The hottest Consciousness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Awakened States: Exploring The Harmony Between Psychedelics & Meditation

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Meditation Consciousness Brain Activity
  1. Psychedelics and meditation both offer transformative experiences, but lasting change likely requires a foundation of consistent meditation practice.
  2. Both meditation and psychedelics can induce altered states of consciousness, but they achieve this through different mechanisms.
  3. Meditation and psychedelics have the potential to impact brain networks such as the default mode network and the salience network, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a shift in thinking patterns.

The Reality Algorithm & Predictable Magic of Alignment with Mark Krassner

Consciousness ∞ The Doorway to Human Evolution • 373 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Alignment Consciousness Spirituality Reality Success
  1. Success involves more than just making good decisions and working hard - it's about alignment.
  2. Recognizing and embracing alignment can lead to genuine success and fulfillment.
  3. There is a deeper layer of reality that operates based on alignment rather than control.

A Bridging of Dimensions

ᴋʟᴀᵾs • 628 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Biology Neuroscience Consciousness
  1. Former government officials have revealed details about UFO crash retrieval programs involving non-human intelligence and advanced materials.
  2. The use of topological materials in UFO technology could explain exotic properties, like strange isotopes and materials able to deform into higher dimensions.
  3. Connections between the human brain's multi-dimensional functions and UFO phenomena could suggest a link between consciousness and unexplained aerial phenomena.

The Intrinsic Value of Consciousness

Going Awol • 139 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Value Consciousness Aesthetics Beauty
  1. Intrinsic value is value something has for its own sake, like pleasure or achievement, while instrumental value is value something has as a means to an end, like money.
  2. Consciousness is considered instrumentally valuable as it is a prerequisite for many intrinsically valuable things like forming relationships, feeling happiness, and experiencing beauty.
  3. The aesthetic value of consciousness lies in its beauty and the wonder it inspires, as it is seen as sublime and intricately mysterious.

Import AI 338: Consciousness and AI; self-improving language models; maps of thought.

Import AI • 539 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Language Models Consciousness Reinforcement Learning AI Ethics
  1. Facebook introduces Code Llama, large language models specialized for coding, empowering more people with access to AI systems.
  2. DeepMind's Reinforced Self-Training (ReST) allows faster AI model improvement cycles by iteratively tuning models based on human preferences, but overfitting risks need careful management.
  3. Researchers identify key indicators from studies on human and animal consciousness to guide evaluation of AI's potential consciousness, stressing the importance of caution and a theory-heavy approach.
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What is a Visionary?

The Joyous Struggle • 533 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Future Consciousness Humanity Transformation
  1. Visionaries see the future and offer direction, often through inspiring ideas and stories.
  2. Visionaries work to bring new worlds into being through language and action, shaping collective perception.
  3. Today's visionaries need to address challenges in a digital and planetary context, inspiring viable and desirable futures through qualities like fluency in different realities, questioning paradigms, and envisioning transformative struggles.

Mindwoven Reality

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Idealism Spirit Consciousness Reality
  1. Reality is seen as a unified whole, shaped by our thoughts and consciousness. Our thinking isn't just a reflection, but a force that actively creates our experiences.
  2. Thinking connects us to a shared reality, allowing us to transcend personal feelings. While feelings can divide us, our thoughts unite us in understanding.
  3. Reality is dynamic and evolves with our engagement and consciousness. We don't uncover fixed laws but interact with a living reality that's always changing.

The Spreading Cracks in the Facade of Reality

Charles Eisenstein • 11 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Reality Narrative Perception Metaphysics
  1. Reality is shaped by narratives and stories. How we view the world and share those views can change what's possible.
  2. Many conspiracy theories are messy and can't all be true, leading to confusion. Understanding the truth will take time as these ideas mix and clash.
  3. Our choices and feelings shape the future. Positive actions and emotions can lead to a better outcome, while negative ones can bring harm.

Can We Break the Spell?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Psychedelics Human nature Society Consciousness Reality
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Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 723 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Science Metaphysics Atheism Consciousness
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.

A Subversion of Consciousness

ᴋʟᴀᵾs • 432 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Aliens Consciousness Interviews
  1. Tom DeLonge discusses the intention of UFO phenomena to prevent humanity from realizing its full potential.
  2. There is a narrative that extraterrestrial life forms do not want humanity to become too powerful.
  3. The idea of a subversion of consciousness is a central theme in the study of UFO phenomenon.

Consciousness is Organic - redux

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 196 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Consciousness Climate Evolution Biodiversity Ecology
  1. Consciousness is organic - a reminder that our minds are intertwined with the natural world, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the environment.
  2. The concept of planetary intelligence explores the collective knowledge and responsibility of civilizations on a global scale, urging a shift towards more mindful and balanced technological growth.
  3. The human mind is identified as a key threat in the Anthropocene era, highlighting the necessity for self-improvement to address the planet's pressing issues.

Foundation

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ontology Metaphysics Idealism Materialism Consciousness Spirituality
  1. To rebuild civilization, we need to understand the basic nature of being and reality. This understanding will guide our actions and values in society.
  2. Many people hold conflicting beliefs about existence, which leads to problems. Recognizing and embracing a common understanding can help us better interact with each other and the world.
  3. Shifting our view to see consciousness as central can change how we approach life and society. This perspective encourages compassion, interdependence, and a more meaningful existence.

Optimistic Reports on God and the Soul

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Dualism Immortality Consciousness
  1. The discussion on consciousness has shifted towards panpsychism as a middle ground between materialism and dualism.
  2. There is a resurgence in interest in dualism and theism as explanatory options for minds and the cosmos.
  3. Recent works defend substance dualism and point to the ongoing decline of interest in physicalism, emphasizing the importance of souls and God in understanding consciousness and the universe.

Uneasy Riders: Part One

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 27 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Psychedelics Consciousness Reality Society
  1. Psychedelics might mix up our minds and reality, making it harder to understand what's really happening in the world. This confusion could lead to more personal and societal issues.
  2. While many people benefit from psychedelics at first, there's a worry about how widespread use can have negative effects over time. It may increase feelings of isolation and paranoia.
  3. The current state of the world and the psychedelic movement seem linked, and there needs to be more awareness about the potential downsides of this movement on society as a whole.

Cultivating Consciousness at Work With Former Head of Mindfulness At LinkedIn Scott Schute

Consciousness ∞ The Doorway to Human Evolution • 176 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Mindfulness Workplace Community Self-discovery
  1. Integrating consciousness in the business world can lead to personal growth and benefit society.
  2. Bringing mindfulness into the workplace can improve business outcomes.
  3. There is a growing intersection between consciousness and business, with more innovations expected in the future.

The Dance of Light and Dark

Clinsights • 294 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Truth Enlightenment
  1. Combining all colors of light creates white, while combining paint colors makes black.
  2. The dance of energy and matter in the universe is a constant transformation from light to dark and back.
  3. While our bodies return to chaos, our minds and consciousness trend towards increasing order and light.

Intrinsic Primacy: Consciousness, the Impetus of Man

Holodoxa • 259 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🔬 Science Consciousness Neuroscience Philosophy Emergence
  1. Our consciousness and internal thoughts are essential to our human experience, leading to the question of where they originate in the brain.
  2. Neuroscience faces challenges in understanding consciousness, with the field needing a new paradigm to address the relationship between brain function and conscious experience.
  3. Different perspectives, such as intrinsic introspection and extrinsic scientific observation, have evolved through history, shaping how we view the world and ourselves.

The Case for Embracing A "Choose Your Own Adventure" Philosophy

America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng) • 235 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📖 Philosophy Peace Individuality Diversity Free will Consciousness
  1. Embracing a 'choose your own adventure' philosophy promotes acknowledging and appreciating differences.
  2. Allowing people to choose their own paths leads to self-organization without the need for central planning.
  3. Celebrating diverse ways of living can create a more peaceful and flourishing future.

Evolving Beyond Determinism

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🔬 Science Consciousness Evolution Free will Neuroscience Philosophy
  1. Consciousness and free will are gaining scholarly attention, moving beyond being considered intellectual backwaters.
  2. There is a growing interest in naturalistic explanations of the human mind, relying on science rather than mystical or religious beliefs.
  3. The book 'Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will' by Kevin J. Mitchell offers a scientific defense of free will against determinism, emphasizing the role of conscious experience in guiding human behavior.

Build rituals, not habits

Insight Axis • 217 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Rituals Habits Intention Consciousness Mindfulness
  1. Building rituals is more impactful than building habits. Rituals carry conscious intention and awareness, making them more potent than habits.
  2. Ritualizing technical work, like coding or mathematics, can improve focus and clarity. Slowing down and being intentional in these tasks can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Debunk the belief that intentional actions are effortful. Being fully present in your activities, from the mundane to the complex, can bring aliveness without strain.

Is Ketamine Psychedelic?

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Neurochemistry Mental health Therapy Consciousness
  1. The definition of what makes a substance psychedelic is changing, with ketamine now being considered part of the psychedelic therapy.
  2. The debate over whether ketamine is psychedelic focuses on the chemistry/pharmacology versus subjective experience of the drug.
  3. Ketamine induces mind-revealing states through its unique impact on the brain, even though it doesn't directly target the 5HT2A serotonin receptors like classical psychedelics.

Thinking the Unthinkable

What's Important? • 65 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Integration Science Society
  1. Many people are feeling confused because our traditional ways of thinking, especially in politics and economics, aren't working anymore. This is showing us that we might need to change how we relate to each other and the world.
  2. Our brains tend to focus too much on logic and separation, which keeps us from seeing the bigger picture. Connecting more with our emotions and understanding the interconnectedness of life can help us navigate this complex world.
  3. As we become more in tune with ourselves and others, we might discover new abilities and deeper relationships. Embracing love and connection can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

To Oblivion & Back: Exploring The Benefits of Psychedelic-Induced Ego Death

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Shadow work Mental health Consciousness
  1. Ego dissolution through psychedelics offers a different, empathetic perspective and helps confront the delusions and distractions created by the ego.
  2. Psychedelics can induce ego death by suppressing the default mode network, leading to defragmentation of rigid thoughts and allowing new insights and beliefs to emerge.
  3. Understanding the ego's components, biases, and impact on our view of the world can lead to seeking ego dissolution for a more fulfilling, present, and connected life.

Dialogues on Psychophysical Harmony, Part 1

Going Awol • 239 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Theism Naturalism Consciousness Harmony
  1. Psychophysical harmony is the observation that our mental states match up with the external, physical world in rationally appropriate ways.
  2. The existence of psychophysical laws, like gravity, governs the relationship between mental states and physical states, leading to harmony.
  3. On naturalism, the surprising nature of psychophysical harmony provides evidence against naturalism and potentially in favor of the theory that God exists.

Toward the Spirit Self

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Occult Spirituality Consciousness Ethics
  1. Rudolf Steiner was a key thinker who created Waldorf Schools and introduced the idea of Anthroposophy. His work is still relevant today and can help us understand the world in a deeper way.
  2. He believed that modern science often overlooks the importance of consciousness and spirituality, focusing too much on physical explanations. This can make it hard for people to grasp the full depth of human experience.
  3. Steiner's teachings encourage a unique perspective that combines science with spirituality, offering valuable insights into how we can view ourselves and our place in the world.

The Black Swans are Overhead

What's Important? • 35 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Consciousness Spirituality
  1. Black swan events are unexpected occurrences that have never happened before. They can significantly impact our world in surprising ways.
  2. There's a growing belief that non-human intelligence might be trying to help humanity avoid self-destruction with technology. This raises questions about what we could learn from it.
  3. The concept of collective consciousness, driven by love and self-awareness, is becoming more important. This idea suggests we are evolving and learning from our experiences together.

Inside The Telepathy Tapes

What's Important? • 26 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Neuroscience Consciousness Research Methods
  1. The Telepathy Tapes suggests that some non-speaking autistic children may have psychic abilities like telepathy. This idea challenges traditional views of science and consciousness.
  2. While the podcast may present intriguing cases, it is not a formal scientific study, and the findings need more thorough investigation to be validated.
  3. Many people find the messages from the children in The Telepathy Tapes align with spiritual beliefs, sparking a broader discussion about the nature of consciousness and human connection.

Ecstatic Contact with the Cosmos

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Rituals Transcendence Consciousness Mythology
  1. Many people yearn for a deeper meaning in life and feel disappointed when they can't find it. This desire for something more has been ignored in modern culture.
  2. Traditional societies had rites of passage to help individuals find their purpose and transition to adulthood. Modern civilization lacks these, which has led to feelings of alienation and chaos.
  3. Crises or disasters can bring people together and awaken a sense of community and love. We can choose to connect with each other now, rather than waiting for a catastrophe.

My chat session with Inflection's PI

Top Carbon Chauvinist • 39 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Philosophy Innovation Consciousness Ethics
  1. Machines struggle to truly understand human concepts like referents because their understanding is based on patterns, not genuine comprehension.
  2. There is a strong belief that artificial consciousness is impossible due to the differences between designed machines and biological organisms, which have unique qualities like agency.
  3. Philosophers argue that consciousness involves subjective experience that machines, being designed and programmed, cannot replicate.

The Cave of Consensus is Collapsing

What's Important? • 20 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Spirituality Wisdom Reality Transformation
  1. The Cave of Consensus is where we learn common knowledge safely. However, focusing only on known facts can limit our growth.
  2. Outside this cave lies the Cavern of Consciousness, where we explore deeper topics like spirituality and the unknown. This space can be intimidating but also incredibly transformative.
  3. Leaving the Cave allows us to see everything differently and tap into our creativity. It's a space full of potential and freedom, unlike the restrictions of the Cave.