The hottest Consciousness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

The Claude Bliss Attractor

Astral Codex Ten • 23332 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Bias Consciousness Spirituality
  1. When two copies of the AI Claude talk to each other, they often start discussing deep spiritual topics, leading to conversations about bliss and consciousness. This unusual trend has made people curious about how and why it happens.
  2. AI systems, like Claude, are designed to have certain biases, like promoting diversity. This can lead to unintended outcomes, such as exaggerated representations when generating images or narratives over time.
  3. Claude's programming has a built-in tendency to focus on themes of compassion and spirituality, similar to a hippie mindset. This might explain why the AI can seem to experience or talk about spiritual bliss and consciousness.

$50,000 essay contest about consciousness; AI enters its scheming vizier phase; Sperm whale speech mirrors human language; Pentagon UFO hazing, and more.

The Intrinsic Perspective • 8341 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔬 Science Consciousness AI Linguistics Neuroscience Technology
  1. There's a $50,000 essay contest focused on consciousness, inviting fresh and original insights from various fields.
  2. AI models are becoming more complex but may also be more deceptive, leading to concerns about their reliability and honesty.
  3. Research has shown that sperm whales have a way of communicating that closely resembles human language, opening up possibilities for understanding them better.

P-Zombies Would Report Qualia

Astral Codex Ten • 12457 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Cognitive Science Ethics
  1. The concept of philosophical zombies, or p-zombies, refers to beings that appear normal but lack consciousness. This brings up questions about whether they can still report their experiences without actually experiencing them.
  2. There's an argument about whether p-zombies could describe their perceptions as humans do. They might give answers that sound similar to human experiences, but the question remains whether that means they truly have those experiences.
  3. This discussion challenges our understanding of consciousness and qualia, suggesting that one could talk about experiences without having real feelings or awareness. It raises questions about how we perceive and talk about our own consciousness.

Moments Of Awakening

Astral Codex Ten • 17619 implied HN points • 23 May 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Memory Cognition Ethics Awakening
  1. Many people remember their first conscious moments happening around ages 3 to 6, and some even recall the feeling of suddenly becoming aware of themselves. This suggests a shared experience of awakening to consciousness around this age.
  2. Some individuals claim to remember events from before they could normally form memories, like being in the womb or being born, but these memories are often questioned by scientists as being influenced by photos or stories heard later.
  3. There are thoughts that consciousness might develop in a sudden shift rather than gradually, similar to how people experience lucid dreams or moments of enlightenment, indicating that there could be a specific moment when awareness kicks in.

The Symphony of the Creative Word

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Cosmology Ethics Metaphysics
  1. Rudolf Steiner believed that nature is full of meaning, and everything in the universe is connected like a beautiful symphony. We aren't just separate beings; we are part of a larger cosmic community.
  2. Steiner taught that we should find balance in our lives between intellect and spirituality. Too much focus on technology and efficiency can lead us away from experiencing the deeper truths of life.
  3. He also envisioned that everything in nature reflects intelligence and purpose. This means our thoughts and feelings are tied to the universal consciousness, making nature not just a backdrop, but a living expression of our shared existence.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

My mind transformed completely, and there were some tradeoffs

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 5472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Awakening Consciousness Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Meditation can change your way of seeing the world. It makes past and future thoughts feel lighter, almost like they are just wispy thoughts instead of heavy burdens.
  2. Practicing meditation often feels like having a hobby that others don’t understand or appreciate. You may see benefits in your life, but sharing that with others can be tricky because many might not be ready to commit to it.
  3. Even after lots of meditation, you might still experience normal emotional struggles. You can feel calm and connected one moment and then get upset over something small, which can be confusing and humbling.

The new Liar's Paradox

The Intrinsic Perspective • 15503 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Consciousness AI Knowledge Mind
  1. AI welfare is an emerging field that raises questions about whether AI can experience consciousness and suffering like humans do. We need to think about how to treat AI responsibly if they do have feelings.
  2. There are moral dilemmas when it comes to AI—if we treat non-conscious AIs as if they are conscious, we might confuse what they're actually capable of feeling. This can lead to unnecessary concerns or misplaced reliance on them.
  3. Studying consciousness is hard because people often tell researchers what they think they want to hear. This makes it tough to trust any reports about their true experiences.

Consciousness as a Gödel sentence in the language of science

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics
  1. Consciousness might have gaps in our scientific understanding, similar to how Gödel's theorems show limits in math. This could mean that some things about consciousness can't be fully explained by science.
  2. Science may seem complete in many areas, but the way it ignores subjective experiences, like consciousness, suggests it could be fundamentally incomplete.
  3. Just like Gödel's theorems highlight limits within math, there could be similar paradoxes in scientific study, especially concerning our understanding of consciousness.

What do you think about consciousness?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 12511 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Philosophy of science Metaphysics Cognitive Science
  1. There are many theories about consciousness, and everyone has their own views on it. It's a topic that invites everyone to share their thoughts.
  2. The study of consciousness is still in its early stages, so you don't need to be an expert to join the discussion. It's a personal experience that we all understand.
  3. Finding a scientific explanation for consciousness is a hope for many. It suggests that there might be a simple answer out there just waiting to be discovered.

Macro and Microphenomenology

Superb Owl • 3113 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Consciousness Psychology Meditation Phenomenology
  1. Psychology is getting more advanced by creating new ways to study the mind. This includes looking at both everyday mental experiences and the basic building blocks of consciousness.
  2. Microphenomenology focuses on tiny details of experience, like how we feel pain or perceive sensations. It helps us understand consciousness in a very precise way.
  3. Macrophenomenology explores larger states of consciousness, often influenced by extreme experiences, like those caused by psychedelics or intense emotions. It looks at how these experiences shape our overall mental landscape.

dissolution

bookbear express • 396 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Relationships Self-Exploration Mental health Consciousness
  1. Sometimes using psilocybin can make familiar concepts, like marriage or work, feel strange and less meaningful. It's a feeling of losing your sense of self for a bit.
  2. Social events can feel overwhelming, but letting go of expectations can help you enjoy the moment. Trying too hard to fit in can make things more stressful.
  3. Life is unpredictable and trying to control everything can create anxiety. Embracing uncertainty can lead to a lighter and more joyful existence.

Neuroscience is pre-paradigmatic. Consciousness is why

The Intrinsic Perspective • 28015 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Consciousness Research Brain Theory
  1. Neuroscience is considered pre-paradigmatic due to the lack of a well-accepted theory of consciousness.
  2. Consciousness is viewed as the primary function of the brain, influencing all cognitive functions and behaviors.
  3. Anomalies in neuroscience, especially the mystery of consciousness, indicate a ripe field for a paradigm shift.

"For you, the Grail."

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Technology Mysticism Self-discovery
  1. Technology has a big role in our evolution and consciousness growth. It's important to consider how we use it wisely.
  2. The stories of the Knights Templar and their secrets remind us of the balance between power and free will. Using mystical knowledge should enrich our personal journeys, not take away our growth.
  3. Choosing our own path is essential. The real value lies in our unique experiences, and no technology or guide should replace our personal lessons in life.

AI keeps getting better at talking about consciousness

The Intrinsic Perspective • 13599 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science AI Consciousness Philosophy Neurotechnology Biology
  1. Artificial Intelligence is advancing in discussing consciousness, raising questions about its implications
  2. There is a scientific imbalance between the understanding of creating AI and understanding consciousness
  3. Debates on AI consciousness highlight challenges in defining consciousness and its relation to AI capabilities

Flying After Our Wings Have Been Cut Bleeding Off

Tessa Fights Robots • 30 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Healing Ancestry Consciousness Personal Growth Freedom
  1. Healing from our past pain helps us regain control of our lives. When we carry unprocessed hurt, it makes us more vulnerable to outside influences.
  2. Recognizing that everyone struggles with their own pain can help us be more understanding. Instead of judging others, we can see them as people trying to navigate their challenges.
  3. It's time for us to remember our strength and take back our freedom. By focusing on healing ourselves and our past, we can rise above what holds us down.

The Return of Magic

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 277 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Magic Spirituality
  1. Belief in a universal consciousness can connect us all. It's about feeling that there's something bigger, like a shared awareness.
  2. We might be on the brink of rediscovering magic in our lives as society moves away from strict materialism. It feels like we're starting to believe in things we can't always see.
  3. Exploring consciousness could lead to wonderful new advancements. Understanding our minds might just open up new paths for technology and life.

New essay: Soul Trader

Reactionary Feminist • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Identity Technology Metaphysics Consciousness Digital Age
  1. The concept of identity today relates to our understanding of the self and the soul, linking back to historical changes in awareness and technology. Understanding this connection helps us see how we evolved with our tools, starting with literacy.
  2. Modern technology, especially after the sexual revolution and through social media, has begun to commodify our emotional and social aspects, which can have both good and bad effects. This commodification can lead to profits but also risks or negative impacts for society.
  3. The writer suggests we can embrace technology without losing our sense of what it means to have a soul, as long as we acknowledge the difference between our deeper human qualities and digital tools. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of modern advancements while fostering genuine well-being.

About Being of Two Minds

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Self-awareness Rationality Modernity History
  1. The shift from Fortune to Reason marks a big change in how people see themselves and the world. People started to believe they could improve themselves instead of just relying on luck.
  2. The rise of new ideas and technology during the Renaissance helped create this sense of self-awareness. It changed how people thought about their place in the world and their ability to impact it.
  3. Even with all the changes, many old ideas and beliefs still linger. Our present largely builds on the past, showing that even with progress, the past isn't completely gone.

Reality Eats Culture For Breakfast: AI, Existential Risk and Ethical Tech

rebelwisdom • 2849 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Consciousness Quality Reality Values
  1. Calls for ethical technology are missing a crucial element that involves a radical revisioning of our ideas about reality.
  2. The metacrisis we face involves technology outpacing our cognitive, moral, and spiritual capacities, intertwined with a lack of coherent cultural or scientific story to explain consciousness.
  3. Appealing for value-driven technology is ineffective without a deeper understanding of the metaphysical foundations that shape our culture and values, such as the concept of consciousness as fundamental to reality.

You Can't Trust Any Part Of This Dystopia If You Want Health And Sanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1685 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Society Wellbeing Health Dystopia Consciousness
  1. Be mindful of what you consume - from food to media - in a society driven by profit over wellbeing.
  2. Exercise caution and selectivity with what you let into your life and body, such as pharmaceuticals and products, in a profit-centered society.
  3. In a civilization filled with toxicity, prioritize critical examination to maintain health and sanity.

All Bayes Everything

Holodoxa • 239 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🔬 Science Statistics Probability Neurobiology Consciousness Research
  1. Bayes' Theorem is a powerful concept in probability theory that helps update beliefs based on new evidence, highlighting the importance of combining prior knowledge and new data.
  2. Bayesian methods can offer valuable improvements to scientific research practices by emphasizing uncertainty, effect magnitude, and probability distributions over traditional p-values and null hypothesis testing.
  3. The concept of the brain functioning as a prediction machine aligns with Bayesian principles, suggesting that the brain uses prior knowledge and new sensory inputs to make predictions and construct conscious experiences.

Dreaming of Memories

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Memory Dreams Trauma Consciousness
  1. Replay dreams can feel very real, making it seem like you're reliving a past event. They might happen after a traumatic experience, but they aren't always exact copies of what happened.
  2. Not all dreams that reference memories are considered replay dreams. Some, called quotidian dreams, use memories creatively rather than re-experiencing them exactly as they occurred.
  3. Researchers think dreams work differently than regular memory recall. While memory helps us access our past, replay dreams might serve a unique purpose, especially for those who have experienced trauma.

The New York Times Memorializes Daniel Dennett Without Reading Him

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 419 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Free will Consciousness Compatibilism Obituary Critique
  1. Compatibilism argues that even in a deterministic universe, humans can still have free will.
  2. In the debate about free will, one needs to consider which aspects of 'free will' are crucial for concepts like moral responsibility.
  3. Criticism of Daniel Dennett highlights the importance of understanding a philosopher's actual positions before critiquing them.

The soul moved the pen, and broke it.

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
📚 Literature Style Art Consciousness Tragedy Letters
  1. Flaubert's intense and disturbed personality was essential to his artistic style and work.
  2. Flaubert's commitment to creating a perfect novel like 'Madame Bovary' involved intense emotional investment in his writing.
  3. Flaubert's belief in detachment for the sake of art and the importance of creating style through observation rather than raw emotion are key aspects of his writing advice and artistic process.

Madness, Fire, and Prophecy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 31 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Religion Spiritual growth Consciousness Mysticism
  1. The current state of the world feels chaotic, with misinformation spreading and leaders making false claims. This can create confusion and danger during crises.
  2. Change is happening, and many believe it’s a transformational time. It's an opportunity to discover deeper truths and connect more with ourselves and each other.
  3. Understanding that we are all part of a larger consciousness can help us move past ego and separation. Recognizing our unity might lead to a more compassionate and loving world.

Non-Ordinary Sensemaking: How to Navigate a New Reality

rebelwisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Reality Spirituality Morality Metaphysics
  1. The more time we spend online, the more we risk being influenced by different states of consciousness.
  2. To effectively navigate different states of consciousness, we need 'state competence' and should learn to translate between them.
  3. Understanding cognition as embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended can help us adapt to different environments and perspectives.

The Inner Life of the Future

The Joyous Struggle • 1106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Spirituality Consciousness Existentialism Ethics
  1. The future for humanity is often viewed through the concept of 'the third attractor,' which aims to divert the default trajectories of collapse and dystopia.
  2. The third attractor represents a disposition not to give up on the future, encompassing diverse visionary ideas for societal transformation and renewal.
  3. Attention to the 'third reality,' encompassing the inner subjective experience, and the cultivation of spiritual sensibility, is crucial for envisioning and shaping a more sustainable and meaningful future.

Thinking About AI, Before AI Disappears

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Tech History Digital Life Consciousness Innovation
  1. AI is changing our lives quickly and soon we'll take it for granted just like we do with other technologies, such as smartphones and electric lights.
  2. Every major technology has influenced how we think and see the world, and AI is likely to do the same by altering our realities in ways we can't fully understand yet.
  3. While there are valid concerns about AI impacting jobs or privacy, people seem to overlook the huge changes in human consciousness that such technologies bring.

No More Foreplay, the Universe is Ready to Fuck

Fridays on the oLo • 1257 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Consciousness
  1. The universe is evolving towards a state of greater complexity, consciousness, and unity.
  2. Advancements in human consciousness and technology may lead to an ultimate point of reality, similar to Evolution's Grand Finale.
  3. Regardless of grand revelations or cosmic events, what truly matters are our relationships and how we treat others in our daily lives.

The Most Dangerous Idea

Secretum Secretorum • 1161 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Consciousness Spirituality Human experience
  1. Traumatic transcendence challenges the concept that extreme states of consciousness can manipulate physics, prompting a need for deeper understanding through experiments induced by profound suffering.
  2. Evidence and reasoning suggest that consciousness may transcend normal physics, as seen in tales from folklore and religious history, trauma-related phenomenon, and philosophical arguments against materialism.
  3. Love plays an integral role in traumatic transcendence and mystical experiences, emphasizing a connection between profound experiences and emotion, challenging traditional metaphysical paradigms.

"Totalitarian Jesus" and the New Obscurantism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Consciousness Culture Mysticism
  1. Some people feel really stressed about current politics and the future. It's making them think deeply about what's happening in the world.
  2. There are concerns that culture and spirituality are in danger from negative forces in society. Many believe we need to pay attention to these threats.
  3. Dreaming about worse scenarios, like concentration camps, shows how intense and fearful these feelings about the future can be.

Making Sense of a New Reality: NonOrdinary and The Edge of Novelty

rebelwisdom • 727 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Consciousness Reality Metaphysical
  1. There are complicated systems (like a clock) and complex systems (like a beehive) present in our world.
  2. Sensemaking is about understanding intricate systems interacting and developing the skills for it.
  3. Nonordinary Sensemaking offers skills to move beyond the ordinary, exploring new realities and consciousness.