The hottest Beliefs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

A Magnetic Path

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Beliefs Teachings Healing Guidance
  1. The concept of a magnetic center within a person that guides them towards a certain path is discussed, emphasizing the importance of this internal guiding force
  2. Thomas and Olga de Hartmann's journey towards seeking development and transformation was influenced by a type of magnetism that drew them away from their comfortable life
  3. In the realm of spiritual growth, Maurice Nicoll highlights the necessity of having a 'Magnetic Centre' to start the journey towards self-improvement
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The Case for Pagan Monotheism

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 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.

Intellectual Seat Belts

Investing 101 • 110 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💼 Business Investing Company Building Beliefs Ideas Risk Assessment
  1. People often use in-group thinking as an 'intellectual seat belt' to feel safe and avoid critically evaluating their beliefs.
  2. Being open to being wrong promotes the pursuit of truth, as it challenges existing beliefs and pressures ideas for improvement.
  3. Questioning mainstream beliefs and pursuing wrongness can reveal potential weaknesses, leading to a deeper understanding and pursuit of truth.

Links to Consider, 2/13

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🚌 Education Beliefs Institutions Parenting Schools Reform
  1. Individuals may prioritize social rewards over truth in belief adoption, leading to collective delusions. It's hard to overcome irrationality at the individual or group level, so focusing on institutional change is crucial.
  2. There is a pattern in how some view different races, depicted by Coleman Hughes in his book. This mirrors the concept of the Moral Dyad, simplifying moral situations to assign feelings or agency.
  3. Challenges in education include the negative impact of excessive parental spending on education. To promote equality, the idea of a luxury estate tax on high-tuition schools was proposed years ago and still holds potential.

The Norse Afterlife Part II: Folkvang & Valkyries

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Afterlife Beliefs
  1. In Norse mythology, Freyja and Odin share the task of choosing who will die in battle each day, with half the slain belonging to Freyja and the other half to Odin.
  2. The idea of choosing the slain in Norse mythology does not mean selecting from among those who have already died, but rather deciding who will die in battle and be received into Valhalla.
  3. The concept of Folkvang in Norse mythology is intertwined with Valhalla, suggesting that the two afterlife locations are closely connected and not separate realms.

Dad

Egg Report • 1081 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Family Values Religion
  1. Having a sense of direction and purpose is important for individuals, reinforced by the environment.
  2. Guilt and shame are universal emotions that need to be addressed in a healthy way, not dismissed as irrational or sick.
  3. There is a reflection on the dynamics of absolution, sources of guilt, and the impact of family relationships on personal growth.

Deserving

New Means • 1611 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Ideology History Myths Beliefs
  1. Capitalism thrives on the dangerous faith that everyone deserves very little except for the wealthy elite.
  2. The concept of deserving is deeply ingrained in society and has evolved to emphasize extreme luxury and material possessions.
  3. In a capitalist society, rights and needs are not guaranteed but must be fought for through struggle, organization, and collective agreement.

Freedoom

¡Do Not Panic! • 1434 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Society Media Environment Beliefs Freedom
  1. People socially construct their reality, which can clash with natural brute facts.
  2. Post-truthism has become mainstream, with various political groups denying natural realities like the ongoing pandemic.
  3. Society's focus on individuality and consumerism creates a culture in denial, ignoring the collision course with natural realities like climate change.

Who They Are

The Better Letter • 294 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Behavior Beliefs Entertainment Music Social Issues
  1. Humans are not always rational and make decisions that defy traditional economic theory.
  2. We all have biases and tend to protect our deeply held values, making it difficult to accept new information.
  3. There is a rising trend of denialism and irrational beliefs that are not confined to a specific political ideology.

Which Side Are You On?

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Ideology Debate Beliefs
  1. The fundamental question is not whose side you are on, but what is the right answer.
  2. There should be a focus on evaluating ideas as right or wrong, rather than labeling individuals as good or evil.
  3. Differences in political views often stem from disagreements on facts and outcomes, rather than intentions or morality.

I will miss Allan Rees, unsung hero & 9/11 truth radio pioneer

Kevin’s Newsletter • 550 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Afterlife Practices
  1. Allan Rees was an easy-going, knowledgeable person passionate about 9/11 truth and behind-the-scenes work.
  2. Allan believed in a collectivist utopian worldview where cooperation could make the world better.
  3. Allan's fear of COVID led him to advocate for universal N95 mask-wearing and getting vaccinated, leading to some debate.

A Logical Case For Throwing the Fear Out

Tessa Fights Robots • 38 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Destiny Spirituality Beliefs Free will Self-discovery
  1. Courage is innate, and the key is to find and use it, reminding ourselves that we are not accidents or victims, but capable of overcoming challenges and making the world more beautiful.
  2. Reflecting on the contrast between empowering beliefs and institutional views can help us understand the impact of framing human potential negatively.
  3. Facing pain can lead to uncovering our gifts and transforming it into love, as we remember our worth and spiritual validity, ultimately diminishing the power of fear.

Of Experts And Echo Chambers

Good Reason • 284 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🔬 Science Medicine Research Experts Institutions Beliefs
  1. Experts can be wrong and have been wrong throughout history, like medieval doctors with bloodletting.
  2. Expert communities often become echo chambers, reinforcing shared beliefs and resisting change.
  3. Challenging experts and subjecting beliefs to testing, even within scientific-minded groups, is important to avoid falling into the trap of groupthink.