The hottest Beliefs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Trust the Experts, If You Dare

Restoring Truth • 137 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Many experts may offer solutions, but expertise is not always a guarantee of success.
  2. Expertise in specific fields like science and medicine is valuable, but spiritual matters may not require expertise.
  3. Human knowledge, even from top experts, may not always lead to true healing and restoration.

The Case for Pagan Monotheism

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1153 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  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.

Popular Ruins

Restoring Truth • 137 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Being popular is not the most important thing in the world.
  2. Society is facing decline due to a lack of pursuit of the most important thing.
  3. Glorifying and enjoying God is the most important thing in the world.

There Are More of Us Than You Think

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 118 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Beliefs
  1. The taboo around vaccine skepticism may be illusory, as there are more individuals who share similar views than commonly believed.
  2. Navigating discussions on controversial topics, like vaccine skepticism, can be a challenge in personal relationships, including while dating.
  3. Expressing views on sensitive topics, like vaccine skepticism, may lead to finding like-minded individuals and help reduce feelings of isolation and marginalization.

The Norse Afterlife Part II: Folkvang & Valkyries

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality 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.
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Belief exhaustion (part one)

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Belief exhaustion is the emotional and psychological toll on individuals rigidly adhering to extreme beliefs, resulting in mental and emotional fatigue.
  2. Some people experience belief exhaustion and end up giving up their convictions due to the demanding nature of their beliefs.
  3. The collapse of political regimes sometimes shows the phenomenon of belief exhaustion, where individuals abandon their certainties leading to a rapid disintegration of shared reality.

This Blog has Rebooted

apxhard • 94 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. The blog is back because readers enjoyed it, and the author missed writing. It feels good to help others through sharing experiences.
  2. The author wants to write a book to share their life journey and lessons learned, focusing on how beliefs shape actions and outcomes.
  3. Spirituality can be understood through a logical and technical lens, similar to computer coding. The author aims to connect wisdom traditions with practical insights for personal growth.

Comparing Theism and Naturalism

Bentham's Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Beliefs
  1. A detailed comparison was made between theism and naturalism with various odds ratios considered.
  2. The conclusion presented was that theism is significantly more plausible than naturalism, with a ratio of 468,000.
  3. The importance of evidence, arguments, and priors in determining the probability of theism was emphasized.

What Would Jesus Trade?

The Lund Loop • 157 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Good Friday is a stock market holiday with unclear origins.
  2. The NYSE likely closes on Good Friday due to historical ties to Irish-Catholic traditions.
  3. Jesus hypothetically trading in the stock market would likely not end well.

Alice Evans on Acemoglu, et al

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Beliefs
  1. Inclusive institutions are key for long-term economic success. This means that countries need both strong governments and engaged communities.
  2. Culture plays a big role in shaping institutions, and they're closely linked. This connection shows that neither controls the other; they influence each other.
  3. Censorship and ideological battles are significant issues today. Different groups try to control ideas and media, which can impact freedom and reform.

On the demographic technology of religion

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Capitalism faces a risk of decline due to decreasing birth rates, impacting economic growth
  2. Religious groups tend to have higher birth rates than secular groups, potentially influencing future demographic shifts
  3. A revival of traditional religious values could offset the decline in population growth caused by secularization and economic factors

Second chances

10x your mind • 179 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. It's okay to break the rules for grabbing a second chance in life. It's worth it.
  2. Life gives you second chances. Believe in them and be ready to grab them.
  3. Don't lose hope if things don't go your way the first time. Second chances exist for dream jobs, raises, weight goals, homes, and love.

Prophet's Proposal

Opaque Hourglass • 99 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Listening and reflecting on different perspectives can lead to personal growth and questioning of beliefs.
  2. Prayer can take various forms, each with its own motives and moral implications.
  3. Unexpected encounters can lead to profound moments and reflections on life's mysteries.

Marxism, Alcohol, and God

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Belief in eternal truths, such as individual autonomy and protection from coercion, is paramount.
  2. Facing reality and accepting personal responsibility are crucial for overcoming addiction and understanding societal deceptions.
  3. Marxism is criticized for denying reality, seeking power over truth, and disregarding eternal truths, leading to societal manipulation.

It's beliefs all the way down

Iterare • 98 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
💰 Finance Beliefs
  1. Money is based on belief - understanding beliefs is crucial when dealing with finances.
  2. Markets and trading value are driven by what others believe - belief in value is fundamental in trading.
  3. Understanding beliefs about beliefs is important in investing - being aware of the dynamics of belief in market behavior can help in making investment decisions.

Down the wormhole...

aproposofnothing • 58 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii can cause neurological issues and schizophrenia in humans, so it's important to fight off worms.
  2. Myths of heroes battling worms or serpents are prevalent in various cultures, symbolizing order vs chaos and death.
  3. Serpents and worms have deep mythological significance, tying into ancient civilizations, biblical stories, and even symbolizing foresight and health.

The Norse Afterlife Part I: How to Get to Valhalla

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Dying in battle does not guarantee entry to Valhalla, as there are exceptions in Norse mythology where individuals who died outside of combat still ended up in Odin's afterlife army.
  2. The idea of giving oneself or being given to Odin through rituals involving spears or other means is a recurring theme in Norse beliefs, possibly indicating a form of dedication or initiation necessary for entry into Valhalla.
  3. The concept of who gets sent to Valhalla or Hel is complex and not solely based on dying in battle, with various factors like dedications, rituals, and individual circumstances playing a role in determining one's afterlife destination.

Sympathetic Magic

The Abbey of Misrule • 319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. At wells in Ireland, like St Ita's well, a practice of 'sympathetic magic' takes place where objects of the sick are brought for healing, showing a blending of ancient magical traditions with Christianity.
  2. This 'sympathetic magic' practice involves tying items like socks, handkerchiefs, and shirts to crosses or trees near the well in hopes of a saint's healing power.
  3. The story of St Ita and the lessons she imparted - faith, simplicity, and love - are tied to the traditions surrounding the well, emphasizing spiritual values.

How to figure out the stuck spot

Mindset Mastery • 39 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Beliefs
  1. There are internal and external blocks that can cause us to feel stuck in life or work.
  2. Internal blocks involve our beliefs and mindset, which can be changed with awareness and effort.
  3. Addressing internal blocks can help us overcome challenges and move forward in our goals.

Norse vs. Germanic

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Beliefs
  1. Germanic refers to language, culture, and religion, not just bloodlines, race, or ethnicity.
  2. Norse, a subset of Germanic, is a term for medieval Scandinavian speakers of North-Germanic languages.
  3. Germanic mythology shares similarities with other Indo-European traditions, like the thundergod motif, but divergences in stories can lead to variations in how gods are perceived.

Finding Your Type

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Typology helps us categorize and understand different aspects of life, fostering empathy and diversity.
  2. Various ancient and modern examples showcase the use of types in astrology, personality systems, sports teams, and more, serving as strategies for survival and flourishing.
  3. While typology can enhance self-awareness and acceptance, there's a risk of excessive rigidity and stereotyping, so it's crucial to view personality traits as fluid and evolving.

Lost Tarot Cards

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. The post discusses lost tarot cards and their symbolic meanings like measurement, observation, and secret knowledge.
  2. Each tarot card represents different concepts like foundations, structure, and perfect love.
  3. The tarot cards mentioned in the post evoke unique themes such as dedication, asceticism, and preservation.

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a messiah.

Let's Get Psychophysical ! • 78 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. The author reflects on their desire to be a messiah since childhood, acknowledging the impact of this belief on their life.
  2. The author urges readers to focus on mastering their craft and making a positive impact on a smaller scale rather than trying to save the world.
  3. The concept of a messiah complex is explored as a common phenomenon, impacting how people approach their work and goals.

A Magnetic Path

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  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

Which Side Are You On?

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy 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.

Bubble Explainer Article: Housefire Beliefs

Resident Contrarian • 488 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Some arguments can be troublesome because they are specific but associated with bigger, contentious topics.
  2. Beliefs are complex - people may not always act in line with their beliefs, and interpretations of texts can vary.
  3. Challenges to religious beliefs may request believers to treat their beliefs as if they were imaginary, leading to conflicts and complexities.

Of Experts And Echo Chambers

Good Reason • 284 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🔬 Science 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.

What Should Count As Nutty?

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Beliefs
  1. It's not enough to have mistaken beliefs to be considered nutty.
  2. Beliefs that no reasonable person with your intellectual background could hold may qualify as nutty.
  3. Defending beliefs in a consistent, intelligent manner doesn't make someone a nut, but ignoring known facts to maintain beliefs may suggest otherwise.

Orage's "Active Mind" - Introductory Thoughts

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. Orage's work involves psychological exercises and essays that relate to Gurdjieff's teaching.
  2. Orage's exercises focus on intellectual development through manipulation of numbers and words, observation, and visualization.
  3. Orage's writings explore the relationship between different centers of the brain and emphasize the importance of self-observation in psychological development.

On not aligning beliefs until we need to

Iterare • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Beliefs
  1. We don't have to align beliefs until necessary, awareness of nuances can prevent escalation.
  2. Beliefs are arbitrary and may not need fixing on all social topics for peaceful existence.
  3. Internal peace and happiness can come from simple life goals and love.