The hottest Education Substack posts right now

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Funding science is actually a badass thing to do

Experimental History • 9269 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Policy Technology Education
  1. Funding science is essential because it helps us gain knowledge, which is the key to improving our lives. Every advancement we've made comes from learning and understanding more about the world.
  2. We need to be careful not to fall into traps of thinking we can solve problems by reducing knowledge. Instead, we should focus on increasing our understanding to overcome challenges.
  3. Fixing the science funding system could be simple. For example, by avoiding payments to for-profit publishers and reducing unnecessary grant application processes, we can make better use of our resources and support innovative research.

This is How We Fall Out of Love with the World

Culture Study • 12118 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Society Politics Education Work
  1. Art and essential services matter, but they often lack sufficient public funding in America. Many believe value only comes from profit, which overlooks the importance of community support.
  2. Cuts to public services mean that everyday Americans are forced to shoulder more costs. This creates a fragile system that risks collapse during tough times, like the pandemic.
  3. Passion jobs, where people work for love rather than money, are at risk as public funding declines. This leads to burnout and instability for those who dedicate themselves to these important roles in society.

We Live Like Royalty and Don’t Know It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 129 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Education Values History Ideas
  1. Many people don't realize how much they benefit from complex systems that provide food, water, and healthcare. It's important to understand these systems to appreciate the comforts we have.
  2. Events like weddings showcase how ordinary people can enjoy luxuries that were once only for the wealthy. This shows a change in how we live compared to the past.
  3. Understanding and maintaining our modern systems is crucial. If we ignore them, we risk losing the conveniences we've come to expect in daily life.

Learning Assembly for Fun and Profit

The Chip Letter • 12886 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Programming Software Hardware Computing Education
  1. Learning assembly language can help you understand how computers work at a deeper level. It's beneficial for debugging code and grasping the basics of machine instructions.
  2. There are retro and modern assembly languages to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Retro languages are fun but less practical today, while modern ones are more useful but often complicated.
  3. RISC-V is a promising choice for learning assembly language because it's growing in popularity and offers a clear path from simple concepts to more complex systems. It's also open-source, making it accessible for new learners.

WARNING: Elon Musk is crippling the future of the United States

Marcus on AI • 8457 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Education Science Public Policy Technology
  1. Drastic cuts to funding for science and universities could hurt America's future. Less money means fewer resources for research and education.
  2. Many talented scientists and academics might leave the country because of these funding cuts. This can damage the reputation of American universities.
  3. The decisions being made could have negative effects even on people in red states, showing that these cuts impact everyone, not just certain areas.
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Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Education Social Issues Personal Growth Literature
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

On Being Butthurt

The Elif Life • 3249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Privilege Identity Education Humor
  1. Keeping a notebook can help capture funny or interesting moments in life. It’s a way to notice the lighter side of things, even when life feels heavy.
  2. Feeling butthurt often comes from comparing ourselves to others and their privileges. This can lead to unnecessary resentment instead of recognizing our own journey.
  3. Writing can be a way to overcome feelings of butthurt. It allows us to connect with our past selves and remember our growth over time.

Magnus Carlsen, David Deutsch and the "Fun Criterion"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Entertainment Sports Education
  1. Magnus Carlsen, a top chess player, emphasizes that enjoying the game is key to his success. He believes that treating chess as a fun hobby rather than a job helps him perform better.
  2. David Deutsch's 'fun criterion' suggests that feeling enjoyment during an activity can be a powerful guide for decision-making and problem-solving. It's about aligning your conscious and unconscious ideas to find what truly matters.
  3. Choosing paths based on fun can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. Many people, including successful figures, often overlook enjoyment in their choices, which can lead to dissatisfaction.

A Showdown in Massachusetts Schools over Antisemitism. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1831 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Education Voting Rights Social Issues Public Safety
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism being taught in schools in Massachusetts, leading to debates between lawmakers and teacher unions.
  2. Some New Yorkers are discussing the possibility of allowing noncitizens to vote, with opinions divided on how it affects citizenship value.
  3. The Biden administration is taking steps to protect migrant children from human traffickers, focusing on their safety over the anonymity of sponsors.

Guest post: The Global IQ Debate: A Modest Contribution From A Resident African

Wood From Eden • 9312 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Intelligence Society Education Identity Racism
  1. Living in a society with a low average IQ can shape people's abilities and social structures differently than in higher IQ societies. Even with low IQ scores, many can still function well in their communities, often adapting culturally.
  2. Education systems may favor rote learning over creativity, so high IQ individuals might struggle in these environments. The focus is often on memorization rather than understanding concepts, leading to discrepancies between IQ and academic performance.
  3. Cultural values and personality traits can impact societal progress. In places where tribal or religious affiliations dominate, collective efforts toward improvement can be hindered by corruption and a lack of scientific reasoning.

Welcome to Hamassachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2652 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Education Legislation Activism Public Policy
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism in Massachusetts public schools. Lawmakers are highlighting this issue during discussions and hearings.
  2. A recent event featured a state representative showing a folded dollar bill as a symbol of antisemitism, sparking reactions from teachers and union leaders.
  3. The leader of the Massachusetts Teachers Association did not make a judgment when asked if that imagery was antisemitic, reflecting a complex conversation around these topics.

Does the flame of genius burn past 30?

The Common Reader • 4181 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Education Science
  1. Genius can continue to shine bright after age 30, not just in youth. Many inventors and artists create amazing work later in life too.
  2. The age at which people achieve great things has changed over time, often due to the increasing complexity of knowledge in various fields.
  3. Not all talent comes from young people. Many famous poets and thinkers made their best contributions after they turned fifty.

AI & Python #29: Python Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend

Artificial Corner • 198 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software AI Education Development
  1. Working on Python projects is important because it helps you apply what you've learned. It's a great way to connect theory to practice and improve your coding skills.
  2. The article suggests projects for both beginners and advanced users, which helps cater to different skill levels. Starting with easier projects can build confidence before tackling more complex ones.
  3. Completing projects can also boost your motivation and help you create a portfolio. This can be really useful when looking for job opportunities or trying to showcase your skills.

Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Policy Free speech Education
  1. There has been a significant shift in the conversation around gender identity, with actions taken to limit certain medical practices for children. This shows a growing recognition of the complexities involved with gender issues.
  2. Concerns have been raised about how young people, particularly young women, are navigating their identities. There were many urgent appeals for surgeries that might have long-term consequences.
  3. The debate around gender identity has become highly polarized, with some voices being suppressed, especially those that challenge popular narratives. This highlights the tension between free speech and activism in this area.

A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Can’t Read His Diploma. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Government Public Policy Social Issues
  1. A high school graduate with a decent GPA didn't learn how to read, highlighting serious issues in education today. This has sparked legal action against the school district for not providing proper education.
  2. Many people agree that kids today are not performing as well academically, partly due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about declining intelligence and skills among young students.
  3. Recent political events have raised questions about justice and accountability, especially regarding figures like Trump and his pardons for individuals involved in corruption. Such actions have sparked debate about fairness in the legal system.

How to Undo Woke Programming: 2024

Holly’s Newsletter • 2122 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Identity politics Cultural critique
  1. College courses can shape how we think about ourselves and others. Some classes may focus too much on victimhood, which can lead to a negative mindset.
  2. It's important to control our reactions when faced with assumptions about ourselves. Choosing kindness instead of anger can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Cultural messages can make us doubt our abilities and feel like victims. It's crucial to challenge these beliefs and recognize our own strength.

The Illegible Real

What Is Called Thinking? • 53 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Knowledge Epistemology Wisdom Education Metaphysics
  1. Tacit knowledge, or understanding gained from experience, is very important and can't always be explained by rules or theories. It's like how a farmer knows their land or a musician feels the right moment to improvise.
  2. The world often values what can be measured and categorized, but this can miss the deeper, lived knowledge that guides real-life decisions. There's more to learning than just reading books or following formal education.
  3. In a future filled with data and technology, the ability to mix both formal knowledge and experiential wisdom will be really valuable. It's important to recognize the strengths and limitations of both types of knowledge.

What I Told RFK's Team at the Department of Health and Human Services

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 6629 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Education Family Policy Social norms
  1. Teaching the 'success sequence' can help reduce poverty. Kids who finish school, get a job, and marry before having kids are much less likely to be in poverty.
  2. Society needs clear and strong norms around work and family. When rich people don't talk about these norms, it confuses those in lower-income communities.
  3. Family stability is important for children's success. Kids from married parents tend to do better in school and have better chances of going to college.

Here Come the Allodidacts

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1451 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Reading Education Philosophy Community Literature
  1. Reading can be lonely, but sharing the experience with others makes it richer and more meaningful. It opens up opportunities for deep conversations and connections.
  2. Deep reading focuses on truly engaging with texts, often through discussions and activities that enhance understanding. It's not just about reading a lot, but about understanding and connecting with what you're reading.
  3. Creating spaces for people to read together can revitalize the love for reading and learning. These environments help break away from distractions and allow for serious contemplation and growth.

Dreaming About Going Back to the Land? I Did It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9993 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Nature Personal Growth Education Food
  1. Living on a farm brings a deep understanding of nature's realities. It's a reminder that not everything can be controlled, like waiting for hens to lay eggs.
  2. The transition from city life to a rural lifestyle can be challenging and unexpected. It often requires tough decisions, like dealing with the life and death of animals.
  3. Nature teaches valuable life lessons that many people might overlook in a digital age. Embracing these lessons can lead to personal growth and a reevaluation of what really matters in life.

Box # 8

What Is Called Thinking? • 13 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Philosophy Politics Technology
  1. Confidence in higher education has dropped a lot in recent years. Many people worry that colleges are too liberal and not preparing students for real jobs.
  2. Workplace politics are a big part of any job. Depending on the company, you might spend anywhere from 25% to 50% of your time dealing with office politics.
  3. Dostoevsky is gaining popularity on social media, showing a shift in what people are interested in today. It seems like deeper themes are resonating with a lot of people.

The Vibe Shift Comes to the Super Bowl. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2582 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political parties Education
  1. This year's Super Bowl showed a shift in culture with new messages like 'Choose Love' in the end zone. The halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar mixed patriotism with social commentary.
  2. Democrats are trying to defend USAID amid controversies, but many people believe foreign aid is excessive, which could backfire on their political support.
  3. American public education continues to struggle, with students falling behind, and some educators are allegedly trying to obscure the problem instead of fixing it.

On Tyranny free resources

Thinking about... • 854 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Civic engagement Education
  1. You can access free cards and posters that summarize lessons from 'On Tyranny'. You can print these resources and share them easily!
  2. The author encourages people to share the lessons freely, whether digitally or in person. It's important to spread knowledge about resistance and politics.
  3. There are also messages available for sharing on social media, promoting the lessons and their relevance for both individuals and educators.

On What Makes a Good Writer with Kevin Wilson

The Sub Club Newsletter • 1110 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Publishing Community Education
  1. Finding a supportive community can really help a writer feel like their work matters. Connecting with others can make the writing journey feel a lot less lonely.
  2. Writing is both a personal and technical craft. It's important to enjoy the process and be open to learning, rather than getting too caught up in formal success markers.
  3. Art should be valued beyond just monetary success. Writers can thrive by focusing on what they love to create, regardless of whether they achieve fame or fortune.

Rubik’s abstract polytopes

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 18 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🔬 Science Mathematics Topology Geometry Puzzles Education
  1. Rubik's Cube can be made in different shapes, like a tetrahedron or dodecahedron, instead of just the classic cube. These variations have their own names, like the Megaminx for the dodecahedron.
  2. A new study explains how to think about these puzzles in more dimensions, counting how many different ways they can be turned or rearranged. This includes understanding shapes like the hypercube.
  3. The math behind a Rubik's Cube shows interesting patterns, like counting sticks and pieces, and this can help us understand all kinds of shapes and designs better.

On reading Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The sea and why kids these days can't read

Wondering Freely • 991 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Classics Reading Education Cultural critique
  1. Many students today struggle to read long novels and often rely on summaries instead. This shift shows how reading habits have changed in recent years.
  2. Reading literary fiction can be a journey that helps us grow as people. It lets us explore complex characters and their lives, which can lead to self-reflection.
  3. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, which makes it hard to enjoy reading. It's important to slow down and allow ourselves to simply enjoy a good book.

Decide You Are Not Done

The American Peasant • 2914 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Lifestyle Education Personal Growth
  1. When you want to improve a skill, don't just stop at what's easy. Keep going to push your limits, like continuing to practice a sport even if you don't enjoy it.
  2. Focusing on a specific task for longer can lead to better results. Working longer on the same project can help you learn more and improve your work.
  3. Practicing in a challenging way, instead of just going through the motions, makes a difference. Trying hard things can lead to great improvements, even if it feels frustrating at times.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the boys and men party

Of Boys and Men • 465 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Education Gender Issues Economic Policy
  1. Governors are starting to focus on the challenges young men face today. They are discussing issues like housing and education that especially impact young men.
  2. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted specific gender gaps in home buying and education in her recent speech. She plans to take action to help increase men's participation in higher education.
  3. This is a significant move from a female leader known for advocating women's rights. It shows that improving opportunities for both genders is important and not a competition.

"Wouldn't It Be Cool If..." Science is a Scourge and We Will Regret It

Freddie deBoer • 9344 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Quantum physics Scientific Method AI Research Education
  1. There are tons of resources to learn about science today, but a lot of popular science content can be misleading and full of hype. It's important to be careful about what you believe, especially if you don't have a strong background in the subject.
  2. Many claims in science media, like the existence of alternate dimensions or warp drives, often lack strong evidence. It’s crucial to approach such claims with skepticism rather than taking them at face value.
  3. Real scientific work is usually slow and methodical, rather than exciting breakthroughs. Making science seem too flashy might mislead younger people about what a career in science really involves.

Lessons From Michigan's DEI Failure

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Political culture Public Policy Activism
  1. The University of Michigan spent a lot of money and time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, but many people felt frustrated and saw it as a failure.
  2. Students from different backgrounds thought that the DEI programs were well-intentioned but didn't achieve their goals.
  3. Research suggests that people who are religious report being happier compared to those heavily focused on DEI principles.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

Austin Kleon • 7873 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Parenting
  1. It's back to school time, which can make parents reflect on how fast their kids are growing up. Keeping busy with projects like writing or crafting can help with those feelings.
  2. Many famous artists and writers use simple supplies like scissors, glue, or index cards to create their work. It shows that you don't need fancy tools to be creative.
  3. A mixtape can be a fun way to connect different themes or moments in life. It's also interesting how the term 'blue moon' can mean two different things depending on how it’s used.

The Tiger Mother Roars Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5907 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures Education Media Cultural Commentary Book Publishing
  1. Amy Chua, known for her strict parenting style, faced a lot of backlash when her book came out. Even though she was criticized, she continued to stand by her methods.
  2. J.D. Vance, a former student of Chua, found inspiration in her teachings and later wrote his own successful book, _Hillbilly Elegy_. Their connection shows how mentoring can help shape people's futures.
  3. Chua's influence extends beyond just her students, as her ideas about tough love in parenting resonate with many, sparking discussions about parenting styles and cultural differences.

Let's Eliminate General Bewilderment • Python's LEGB Rule, Scope, and Namespaces

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Python Software Development Education
  1. In Python, each function has its own scope. This means a variable defined in a function can only be used inside that function, not outside.
  2. The LEGB rule helps Python find variables: it first looks in the Local scope, then in any Enclosing scopes, next in the Global scope, and finally in Built-in scope if it can't find the variable anywhere else.
  3. Namespaces are like containers for names in Python. They store the names of variables and their corresponding values, making it clear which variables are available in which parts of your code.

Places you have no reason to be

The Elif Life • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Literature Creativity Education
  1. It's okay to explore places without a specific reason; your curiosity itself is a reason to go. Sometimes, just following your feelings can lead to valuable experiences.
  2. Setting aside time for yourself, like an 'artist date,' is important for creativity. It helps you connect with your inner artist and can inspire new ideas.
  3. Taking detours in life can lead to unexpected insights and connections. Embracing spontaneity might open doors to experiences you never planned for.

No More Forms to Fill Out

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Education Communication Innovation
  1. Filling out forms is a common part of life, but it often feels outdated. Instead of forms, we could use conversations with AI to make communication easier.
  2. Using AI like Claude, teachers can upload their syllabi and have an interactive conversation to turn their ideas into structured course content. This way, the process becomes more collaborative and flexible.
  3. This new method allows for ongoing adjustments and real-time feedback, leading to a stronger connection between the content and the user's needs. It's not just about filling out information, but working together to create something meaningful.

Long Questions/Short Answers

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 243 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Philosophy Creativity Literary Analysis Education
  1. Asking the right questions can change how you see the world. Questions can guide our thoughts and experiences more than the answers themselves.
  2. When you focus on a big question in your life, it can shape your goals and actions. This question becomes your mission, driving you toward new discoveries.
  3. Curiosity is key to learning and growth. The questions we ask help us filter out irrelevant information and find what matters to us.

brAIn drAIn

The Intrinsic Perspective • 27199 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cognition Education Psychology Human factors
  1. Using AI can make people less likely to think critically and solve problems on their own. This is especially true for those who trust AI too much.
  2. Young people may struggle to learn and retain information if they rely heavily on AI. Parents and schools should be careful about this dependency.
  3. Being skeptical about AI tools helps people use them healthier. Trusting your own judgment over AI can lead to better thinking and problem-solving skills.

You can help end illegal discrimination in academia

Heterodox STEM • 249 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Education Discrimination Policy Activism
  1. Discrimination in academics based on race is illegal, and institutions can lose federal funding for such practices. It is crucial for schools to treat all students equally, regardless of race.
  2. Programs that claim to be neutral might still discriminate if they are influenced by race. Institutions cannot use indirect ways to favor or disadvantage students based on their race.
  3. If you see discrimination in education, it's important to report it. You can file a complaint with the Department of Education, and there are ways to do this anonymously for safety.

Luther and the Spark of the Reformation

Papyrus Rampant • 178 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Education Politics Europe
  1. Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which wasn't meant to start a movement but turned out to spark the Protestant Reformation.
  2. He challenged the sale of indulgences, emphasizing that faith in God, not money, is what saves people from sin.
  3. Luther's actions led to a push for education and Bible translation, helping more people understand their faith and read scripture in their own language.