Yascha Mounk

Yascha Mounk's essays and conversations explore big ideas without needing a news hook, focusing on cultural issues, political dynamics, free speech, and societal values across different contexts. The content encourages open debate, critical examination of beliefs, and addressing the challenges facing democracies in both America and Europe.

Cultural Issues Political Dynamics Free Speech Societal Values Democratic Challenges

The hottest Substack posts of Yascha Mounk

And their main takeaways

Why the Media Moves in Unison

3936 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Opinion Social Dynamics Journalism Ethics Political Commentary
  1. Journalists often follow the same views not because they get orders, but because they want to fit in with their social circles. They care a lot about their reputation and what others think of them.
  2. When journalists are slow to recognize new evidence, it can create distrust among the public. People often think there must be some secret agreement behind the scenes when opinions suddenly change.
  3. Social pressure plays a huge role in shaping what becomes accepted or taboo in the media. When one journalist breaks ranks, it can open the floodgates for others to express what they really believe.

Yes, You Do Have to Tolerate the Intolerant

4456 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Philosophy Democracy
  1. You need to tolerate different opinions, even those you disagree with. This helps maintain a fair society where ideas can openly clash.
  2. Censoring ideas can lead to more harm than good. It’s better to counter harmful thoughts with discussion and argument instead of shutting them down.
  3. Embracing free speech has historically led to progress. Societies that allow free debate are often less prejudiced over time, showing that open conversation can make a difference.

The America of Yesterday

5095 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Civic engagement Public Opinion Political History Social movements
  1. America used to be a place where people felt hopeful about their country and its future. Now, many people seem more cynical and distrustful of public figures.
  2. In the past, popular culture embraced humor and self-awareness, allowing for discussions about important issues without taking everything too seriously. Today, there's a sense of censorship and a judgmental attitude towards differing opinions.
  3. Despite the current negativity, there's still hope for America. The country has a history of bouncing back from difficult times, and there's a chance that a cultural renewal could happen in the future.

Luxury Beliefs are Real

5855 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Social Issues Cultural critique Public Policy
  1. Luxury beliefs are ideas that rich people can support because they don't face the negative effects, while poorer people may suffer from those very beliefs. It's like having opinions that sound good but aren't thought through.
  2. These beliefs have become popular as rich people can't show off their status with expensive things anymore, so they use opinions instead. But not all people with luxury beliefs are trying to signal status; some might just be naive.
  3. The idea of luxury beliefs applies across different groups, not just to one side of the political spectrum. Many beliefs held by both the rich left and right can have serious consequences for people who actually experience those issues.

Help Me Understand... Why American Kids Need to Be in Bed by 8pm?

2537 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
  1. American parents often believe that kids need a strict bedtime routine for their health and behavior. They think staying up late could make kids cranky the next day.
  2. In some cultures, like Italy, it's common for kids to stay up late with their parents at social events. Families integrate kids into their social lives, even if that means they fall asleep at the table.
  3. There may be different outcomes for kids who stay up late versus those who go to bed early, but it's unclear if one is better than the other. Parents are curious about the effects of these different practices.
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After Joe

3337 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Public Opinion Campaign strategies
  1. Kamala Harris needs to build broader support if she becomes the Democratic nominee. It's important for voters to feel they have a choice and a voice in the election process.
  2. Harris should focus on appealing to swing voters and moving toward the political center. This means addressing key issues in a way that connects with a wider audience, especially those uncertain about their support.
  3. The upcoming election is competitive, and Democrats are showing they want to win. A strong campaign against Trump could turn the tide, even with Harris's past challenges.

Stop Telling Aliens We’re Here

1718 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🔬 Science Astrobiology Ethics Technology Philosophy Communication
  1. Some scientists are broadcasting messages to possible aliens, but this could be very dangerous for humanity. We don't know if aliens would be friendly or hostile.
  2. If aliens are able to contact us, they would likely be more advanced than us in technology. This raises concerns about their intentions and what could happen if they come here.
  3. Deciding to contact aliens should be a choice made by everyone, not just a few scientists. It's important to consider the potential risks before making such a drastic move.

This Is a Test for America

3517 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Elections Political parties Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Most Americans are against political violence and were saddened by the attempt on Trump's life. This shows a basic commitment to resolving differences peacefully, which is important for a healthy democracy.
  2. Unfortunately, there are still some who celebrate violence and mock its victims. This reaction reflects a deeper frustration with American institutions, which many feel are failing to provide safety and security.
  3. While America has a lot of strengths, the mix of political anger, conspiracy thinking, and institutional failures presents a real risk. If not addressed, these issues could threaten the decent instincts that many ordinary Americans share.

My New Substack

2637 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Political Discourse Public Opinion Journalism Ethics
  1. Public discussion is struggling and it's affecting politics and culture in a bad way. Addressing this issue is important for a healthier society.
  2. A direct connection between writers and readers can help bypass negative media influences. This allows for more honest and varied discussions.
  3. Expect a mix of thoughtful essays, timely commentary on big events, and conversations with interesting thinkers, all aimed at creating a richer intellectual community.

Biden Is No Longer Fit For Office

59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Public Opinion Media Analysis Political Commentary
  1. Joe Biden seems to be struggling with serious mental issues, which was clearly shown during a recent debate. It's noticeable that he has moments when he is confused or loses his train of thought.
  2. Many people, including those in the media, are now openly saying that Biden should step down. However, instead of just focusing on his age, they should also recognize the real reasons why he may not be suited to continue as president.
  3. Biden stepping down could allow for a more capable leader to guide the country, especially in critical situations. It's important to have someone in charge who can make tough decisions quickly and effectively.

Abolish Grades

2 HN points • 29 Aug 24
🚌 Education Academic standards Higher education Pedagogy
  1. Grade inflation is a big problem. At top universities, students are getting higher grades, making it hard to tell who is really doing great work.
  2. A grading system should help students understand how they're doing, but if everyone's getting A's, they may think they are doing better than they really are.
  3. To fix this, universities could make grades pass-fail, which would stop misleading people about student achievements and encourage students to take harder courses.

In Europe, Chaos Is the New Normal

0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Populism Political parties Governance Voter Behavior
  1. Populism is becoming a strong force in European politics. New far-right parties are gaining significant support and may soon dominate over traditional parties.
  2. The divide in politics is shifting from just left vs. right to also include outsiders versus the establishment. This makes it harder for clear majority governments to form.
  3. Emmanuel Macron's presidency is facing major challenges, with recent elections showing a decline in support. The political landscape in France may change dramatically in the coming years.

What Britain’s Next Leader Can Teach Joe Biden

0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Leadership Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Keir Starmer successfully distanced himself from the far-left elements of his party, gaining public trust. This shows voters appreciate leaders who can manage internal party factions responsibly.
  2. Joe Biden has faced challenges by not clearly separating himself from the activist wing of his party. This approach may leave voters feeling uncertain about his leadership amid competition from Donald Trump.
  3. In politics, being willing to break away from unpopular party segments can be crucial. Both Starmer and Biden's contrasting strategies reveal how internal party dynamics can significantly impact their public perception and electoral success.

How America Got Into This Omnishambles

0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political parties Public Opinion Government
  1. Many Democrats made a big mistake thinking that loud opinions on Twitter reflected what most voters really wanted. This led them to ignore the average person's views and stick to extreme ideas.
  2. Joe Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as vice president was focused more on demographics than qualifications. This decision has left them with a leader who is struggling to connect with the public.
  3. Key figures in the Democratic Party have avoided discussing Biden's declining mental fitness until now. They must face hard truths and not just go along with popular opinion to move forward effectively.