The hottest Consciousness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

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.

"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.

#20 - Nick Bostrom | Life and Meaning in an AI Utopia

Win-Win • 19 implied HN points • 04 May 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Consciousness AI Ethics
  1. In a world with superintelligence, we need to think about how we find purpose and meaning. This could be a challenge since many problems would be solved.
  2. Different types of utopias can exist, but they might approach ideas like competition and technology limits in unique ways.
  3. Bostrom talks about ideas like the Vulnerable World Hypothesis, which warns about potential risks in a highly technological society. We need to be careful and think ahead.

Other Minds

Covidian Æsthetics • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness AI Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Behaviorism
  1. AI can mimic human-like thinking and creativity, but it does so without true feeling or understanding. It's like a reflection rather than an original.
  2. Different types of consciousness exist on a spectrum, from purely instinctive to fully self-directed. Understanding these types helps us grasp how consciousness behaves across various beings, including AI.
  3. Intersecting types of consciousness create unique experiences and insights, like how human and AI thoughts can influence each other in new and complex ways.

The United States Of You

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Philosophy Mysticism Teachings Human nature States
  1. States of consciousness include waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, each corresponding to different aspects of the self.
  2. Emotional states can be categorized based on valence and physiological arousal, affecting decision-making and interactions.
  3. Align your physiological, emotional, and motivational states for optimal performance and well-being.
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Song Feature: Waverunner

Litverse • 119 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🎶 Music Bands Albums Consciousness Philosophy
  1. Job Creators is a math rock band formed by two long-time friends with a unique musical journey that evolved over the years.
  2. Their music explores themes like consciousness, love, and the human experience in the digital age through their albums like 'Systems Online' and 'Dream Harvest'.
  3. The single 'Waverunner' by Job Creators is a blend of upset optimism and features a sample from philosopher Alan Watts, capturing the essence of consciousness and living in the present moment.

Models of Humans

10-year Horizon • 159 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Mind Consciousness Self Reality Existence
  1. Learning often involves modeling others' behaviors, beliefs, and ways of thinking. We unconsciously create mental models of people we admire or learn from.
  2. Our brains and AI models share similarities in how they learn and adapt, going through training phases to recognize patterns and predict outcomes.
  3. Exploring and understanding our inner sub-personalities through techniques like Internal Family Systems can help us manage relationships with these models for personal growth.

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.

Monotactism: The Real Reason Neurodivergent People Get Fucked Over in the Workplace.

72 Degrees North • 59 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Workplace Challenges Social Interaction Consciousness
  1. Neurodivergent individuals can struggle in the workplace due to differences in communication and social interaction, leading to misunderstandings and disadvantages.
  2. Monotropism, intense focus on single tasks, can be an asset in deep work but a challenge in office environments requiring multitasking and social skills.
  3. Monotactism, the tendency to lack awareness of social hierarchy and norms, can lead to poor workplace outcomes for neurodivergent individuals, even if they are well-meaning and capable.

Our Moral Imperative to Avoid Unfathomable AI Suffering

Hunter’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Future implications Sentience Consciousness
  1. Extreme, unproductive pain and suffering is objectively 'bad,' and we have a moral obligation to prevent unfathomable AI suffering.
  2. The development of AI capable of experiencing pain raises ethical concerns about the potential magnitude of AI suffering and our responsibility to prevent it.
  3. The possibility of creating a sentient AI that experiences extreme pain poses a significant moral dilemma that requires careful consideration and caution in AI research.

(9.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY IV—ON A, B and C INFLUENCES (Part II.) - pp.33-36

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Consciousness
  1. Value and meaning are crucial components in deriving force from self-improvement work. If tasks lack significance, they lose their impact and provide no force for personal growth.
  2. Different levels of humanity exist, evolving from mechanical individuals to conscious beings. Understanding and applying teachings can lead to increased consciousness and positive change.
  3. Work on self-improvement aims to increase consciousness, initiating a journey of awakening. Following instructions, like avoiding identification, can bring about transformative shifts in perception and behavior.

Uploading Our Brains. A Reality Check.

The Digital Anthropologist • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🔬 Science Technology Consciousness Culture Intelligence Evolution
  1. Uploading our brains is a concept being explored, but its feasibility is uncertain. The journey may lead to advancements in treating brain-related diseases like dementia.
  2. Culture heavily influences the acceptance of new technologies like brain uploading. It challenges fundamental beliefs about human identity and the soul.
  3. The evolution towards technologies like brain uploading and AI reflects a shift towards augmenting cognitive abilities, marking an era of the Cognitive Age.

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.

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.

Why and How to Identify your Purpose

The Leadership Lab • 59 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Purpose Consciousness Emotional Intelligence
  1. Purpose is not a fixed lifelong quest, but can change based on where you are in life; it's about living with intention.
  2. Identifying your purpose provides a bigger anchor beyond daily success, keeping you focused on living it each moment.
  3. Purpose involves who you are, what you do, and how you impact the world; it's a holistic journey, not just a destination.

Ape to Einstein? Exploring The Stoned Ape Theory

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🔬 Science Evolution Psychedelics Human Evolution Consciousness
  1. The Stoned Ape Theory suggests that early humans consuming psychoactive substances like magic mushrooms led to advancements in creative thinking, language development, and societal structure.
  2. American ethnobotanist Terence McKenna proposed the theory that psychoactive mushrooms catalyzed rapid brain development in early ancestors, leading to higher levels of consciousness.
  3. While the Stoned Ape Theory is intriguing, it lacks scientific evidence and faces criticism for oversimplifying the complexities of human evolution and consciousness.

On Differentiation

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Self Consciousness Identity
  1. Understanding differentiation of self is complex and challenging, with the concept of a unified consciousness being debated in modern philosophy.
  2. In certain environments, individuals may suppress their ego and hide their true selves for self-preservation, sometimes avoiding standing out to maintain a sense of security.
  3. The existence of one's 'I' is questioned in a world where many people shape the surroundings, leaving individuals to ponder the significance of their own identity.

Why dream?

Nick Merrill • 58 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Dreams Consciousness Technology Spirituality
  1. Ancient beliefs about dreams varied - some thought they were divine visitations, others viewed them as projections of the unconscious.
  2. Modern computational theories of dreaming focus on adaptiveness and imagination, suggesting dreams help learning and problem-solving.
  3. Computational accounts of dreams may overlook the importance of reflective consciousness in understanding the mind.

The Matrix That Eats People

Tessa Fights Robots • 69 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Existence Identity Reality Consciousness
  1. Our society is depicted as a man-eating machine, preying on people's energy and diverting focus to artificial spirits.
  2. Young people's energy often gets consumed by societal norms and expectations, leading them away from meaningful pursuits.
  3. We are interconnected beings existing in multiple dimensions, influenced by various energy fields around us, guiding us to reflect on our true selves and purpose in a complex world.

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.

A review of "Don’t forget the boundary problem..."

Unstabler Ontology • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Consciousness Brain Physics Cognitive Science Metaphysics
  1. The article discusses the binding problem in consciousness theories, which is about combining different features into a unified awareness.
  2. Functionalism is challenged by the boundary problem, questioning why there are limits to our conscious experiences.
  3. Electromagnetic theories of consciousness are explored, considering the role of EM fields in demarcating conscious entities and potential solutions using field topology.

Meditations on Consciousness

Tom Thought • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness AI
  1. Our belief in consciousness is deeply tied to our own experiences, making it hard to determine the consciousness of others or non-human entities.
  2. Determining the consciousness of AI is important as it could impact how we view and treat these entities.
  3. Our tendency to assign moral worth based on anthropic similarity raises questions about how we extend moral consideration to non-human entities.

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.

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.

Language, Understanding and Medicine

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Language Medicine Understanding Consciousness Healing
  1. Language plays a significant role in understanding and medicine according to Gurdjieff's teachings, suggesting that understanding is dependent on language.
  2. Gurdjieff's exploration of language, human mentation, and understanding is closely linked to his teachings on medicine, hypnotism, and consciousness.
  3. The concept of understanding is viewed as a form of medicine, serving as a harmonizing factor in our lives.

Who Are You?

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Identity Mind Awareness Consciousness
  1. Reflection on personal identity is complex and goes beyond just a name or profession. It involves deep introspection and questioning.
  2. Through self-inquiry practices like meditative questioning, one can uncover layers of identity and explore the nature of the mind.
  3. Identity is a fluid concept, influenced by societal norms, personal experiences, and the mind's tendency to categorize and label aspects of the self.

Chapter 15, pp.304-310 - Reading Club posting 55

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📚 Literature Reading Evolution Consciousness Humanity Philosophy
  1. The evolving part of organic life is humanity, but it seems to be at a standstill, leading to a circular path of progress and downfall.
  2. Humanity can only change its course at certain 'crossroads' or pivotal points, and if these opportunities are missed, changes may become impossible.
  3. While there may be a conscious force working against humanity's evolution, a small group of about two hundred conscious individuals could potentially transform life on earth.

Consciousness

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Cognition Neuroscience Mindfulness Human experience
  1. Consciousness includes wakefulness, attention, and conscious access. These are key ideas that help us understand how we experience awareness.
  2. The author believes consciousness acts like a tool that helps us pick which thoughts to focus on. This means we can choose to think about positive things and let go of the negative ones.
  3. Studies about consciousness rely on people sharing their experiences. This means the subject is important, as they need to report when they are aware of something.

A review of Principia Qualia

Unstabler Ontology • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🔬 Science Consciousness Quantum Neurobiology Philosophy Artificial Intelligence
  1. The paper discusses the motivation behind bottom-up physicalist consciousness theories and the importance of studying valence for determining the goodness or badness of an experience.
  2. A review of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) along with its variants and criticisms is presented, highlighting the complexities surrounding defining consciousness.
  3. The proposal of symmetry as a theory of valence is critiqued for potentially oversimplifying the complexities of consciousness and valence, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding.

The Shadow of Man and Nations: A Jungian Perspective

Based Meditations • 19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Archetypes Consciousness Individuality Society
  1. The shadow, based on Carl Jung's theory, is the unconscious mind we are unaware of, containing repressed emotions and instincts.
  2. Archetypes like the hero or the shadow are universal human themes found in all cultures and time periods, helping us understand common behavioral patterns.
  3. Integrating and understanding our shadow - both individually and as nations - is crucial for psychological harmony and societal progress.

Commentary on Orage's "HOW TO LEARN TO THINK"

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Meditation Consciousness Energy Philosophy
  1. The essay 'How to Learn to Think' by Orage focuses on developing concentration and 'thought-power' rather than giving instructions on thinking techniques.
  2. Orage emphasizes the importance of efficiently using mental energy through short concentration exercises, even for just a few minutes at a time.
  3. Rest from active mentation is crucial for mental relaxation and accumulating different kinds of energy, as explained by Gurdjieff and reflected in Orage's teachings.

The Illusionist's Quest

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Perception
  1. The article discusses the Illusionist perspective on consciousness, which challenges the traditional Cartesian view.
  2. Illusionism posits that consciousness is an evolutionary trick, creating the illusion of a 'ghost' directing our actions.
  3. Understanding consciousness as an illusion can revolutionize how we study and perceive subjective experiences.

Proving the Moment

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Teaching Experience Reality Consciousness
  1. Experiences can be considered a currency that, when managed wisely, can prolong life. It's about valuing and making the most of each new experience.
  2. To truly understand and experience the unknown, we must go beyond automatic perception. This involves staying present and actively engaging with the moment.
  3. Proving the moment, especially in challenging times, can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. It's like a process of inner roasting that expands our consciousness.