The hottest Capitalism Substack posts right now

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When There's No Money In The Pursuit Of The Good And No Goodness In The Pursuit Of Money

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Activism Capitalism
  1. Pursuing good often leads to less money and material comfort, as many helpful professions pay poorly, like teaching and environmental work.
  2. On the flip side, many wealthy people achieve their success through exploitation and harmful practices, which can hurt society and the environment.
  3. This situation shows how our systems reward those who prioritize profit over ethics, meaning the truly good people often go unrecognized while the selfish gain power.

Liberals Hate Socialists Because Socialists Are The Real Thing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Socialism Liberalism Capitalism Civil Rights Military Policy
  1. Socialists and liberals often clash because socialists expose the realities that liberals might prefer to ignore. This makes it uncomfortable for liberals who want to believe in their ideals.
  2. Supporters of Israel can be divided into two groups: those who accept the harsh realities and those who deceive themselves about the situation. Both groups ultimately support the same actions, just with different attitudes.
  3. Believing that capitalism can solve environmental problems is like having blind faith. Many think technology will save us while ignoring that continued profit pursuit harms our planet.

Male Workplace Subordination Is the Behavioral Sink

72 Degrees North • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Society Gender Economics Labor
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by the pressure of competition in the workplace, leading to a sense of hopelessness. This competition affects their self-esteem and can cause them to feel unappealing and worthless.
  2. Some argue that men are suffering more under current economic systems, feeling subordinate and less attractive due to their work situations. This can lead to a broader crisis that affects relationships and family life.
  3. There is a belief that our society needs to change the way we view work and success. Instead of relying on old structures that don't support everyone, we should create a system where all individuals contribute to and support each other.

The great American gaslighting

Men Yell at Me • 307 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Private Equity Media Economics Social justice
  1. Private equity firms often hurt the companies they buy instead of helping them. They can make money by cutting costs and stripping businesses rather than supporting them.
  2. The impact of private equity goes beyond businesses; it seriously affects people in communities. When companies shut down, it's not just a loss of jobs but also a loss of community support and services.
  3. Despite challenges in various industries, there are hopeful stories where businesses thrive by focusing on community needs and creativity instead of just profits. People can find better ways to support their industries and communities.

No, Capitalism Did Not Make America the Richest Country

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Socialism History Immigration Capitalism
  1. America's wealth didn't come solely from capitalism or hard work; other factors played big roles too. There are many things we often overlook when we talk about America's economic success.
  2. Many Europeans didn't come to America only to escape oppression. They actually had other options within Europe, and they were often seeking better land and opportunities instead.
  3. The U.S. had vast resources like fertile land and coal, which helped it industrialize faster than many European countries. These natural advantages were a key reason for America's economic power.
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Let us be honest: The Left has failed the world

antoniomelonio • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social movements Capitalism Radicalism
  1. The Left is seen as weak and disorganized, lacking a clear vision or plan for the future. Instead of leading change, it often gets caught up in fighting itself.
  2. Historical movements, like communism and anarchism, have struggled to create lasting successes and often became absorbed by the systems they aimed to challenge.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence might pose a threat to capitalism, but the Left is mostly unprepared and lacks a unifying strategy to address these changes.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM 1998: Robber Barons

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Capitalism Political Influence Economic History Corruption
  1. Wealth in the economy often concentrates in the hands of a few people, often called billionaires. Their success can depend on timing, connections, and sometimes political favors.
  2. Historically, periods of high wealth concentration have not always led to faster economic growth. Curbs on wealth accumulation can actually coexist with healthy economic performance.
  3. The past presence of 'robber barons' and their role in building infrastructure shows that their success often involved corruption and manipulation, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's development.

It's Still Easier To Imagine The End Of The World Than The End Of Capitalism

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Technology Wealth
  1. After the Singularity, wealth inequality might stay the same because AI will handle all labor. Everyone will earn similar returns on their investments, leading to a static distribution of wealth.
  2. Future wealth distribution could get more complicated with the birth of many descendants from rich individuals. This means those born into wealth might always have the advantage, creating a new kind of inequality over generations.
  3. To prevent extreme inequality, we might need government intervention or new ideas like wealth taxes to ensure that wealth is shared more fairly in a post-Singularity society.

Our community round has opened—let's fund this book!

The Novelleist • 282 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Investment Crowdfunding Publishing Economics Capitalism
  1. The community funding round for the book 'We Should Own The Economy' has opened, allowing readers to invest and share in potential profits.
  2. They have already raised almost $60,000 and invite everyone to confirm their investments through a provided link.
  3. There's an open call tonight where participants can ask questions about the book and contribute ideas on how to shape the future of capitalism.

Only Socialism Can Fix This (Gestures to The American Hellscape)

JoeWrote • 139 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Economic Policy Labor Rights Socialism Capitalism
  1. America needs more than just minor repairs; it needs a complete rethink of how power and wealth are distributed. Simple fixes won't stop the rise of aggressive capitalism.
  2. The New Deal helped many but didn't end the dangers of capitalism, which still threaten social programs like Medicare and Social Security.
  3. We must not only push for useful social policies but also ensure that the systems allowing wealth concentration are dismantled to protect those policies for the future.

Why Techno-Optimism Alone Fails

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Innovation Society Sustainability Capitalism Systems Thinking
  1. Techno-optimism believes technology alone can solve big problems, but real solutions need deep changes in how we think about society and progress. Simply having more tech doesn't guarantee a better future.
  2. Silicon Valley often looks for quick fixes to complicated issues, but many problems require a smarter, more thoughtful approach rather than just engineering solutions and fast growth.
  3. Technology should aim to help everyone, not just the wealthy. We need a fair system that shares resources and gives everyone access to the tools they need for a better life.

Social media is a machine that destroys empathy

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Empathy Human behavior Healthcare Capitalism
  1. Social media can lead to a loss of empathy. People often say things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face.
  2. When anger about issues like healthcare rises, some people turn to violence and support it. This shows a breakdown of empathy and understanding.
  3. There's a need to focus on changing the systems causing these problems, rather than blaming individuals. We should hold companies accountable while also working to fix the root issues.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism (w/ Yanis Varoufakis) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 146 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Capitalism Policy Technology Social Issues
  1. Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism is dead and has been replaced by 'technofeudalism', where power is held by digital platform owners like Amazon and Google instead of traditional capitalists. This means we now work for these tech giants like serfs on a feudal estate.
  2. In today's world, our digital identities and personal data are owned by private companies, which affects our autonomy and privacy. We are constantly being influenced and monitored by these companies, changing how we interact with others and ourselves.
  3. Varoufakis suggests that to reclaim power, we need to combine traditional labor movements with new technology. This could mean organizing strikes and boycotts while also using digital tools to create parallel systems that empower workers and challenge corporate control.

Chartbook 340 Against synecdoche! … A plural taxonomy of capitalist globalization

Chartbook • 686 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💼 Business Capitalism Globalization Economics Politics Finance
  1. Global capitalism is complex and can't just be understood as one single economy. Different sectors, like finance and agriculture, have their own unique ways of operating.
  2. It's important to recognize the different sectors of capitalism to fully understand how they interact. For example, globalization affects industries like manufacturing and real estate in distinct ways.
  3. By acknowledging that capitalism is made up of many different parts, we can avoid oversimplifying it and appreciate the specific factors at play in each aspect.

The Inner Civil War

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1034 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Class Struggle Labor Unions Wealth Inequality Capitalism
  1. The economy has different classes like shareholders, managers, workers, and consumers, each playing a role in a complex system. Understanding these roles helps explain where money and power flow.
  2. Money acts like 'soup vouchers' that represent our claims on resources. The wealthy often accumulate a vast amount of these vouchers, leading to significant inequality.
  3. Workers often feel pressure from their bosses and compete against each other for jobs. This creates tension and can make collective action difficult to achieve.

Ayn Rand as Self-Help: The Good, the Bad, and the Tragicomedy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2535 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Psychology Self-help Individualism Capitalism
  1. Ayn Rand encourages people to find joy in their everyday work. She believes that seeing your job as valuable can lead to a happier life.
  2. She suggests it's okay to judge yourself and others to motivate self-improvement. Feeling like a 'loser' can drive you to do better things in life.
  3. Rand argues that being selfish is part of human nature and should be accepted. Understanding this can help us build a happier and more productive life.

Ayn Rand for Pragmatists

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2804 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Capitalism Individualism Ethics Political theory
  1. Ayn Rand offers a strong moral argument for capitalism, suggesting it's based on individual rights and the ability of people to use their minds and work for their own benefit.
  2. Rand argues that focusing on selfishness as a virtue can help distinguish between genuine personal interests and the collective demands of society, which often ignore individual rights.
  3. Her heroes and villains serve as clear examples to motivate people to defend capitalism and fight against collectivism, emphasizing that strong narratives can inspire political action.

Chartbook 339 Uneven and combined development of what? How do we relate global dollars and global cocoa?

Chartbook • 600 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Capitalism Globalization Commodities Political Economy
  1. Global dollars and cocoa are connected within the system of capitalism, but they operate under very different political economies. Money is managed through global financial institutions, while cocoa production involves many poor farmers and large corporations.
  2. The relationship between cocoa and global dollars can be explored through the idea of 'sectors' in the economy, like the agro-industrial sector for cocoa and the financial sector for dollars. Each sector functions under its own rules and crises.
  3. Understanding how these sectors combine and differ helps to illustrate the complex dynamics of global capitalism. It’s important to consider how different sectors impact each other and society as a whole.

Returning to Origins

Unpopular Front • 103 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political History Ideologies Totalitarianism Capitalism
  1. The idea of endless expansion is central to certain political and economic beliefs. It suggests that growth is the ultimate goal, often seen in capitalist thinking.
  2. Many thinkers, like Arendt, have been quoted and referenced without fully understanding their ideas. This results in misinterpretations of their work and less meaningful conversations about important issues.
  3. The current alliance between different societal groups, like tech-oligarchs and the mob, shows a shared mindset that prioritizes power and accumulation, often at the expense of ethical considerations.

Illiberals All the Way Down

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Liberalism Capitalism Democracy
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.

Slavery was bad

Slow Boring • 7095 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Economics Slavery Political Discourse Capitalism
  1. Slaveowners among America's founding fathers knew slavery was bad, but still profited from it.
  2. In the early 19th century, the South shifted to viewing slavery as a 'positive good,' leading to political divides and eventually the Civil War.
  3. A new paper by economic historians argues that the costs of slavery far outweighed the benefits, likening enslavement to theft.

The Political Miscalculation of the "Squid Game" Rebellion And How To Avoid It In Real Life

JoeWrote • 29 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Capitalism Cultural critique Media Analysis Social movements
  1. _Squid Game_ reflects the harsh realities of capitalism and how it affects people's lives. The show serves as a warning about chasing wealth and the struggle between different classes.
  2. Despite its anti-capitalist message, many viewers misunderstand the show and view it as a celebration of capitalism. This shows how deeply some individuals can miss the real critique being presented.
  3. In the upcoming season, the characters will focus on fighting against the oppressive system. Their mistakes in planning a rebellion mirror real-life struggles faced by working-class movements.

Put your Kid to Work Day

New Means • 2771 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Legislation Capitalism Inequality
  1. Child labor violations have increased by 50% in 2023, resulting in tragic accidents and deaths of young workers.
  2. Multiple state legislatures are working to weaken child labor laws, allowing kids to work longer hours in dangerous jobs.
  3. The push for child labor is tied to capitalist interests seeking to further exploit and profit off of vulnerable populations, including children.

Highlights From The Comments On Capitalism & Charity

Astral Codex Ten • 6744 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💼 Business Charity Capitalism Development Economic Growth
  1. Some comments argue for reiterating the importance of a specific context when considering spending money for charity or capitalism.
  2. There are discussions on the effectiveness of investing in companies with social missions, such as providing microfinance or supporting profitable charitable ventures.
  3. Consideration is given to the balance between supporting capitalism and charitable causes in the context of economic impact and sustainability.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #104

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Employment Class Capitalism Inequality
  1. Young people are struggling to find jobs despite having skills and experience. They often feel frustrated because it seems like jobs are only available through connections and luck, rather than hard work.
  2. We are shifting from a meritocracy, where hard work matters, to an 'inheritocracy' where family wealth plays a big role in opportunities. This makes it harder for those without financial support to succeed.
  3. The fast pace of life and reliance on technology often stress people out. Instead of helping us, it feels like we're collapsing under pressure, losing our ability to focus and maintain balance.

Complicit Poetry

Opaque Hourglass • 399 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Technology Capitalism Evil
  1. Poetry can challenge traditional notions by embracing superficiality and self-absorption.
  2. Exploring systemic evils in poetry can lead to unique and transparent expressions of societal behaviors.
  3. The concept of 'complicit poetry' questions the role of the poet in perpetuating materialism and individualism.

Philosophical economics: Shameless robber barons

Klement on Investing • 12 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Philosophy Market Competition
  1. Wealth inequality in America is high, but it was worse during the Gilded Age. The richest 1% owned about 35% of all assets in 2020, which is a lot, but not as much as in 1913.
  2. Top American companies today, like tech giants, make huge profits that are not normal in competitive markets. They don't face enough competition, which leads to these big profits staying high.
  3. Today’s billionaires don't seem to share the same sense of responsibility as past leaders like Rockefeller and Carnegie. Many seem more focused on personal success rather than helping society.

Longer Meme

Do Not Research • 559 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Enlightenment Capitalism Spirituality
  1. Critiques societal norms and references Joker and Margaret Thatcher's views on society.
  2. Explores hypothetical scenarios about society's development with imaginative and detailed scenarios.
  3. Societyiftextwall is a project that delves into utopian ideals and historical questioning, aiming to counter negative memesphere trends.

Big Tech's Class War Politics

Unpopular Front • 88 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Tech Impact Class Struggle Neoliberalism Capitalism
  1. Silicon Valley has shifted political views due to crises in both the U.S. political system and its own beliefs, leading to new coalitions forming that differ from the past.
  2. The tech sector is experiencing a class conflict where some entrepreneurs are pushing for changes against traditional management and labor structures, inspired by authoritarian models.
  3. This new tech movement could attempt to gain majority support, but its harsh approach may limit its ability to create a long-lasting, stable social system.

The Price of Passion (Life is like a jar of marbles)

Neckar’s Notes • 111 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Wealth Capitalism Philanthropy Markets
  1. Being passionate about your work can be great, but it can also lead to burnout. It's important to find a balance so that you don't end up hating what you once loved.
  2. Some wealthy individuals work hard without needing the money, and they often question why they keep doing it. Reflecting on the usefulness and purpose of their efforts can lead to deeper self-understanding.
  3. Philanthropy can be a way to find meaning and happiness for those with excess wealth. However, just giving money away doesn’t always bring fulfillment if one is stuck in a life of work they don't enjoy.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: An Ur-Text by George Stigler for Dark Satanic Millian Liberalism, & Related Matters...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Capitalism Economic History Liberalism
  1. The market economy is seen not just for creating wealth, but for shaping character and virtues like self-discipline and resilience. This suggests that economic struggles can help people become better individuals.
  2. Some economists argue that uncertainty and risk of poverty are necessary for a society to function well. They believe without these challenges, people might not push themselves to improve.
  3. Critics of this perspective think that focusing on the hardships of capitalism ignores the real needs and experiences of everyday people. They see value in prosperity and security, not just in struggle and sacrifice.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Capitalism Public Policy Patient rights
  1. People in the U.S. often face a tough experience with health insurance companies, which frequently deny care instead of helping patients. This differs a lot from the experiences in countries with socialized healthcare systems like Norway.
  2. For-profit health insurance companies prioritize their profits over patient care. This leads to a system where they often refuse necessary treatments, pushing patients into stressful battles just to receive care that should be available to them.
  3. Health insurance companies in the U.S. have little incentive to promote preventative care because they risk losing patients. In contrast, public health systems are designed to encourage preventive care, as healthier citizens reduce overall costs.

Ghosts in the Hallway: Liminal Spaces As Mirrors of Modern Alienation

antoniomelonio • 82 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Alienation Capitalism Identity Community
  1. Liminal spaces, like empty malls or silent hallways, make us feel a deep sense of loneliness and nostalgia. They reflect how we often feel lost and disconnected in modern life.
  2. Many people are drawn to images of these spaces online because they remind us of a simpler time. We yearn for connection and purpose in a world that feels increasingly empty and overwhelming.
  3. These places, while haunting, can also inspire us to rethink our priorities. They might push us to seek genuine community and meaning beyond the surface of consumer culture.

Capitalists Do Not Take Risks.

JoeWrote • 130 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Labor Rights Economic Theory Wealth Inequality Political Economy
  1. Capitalists often claim they take risks when starting businesses, but the reality is they just risk losing money, while workers create the real value.
  2. The idea that financial risk deserves the biggest reward is flawed. Labor plays a crucial role in producing wealth and should be valued more than just money at stake.
  3. Ultimately, capitalists face the possibility of becoming workers themselves if their businesses fail, but this isn't much of a risk compared to the actual physical and personal risks that workers take daily.

The Cruel Irrationality of Our ‘Deserved vs. Undeserved Poor’ Moral Framework in Two Paragraphs

The Column • 1081 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Government aid Capitalism
  1. America's moral framework divides poor into 'deserved' and 'undeserved,' hindering solutions like giving homes to the homeless.
  2. Means-testing and moral judgments in welfare create unnecessary bureaucracy and obstacles for those in need.
  3. The concept of 'deserved vs. undeserved' poor is rooted in history, aimed at keeping wages low and maintaining a population in poverty.