We're Gonna Get Those Bastards

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards delves into the depraved realms of finance, culture, music, and sex, offering critiques and perspectives on a wide range of topics from the FIRE movement and the nature of evil to personal growth strategies and the impact of sensuous pleasure on spirituality.

Personal Finance Professional Development Cultural Critique Ethics and Morality Spirituality Interpersonal Relations Mental Health Art and Literature

The hottest Substack posts of We're Gonna Get Those Bastards

And their main takeaways

White Dudes

2 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Identity Subcultures Music Fashion
  1. Fishing photos are popular among white dudes, often seen as a way to show off masculinity and skills. They might even use these pictures in dating profiles.
  2. There’s a divide in activities and politics among white dudes, with many leaning towards conservative values and outdoor hobbies like fishing and hunting, while others engage in different cultural interests.
  3. Even if someone doesn’t fit the typical mold of 'white dude' culture, they can still appreciate or critique it. It shows that personal interests can cross societal boundaries.

Going Out on Top

5 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Comics Entertainment Media
  1. It's good to know when to quit before you overstay your welcome. Leaving on a high note can help preserve your legacy.
  2. Creative exhaustion is a real thing. Sometimes it's better to stop while you're ahead rather than risk producing lesser work.
  3. Having a plan for after you leave an industry is important. Staying just for the money can lead to dissatisfaction later in life.

We All Need to be Loved

5 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Loneliness Marriage Mental health Social media
  1. Loneliness can cause serious health issues and is a big problem today, often made worse by social media and dating apps.
  2. Having love and belonging in our lives is more important than having food or a home. Love helps us grow and achieve our goals.
  3. If you're in a relationship, it's important to cherish it. Everyone deserves love, and it can lead to greater happiness and success in life.

The Longevity Cult

6 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Longevity Nutrition Exercise Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Some people are so obsessed with living longer that they forget to really enjoy life. It's important to balance health and happiness.
  2. Living a long life doesn't mean much if it’s boring or unproductive. Focus on doing what makes you happy instead of just extending your years.
  3. Making time for your passions and dreams is crucial. Exercising and focusing on longevity is good, but don't lose sight of what truly matters to you.

Inside/Outside

6 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Self-image Lifestyle
  1. How you look can influence how people see you, but it's not everything. You can be confident and successful without fitting a certain image.
  2. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is more important than trying to meet social standards. Many people feel pressured to look a certain way, and it's okay to prioritize mental well-being over appearance.
  3. External appearances can matter, but what's inside—like intelligence and character—is more important in the long run. It's possible to work on how you look without losing sight of who you are.
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Promiscuity

8 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Sexuality Social norms Personal Growth Mental health
  1. Promiscuity can lead to emotional struggles and may complicate future relationships like marriage. It's often harder to build trust if there are many past partners.
  2. Having a lot of sexual partners can create feelings of jealousy and insecurity in relationships. It's difficult to forget past lovers when starting something new.
  3. Finding a meaningful connection takes time and effort. Meeting people through shared activities or environments can be better than using dating apps.

The Curse of Understanding Finance

11 implied HN points • 22 May 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Market Analysis Debt Management Financial Literacy
  1. The bond market reacts strongly to government budget issues, which can lead to serious financial problems. If interest rates rise too high, it could lead to government insolvency and hyperinflation.
  2. Many people don't understand finance and ignore warnings about spending and deficits. This lack of knowledge can make it hard for them to see how these issues affect their daily lives.
  3. Understanding finance is important for protecting oneself during economic troubles. Those who do understand can take proactive steps while others may remain unaware of the risks.

Signs

13 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Faith Meaning Reality
  1. Coincidences can be more than random events; they might be signs guiding us in life. Recognizing these moments can help us feel there's a deeper order to things.
  2. Faith and belief play a big role in how we perceive our experiences. Whether we see events as luck or a purposeful plan can change how we respond to life's challenges.
  3. We often resist what's happening in our lives, but acceptance can lead to better outcomes. Embracing situations as they come can bring peace and clarity.

Resentment

10 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-help Emotional Wellbeing Personal Development Conflict resolution
  1. Resentment is a drain on your energy. While you might be stuck thinking about someone who wronged you, they are likely not thinking about you at all.
  2. You have limited control over others, and trying to control them can lead to mental distress. Focus on your own actions instead.
  3. Letting go of resentment and wishing good things for others can free you up to live a happier, more productive life. It's not about them; it's about your own peace of mind.

Fear

10 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Anxiety Management Spiritual growth Self-help
  1. Catastrophic thinking can trap you in a cycle of fear. It feels real, but often the worst outcomes don't happen.
  2. To overcome anxiety, it's important to make a decision to get better and take action. Change is hard but can lead to a much happier life.
  3. Fear holds you back from fully enjoying life. It’s mostly in our heads, and learning to trust that things will be okay can open up many possibilities.

Why it's OK To Ignore Politics

7 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Mental health Social media Civic engagement Political Opinions
  1. If politics makes you feel good or bad, it might be time to rethink things. Most of what happens in politics is out of your control, so don’t let it affect your mood.
  2. Getting too caught up in political arguments on social media can actually make you unhappy. Maybe it's better to focus on what brings you joy in life instead.
  3. Having calm discussions in person can help change opinions more than online fighting. It’s often more productive to talk to people face-to-face rather than argue online.

Power

10 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Leadership Career development Politics Networking
  1. Being friendly with your boss is often more important than just working hard. It's good to build relationships at work instead of only focusing on your tasks.
  2. Life is about connections and asking for what you want. If you want a raise, it's okay to ask, but it helps if you're friendly first.
  3. Social media can be useful for staying in touch with people and celebrating their successes. A simple click of 'like' can show you care and can have a positive impact.

I Love Pain

7 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Motivation Psychology Self-help
  1. Getting out of your comfort zone is important. If you only stick to what's easy, you won't achieve much and might end up feeling regret.
  2. Embracing pain can lead to growth. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, running headfirst into them can open up new opportunities and experiences.
  3. Success is about perspective. Even if things don't work out as planned, you'll still learn something valuable from the experience.

The Congressional Medal of Ugly

7 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Media Beauty Self-image Personality
  1. Being good-looking can help you in some ways, but it can also make people not take you seriously. People often think smart people aren't attractive and vice versa.
  2. Ugly people, on the other hand, can be taken more seriously, especially in intellectual fields. Being considered unattractive can be an advantage in certain careers.
  3. Even if someone feels ugly, they can still find joy in being creative or observing others. It's important to embrace who you are and focus on your strengths.

Forward Motion

8 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Longevity Personal Growth Creativity Retirement
  1. To keep living fully, it's important to keep creating and challenging yourself. Whether it's a new project, learning a skill, or tackling a personal goal, ongoing motion is key.
  2. Staying mentally active and engaged can help with longevity. People who create and have a purpose tend to live longer and feel more fulfilled than those who don't.
  3. Don't waste time just waiting around or being passive. Use your time to work on things that matter to you, because time is precious and shouldn't just be 'killed.'

A Full Life

9 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Lifestyle Personal Growth Mindfulness Social Connections
  1. Being busy in a meaningful way is good for happiness. It's important to have a lot to do that engages your mind and body.
  2. Living a full life means challenging yourself and setting goals, both physically and mentally. It's about pushing yourself to grow and improve.
  3. Building strong relationships and giving your time to others is crucial. The quality of your life is often measured by how much you connect with and support those around you.

Mental Obsessions and Letting Go

10 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-help Psychology Personal Growth Emotional Wellbeing
  1. Letting go is important when helping friends or family. You can support someone without needing a response; it's their choice how to handle their problems.
  2. Mental obsessions can drain your happiness. Instead of getting caught up in worries about others, focus on things you can control and help others when possible.
  3. Most people aren't thinking about you as much as you think they are. Everyone has their own issues, so try not to take things personally and remember, it’s okay to let go.

Acceptance

7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Acceptance Self-Improvement Happiness Life choices Mental health
  1. It's important to accept things we cannot change, like other people's beliefs, because trying to change them can lead to frustration. Just accept people as they are.
  2. We can only control our own happiness and responses to situations, not the world or others around us. Focusing on ourselves may bring more fulfillment.
  3. Small changes in life are more manageable and effective than trying to achieve big changes. Embracing acceptance can help us deal with challenges better.

Happiness Is a Choice

9 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Spirituality Happiness Therapy
  1. Happiness comes from within, not from external things like money or success. It’s important to realize that your mindset can change how you feel about what happens in life.
  2. People often seek therapy to find happiness, but true contentment is about how you choose to respond to life’s challenges. How you view and react to problems is key.
  3. Praying for the ability to accept outcomes gracefully can lead to happiness, regardless of those outcomes. It’s about finding peace in what life gives you, not stressing over what you want.

Retirement

8 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💰 Finance Retirement Investing Personal Finance Social Security Economic Trends
  1. Having a plan for retirement is important to avoid boredom. Rather than just watching TV all day, think about activities you enjoy or new hobbies you want to pursue.
  2. Working longer can lead to better financial stability in retirement. Delaying Social Security benefits can significantly increase the amount you receive later on.
  3. To have a fulfilling retirement, it’s crucial to keep engaging with the world. Experiences and social interactions can provide inspiration for creative pursuits like writing.

Nightlife in Crisis

5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Nightlife Music Sociology Entertainment Memory
  1. Many nightclubs are closing today because younger generations prefer staying in and using streaming services like Netflix.
  2. People often go out to party more for social reasons or to get intoxicated rather than for the music itself.
  3. Nightlife experiences can create memorable moments that are more significant than watching TV at home.

If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say

6 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Reviews Writing Authors Criticism
  1. It's better to stay silent than to leave negative reviews. If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all.
  2. Instead of tearing others down, focus on lifting them up with positivity. Like your friends' achievements and show support, even if you don't agree with their choices.
  3. Criticism can be easy and tempting, but being a critic isn't a worthy goal. Aim to be a force for good in the world instead.

Letters to My 22-Year-Old Self

9 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. Politics matter in organizations, managing up is as important as performing well.
  2. Prioritize getting enough sleep, it directly impacts your efficiency and performance.
  3. Focus on pursuing big dreams while also making sure to secure a stable income.

Faith and Finance

8 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investing Markets Faith Risk management
  1. Being a skeptic is common, but having faith can lead to more financial success in the market.
  2. Acting on faith can sometimes bring greater returns than waiting for concrete evidence in financial decisions.
  3. Faith can reduce fear and stress when making trades in the market, providing a sense of assurance even when outcomes are uncertain.

The Nature of Evil

9 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Evil Human nature Virtues Success
  1. Evil is not just about extreme actions like murder or destruction, but can also be seen in subtle forms like character assassination.
  2. Hatred of the good for being good is a key aspect of evil - being envious or resentful of someone's success or virtues is a manifestation of this.
  3. Being able to genuinely celebrate and feel happy for someone else's achievements is a mark of goodness, while harboring resentment towards others for their success is a sign of evil.

What Is Your Contribution?

8 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Purpose Wealth Altruism Legacy
  1. We can measure our contribution to the world in various ways, not just based on traditional accomplishments.
  2. Some jobs, like teachers and social workers, have a direct impact on people's lives, while others may feel disconnected from their positive impact.
  3. Contributing to society can take different forms, whether through work, wealth, or personal efforts, and it's important to find meaningful ways to give back.

Be Conscientious

8 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Etiquette Personal Development Society
  1. Reply promptly to texts and emails as a sign of respect and conscientiousness.
  2. Avoid ghosting others and communicate openly even in difficult situations.
  3. Being conscientious, responding to messages, and prioritizing others can lead to success in business and personal interactions.

HIATUS

5 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Podcasting Marketing Events Projects
  1. Jared Dillian is taking a break from writing essays to work on a second book that includes exclusive content and some great short stories.
  2. He will be restarting his podcast and has other writing projects, marketing efforts, and a big move planned, so we can expect new content from him in the summer.
  3. Jared encourages readers not to unsubscribe and mentions an opportunity to buy his book 'NO WORRIES' during his hiatus.

Compliments

5 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Development Society Communication Psychology Social media
  1. Compliments can have a lasting impact and are appreciated, so it's important to give and receive them.
  2. Compliments should not be taken for granted in relationships, as they are crucial for maintaining affection and admiration.
  3. Recognition and compliments are powerful motivators, providing psychological rewards beyond material gains.

Critical or Commercial Success

5 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Books Authors Writing Publishing
  1. Artists often face a dilemma between choosing to be a critical success or a commercial success. It's usually difficult to achieve both.
  2. Popular mainstream art is often considered lowbrow compared to more niche, highbrow art. Taste of the masses isn't always sophisticated.
  3. The dynamics of the book industry have changed, with authors now needing to actively create buzz for their work, unlike the older days when browsing in bookstores was more common.

Finish What You Start

5 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Creativity Persistence
  1. Finishing what you start is important for personal growth and success.
  2. Having a high tolerance for frustration helps to push through tough times in new endeavors.
  3. Perseverance and dedication are key to achieving long-term goals, even when faced with challenges.

Leadership

3 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Motivation Workplace dynamics Success
  1. Leadership styles vary - from raising stress levels to inspiring by example or delegating effectively like Elon Musk.
  2. Effective leadership doesn't always require yelling or being a hardass, but can be achieved through setting high standards and providing incentives.
  3. Different people respond to different leadership incentives - some may be motivated by money, titles, causes, or personal charisma.

Hook Me Up With Some Chicken

2 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Finance Sales Retail
  1. Sales of the book 'NO WORRIES: How To Live a Stress-Free Financial Life' have been strong, leading to Amazon running out of stock.
  2. Purchase a copy of the book from Barnes & Noble and consider leaving a review on Amazon to help promote it.
  3. The book aims to challenge traditional personal finance advice and start a revolution in financial thinking.