
  3. Freedom is being disliked by others, allowing you to live by your principles and change interpersonal relationships

The System (Robert Reich) 2020

0 implied HN points • 21 May 21
  1. Powerful individuals should implement reforms for democratizing power.
  2. The real battle is between the mega-rich and the people, not left vs. right.
  3. Issues like corporate welfare, monopoly-busting, and strengthening labor power are crucial for social reform.

The Coddling of the American Mind (Jonathan Haidt/Lukianoff) 2018

0 implied HN points • 21 May 21
  1. Many are teaching students to think in cognitive distortions like catastrophizing and always being right, hindering problem-solving and understanding.
  2. Overprotection can be harmful, as physical and mental challenges are needed to prevent deterioration.
  3. Applying labels to people can create self-fulfilling prophecies, impacting behavior and identity.

Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoevsky) 1866

0 implied HN points • 20 May 21
  1. Raskolnikov's actions make the reader question who gets to be 'chosen' and their intentions.
  2. The author delves into the complexities of human nature and the conflicting desires we face.
  3. The story explores themes of morality, justice, and the futility of trying to control others' lives.

The Joyless Economy (1976) Tibor Scitovsky

0 implied HN points • 11 May 21
  1. The human mind craves novelty but also needs balance.
  2. Uncertainty and danger can be exciting but must be managed.
  3. The societal focus on production over consumption affects our satisfaction and view of worth.

Prisoners of Hate (2000) Aaron T. Beck

0 implied HN points • 11 May 21
  1. People driven to hate and anger often have issues with self-esteem, fears of abandonment, and projection of their own insecurities.
  2. Our interpretations of situations are often egocentric and influenced by social dangers; we tend to over-generalize and react defensively.
  3. Group dynamics can lead to cognitive distortions and biased thinking; promoting compassion and considering alternative viewpoints can help counteract hateful behavior.

Maps of Meaning (1999) Jordan Peterson

0 implied HN points • 11 May 21
  1. Judging a system by its results can be applied to how myth, religion, and political systems are viewed.
  2. Society needs a balance between tradition and adaptation for stability and progress.
  3. Choosing to pursue interests can lead to reduced suffering and a better society.

Albert Camus La Peste (The Plague) 1947

0 implied HN points • 10 May 21
  1. Camus emphasizes giving people a chance
  2. Camus believes in lessening human suffering
  3. Camus observes more to admire than to despise in people

Beyond Good and Evil (1886) Friedrich Nietzsche

0 implied HN points • 10 May 21
  1. Nietzsche's elitism and misogyny aside, his insights into humanity are thought-provoking and clear.
  2. Resisting herd mentality and conformity can be dangerous but leads to genuine self-discovery.
  3. Self-respect, self-knowledge, and a genuine desire for improvement are keys to living a noble life.

Eric Hoffer's The Ordeal of Change (1952)

0 implied HN points • 06 May 21
  1. Humans are driven to action by necessity and change is uncomfortable, affecting self-esteem.
  2. Innovations can come from weaker elements in society, those seeking adaptations to survive.
  3. America is unique due to its practical values, work ethic, and lack of ruling elite.

Flowers For Algernon

0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 22
  1. Flowers for Algernon is a story that follows the journey of a mentally challenged man who undergoes a scientific treatment to become intelligent, losing some of his humanity along the way.
  2. The ending of the story raises questions about the value of knowledge versus love and human relationships, and the potential consequences of a life imbalance.
  3. The narrative explores themes of envy, acceptance, and the impact of intelligence on personal and social dynamics.

The Old Man and the Sea (1952) Ernest Hemingway

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 21
  1. The Old Man values preparation over luck.
  2. The Old Man contemplates the paradox of life and sin.
  3. The story emphasizes the importance of accepting and making the most of the present.

The Fire Next Time (1963) James Baldwin

0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 21
  1. People tend to avoid knowing certain truths about themselves
  2. It's important to have empathy and compassion even towards those who hate you
  3. Suffering can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of life

Sesame Street Values & Suicide

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
  1. Sesame Street Values are your life principles, like kindness and integrity.
  2. Having personal principles can prevent despair and give life meaning.
  3. Living a meaningful life starts with understanding and living by your principles.

Only Fear Dies (1994) Barry Long

0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 21
  1. Focus on being true to yourself and living authentically, rather than crafting a persona for others.
  2. Avoid complaining and actually take productive actions to change things you dislike.
  3. Face your fears and unhappiness to find true joy and live a more conscious, fulfilling life.