The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top International Topics

On the "elite overproduction" problem

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. The idea of 'elite overproduction' suggests that there are too many people aiming for top positions, which leads to instability. However, many college graduates still find good jobs, showing this idea might not hold true.
  2. Mounk argues that while many pursue fame in arts and media, this ambition has always existed. It can't explain the current issues in society.
  3. There are concerns that some sectors, like nonprofit and education, prioritize their own status too much, leading to a misunderstanding of what 'elite' really means.

Whence Fall Snowflakes

Bastiat's Window • 511 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Toxic fragility in universities may stem from lack of confrontation, mentorship, and intellectual exploration among students.
  2. Past educational practices like age-segregated schooling and urban designs have impacted critical thinking and creativity in children.
  3. Restrictions on children's time and space lead to a generation dependent on constant supervision, impacting their ability to explore and think independently.

Predictions about the future of neurogrifters and neuro-nonsense

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🔬 Science Education
  1. Neuroscience is becoming popular, but this can lead to the rise of people trying to take advantage of it for their own gain. It's important to be wary of those exploiting this trend.
  2. Predictions are hard to make, especially about the future of neuro-related claims and theories. Many ideas about neuroscience may not hold up over time.
  3. The term 'neuro-' is becoming a buzzword, which can lead to confusion and misinformation. It's vital to approach neuro-based claims with a critical eye.

Legally Toast

davidj.substack • 47 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
💼 Business Education
  1. Routine, language-driven legal tasks are likely to be automated, so junior and mid-level lawyer roles will shrink while partners and senior lawyers who provide judgment, sales, accountability and human interaction stay essential.
  2. Firms will become more top-heavy and need far fewer junior hires, which will reduce demand for law graduates—especially from second- and third-tier programs—and increase competition for the remaining positions.
  3. This is part of a wider knowledge revolution: AI will replace much routine knowledge work across industries, reshaping labour markets and the economy in a way comparable to the industrial revolution.
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A Voyage to the Island of Equalis

Heterodox STEM • 185 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. In the Island of Equalis, the focus on diversity and inclusion can sometimes overshadow the importance of skill and merit in science. This means that some scientists may be chosen based on who they are rather than what they know.
  2. The idea that all answers in science should be equally accepted leads to confusion and a lack of clear truth. Instead of prioritizing accurate results, they value opinions and consensus, which can lead to false conclusions.
  3. Funding for research projects is often based on diversity rather than the quality of the work. This can result in ineffective studies and failed experiments, as seen by the issues with collapsing bridges and unsuccessful crops.

What Was Literacy?

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Literacy used to be a way for smart people to communicate and verify knowledge, but now, with technology like computers and videos, many can learn without reading at all.
  2. The rise of emojis and podcasts shows that people are more interested in visual and audio communication than traditional reading, making literacy less important in today's society.
  3. As literacy fades, we might lose a sense of culture and shared storytelling, but it’s possible that new ways of learning and sharing experiences will emerge instead.

Things I learned at the Tanda Hackathon 2025

Alex Ghiculescu's Newsletter • 67 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. Non-coders who can describe their ideas are becoming really effective, especially with AI coding tools. This means anyone can create impressive projects, even if they don't have a lot of coding experience.
  2. Many university students are unaware of the benefits of AI coding because schools often discourage its use. This gap in knowledge might be holding them back in their careers.
  3. There are actually job opportunities for new developers, especially for those willing to participate in hackathons. Showing up and building something can lead to great prospects.

Here was a magic

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Celebrating milestones, like a child's birthday, can create special memories and moments of joy. Sharing experiences with others can be fulfilling, such as speaking to a class about something you love.
  2. There are valuable lessons in both historical and modern ideas, like exploring Darwin's diagrams or discussing how technology impacts creativity. These discussions can inspire new thoughts and perspectives.
  3. Art and creativity are personal journeys worth sharing, whether it’s showing how a book cover was designed or reflecting on the value of literature. Engaging with different forms of art can enrich our lives.

Base case for a democratic resurgence: We're (not entirely) doomed

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Some countries are improving in education and civic knowledge, but it’s not equal for everyone. Wealthier and urban areas are doing better, while rural and older groups are falling behind.
  2. There is a growing gap in how well people understand important topics, which can affect society. This divide is especially seen between different age groups and urban versus rural populations.
  3. Even though there are challenges, there is still hope for democracy to improve. People are looking at different ways to make government better and more inclusive.

The Deluge

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Vermont is facing serious flooding that is leaving many people without homes, but there are acts of kindness among the chaos. The National Guard is doing a great job helping those in need.
  2. A listener took a stand against an Oregon school board for forcing employees to wear masks and get vaccinated, showing real bravery. This kind of courage can inspire others to speak up too.
  3. There are smartphone games that promote communist ideas in silly ways, like farming. It sounds strange, but it's actually happening and reflects some odd influences in popular culture.

Don't Just Survive - Win

DeFi Education • 399 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Education
  1. The DeFi Academy offers a structured way to learn about crypto and transform your approach from just surviving to winning in the market.
  2. Timing is essential in the crypto world; those who take action are more likely to succeed than those who hesitate.
  3. There's a limited opportunity to join the DeFi Academy at a discounted price, encouraging quick decision-making for those ready to engage.

I understand why people ban books

Men Yell at Me • 878 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Education
  1. People often ban books to control what kids learn, thinking they protect them, but this can actually harm children's understanding of the world.
  2. Growing up in a restricted environment made some believe their curiosity was wrong, which changed when they discovered the wide range of knowledge available in books.
  3. Knowledge is powerful and can change lives, helping people understand their identities and experiences, which is why some fear it and try to limit access to certain books.

Binance Targets Kids As Young As Six For Crypto Accounts

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Education
  1. Binance launched a parent-controlled "Binance Junior" app and a kids' crypto book that let children as young as six hold and receive crypto, sparking worries about safety, fraud, and money‑laundering risks when minors get access to digital assets.
  2. Pipe removed CEO Luke Voiles after massive layoffs and signs of financial stress, the CFO also departed, and a product executive is now serving as acting CEO.
  3. Seven state attorneys general are investigating major BNPL firms over underwriting, disputes, and consumer protections, while Klarna rolled out costly subscription tiers with cashback and premium perks that could raise affordability and consumer‑risk concerns.

Creating a Laboratory for Work 🧪

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Education
  1. Reframe work as a series of experiments rather than a predetermined job trajectory
  2. There are three common narratives of success: early commitment, late bloomer, and mastery through uncertainty and career changes
  3. Experimentation with work is crucial, but modern work structures often make it difficult to explore new opportunities

How to judge a book by its cover

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
📚 Literature Education
  1. Books can be seen as special kinds of zines, which makes them more relatable and less intimidating to create.
  2. Understanding how traditional publishing has evolved helps people realize there are many ways to share their stories.
  3. Making zines can be a fun way to learn about publishing and creativity, plus it's easy to do with kids.

Attention is All You Need

Never Met a Science • 238 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Reading and writing are unique technologies that shape our society and culture. They are essential for navigating our world, but today's youth feel less need for traditional long-form literacy.
  2. Media technology changes how we think and communicate. With the rise of short-form media, like social media and videos, our attention spans shrink, and we become more like simple response machines.
  3. As technology evolves, it's hard to tell if these changes are good or bad for us. What's certain is that new media shapes our cognition and social culture in unexpected ways.

A Substack Sabbatical

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 746 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Taking a break, or a sabbatical, can help refresh your creativity. Just like nature needs rest, people often need time away from their usual work to recharge.
  2. Publishing consistently can be tough, and it's okay to change the schedule. Writing less often can lead to better quality pieces that you're prouder of.
  3. A sabbatical is a great time to explore new ideas and bring fresh energy to your projects. It can lead to exciting changes, like a new name or focus for your work.

Author's Introduction

Fields & Energy • 439 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🔬 Science Education
  1. Physicists and engineers often focus on different aspects of understanding reality. Physicists typically ask 'why' things happen, while engineers ask 'how' to make things work.
  2. Electromagnetism is a key part of our everyday experience, but training in this field has become disconnected between physics theory and practical applications. There's a need for better communication and education between physicists and engineers.
  3. New ideas in science can often be met with skepticism or rejection. It's important to question established norms and be open to fresh perspectives, even if they challenge widely accepted beliefs.

The Software Engineer with Alzheimer's

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. AI, like Claude, struggles with memory, especially remembering recent conversations. It's important to find ways to manage this limitation to keep projects on track.
  2. Maintaining state is a key challenge for AI development, which affects how well an AI can serve as a personal assistant. This functionality isn't expected to improve quickly.
  3. AI technology can be very useful, and while people may doubt its potential, history shows that dismissing new tech often proves wrong.

The Last Laptop You'll Ever Need For Crypto

DeFi Education • 1019 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Education
  1. Many people have lost lots of money in crypto scams, and hackers are getting smart. Good security is super important for keeping your money safe.
  2. There's a new laptop designed specifically for crypto security. It uses special software and tools to protect your data and makes it easier to use safely.
  3. This laptop isn't for everyone—it's aimed at serious users like business owners and developers who handle a lot of money. If you're not tech-savvy, it could save you headaches.

Leaders must have followers

Science Forever • 417 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Leaders need followers to lead effectively. Leading is about attracting, cajoling, accumulating political capital, and communicating to engage people.
  2. Boards in institutions shouldn't make academic judgments, but rather express confidence in the process. This ensures objective decisions are made.
  3. Running institutions with thousands of people requires more than just giving orders - it's about building followership. Once leaders lose followers, they can't lead effectively.

Reading List for Chapter 2: Aristotle, Plato, and Newton

Fields & Energy • 179 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💾 History Education
  1. Reading about early thinkers like Aristotle and Newton can help us understand science's history better. Their ideas shaped how we think about the world today.
  2. Several recommended books provide a deeper look into the origins of science. Reading these can give you a clearer view of how scientific ideas developed over time.
  3. Exploring different scholars and podcasts can broaden your perspective on science and its history. It helps to seek out various viewpoints for a more complete understanding.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the boys and men party

Of Boys and Men • 465 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  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.

Lord Verulam's Idols

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Education
  1. Francis Bacon proposed a new idea of science that focused on human control over nature and knowledge. His vision was about creating a scholarly place that could influence society.
  2. Bacon is often labeled as the 'Father of Scientism' rather than the father of modern science. This suggests that his ideas shaped more than just scientific methods; they also influenced how we think about science and its role in society.
  3. Literature like Bacon's work, along with stories like 'Brave New World' and '1984,' can serve as warnings about the dangers of letting scientism dominate our lives. They encourage us to think critically about where scientific progress is leading us.

Some Episodic Memories of Issues in Philosophy of Memory 4

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Education
  1. The conference focused on many topics related to memory, including how moral values can affect the way we understand our memories. It highlighted the idea that some accurate memories might still cause harm, which makes them less genuine.
  2. Memory is not just an individual experience; it's also social. Speakers discussed how memories can change through interactions with others, helping to foster communication and resolve conflicts.
  3. The event encouraged sharing personal experiences about memory, inviting attendees to reflect on their own thoughts and insights. It created a sense of community among researchers passionate about exploring the complexities of memory.

☞ "The Magic of Code" and the Humanistic Computation Project

Cabinet of Wonders • 254 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. The project focuses on viewing computing as a humanistic art, aiming to blend technology with liberal arts education. This approach hopes to deepen our understanding of code and its impact on society.
  2. There's excitement about developing educational programs like courses and workshops to discuss these ideas more widely. Building a community of people with similar interests is also a goal.
  3. A new book titled 'The Magic of Code' has been released, which explores these themes and is part of the broader Humanistic Computation Project.

Dean Jenny Martinez Speaks Out About The Protest Of Judge Duncan At Stanford Law

Original Jurisdiction • 919 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Dean Jenny Martinez issued a detailed and courageous statement addressing the protest at Stanford Law School.
  2. She emphasized the importance of academic freedom, free speech, and diversity in a legal profession.
  3. Martinez outlined next steps, including education on freedom of speech and updating policies to protect rights of speakers and protesters.

Missouri is Dead Last in Starting Teacher Pay

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 298 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Missouri ranks dead last in starting teacher pay and 49th in rural teacher pay, which impacts both teachers and students in the state.
  2. Despite having a $2 billion surplus, Missouri's GOP supermajority has not addressed the teacher pay issue and is instead diverting funding to private religious schools via vouchers.
  3. Many rural Missouri schools have shifted to a 4-day week to cope with low pay, presenting challenges for both teachers and parents in these areas.

Optimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Technology and neuroscience can help make political information easier to understand. This means more people can join in discussions about democracy without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Better education focused on critical thinking will help people resist misinformation. This way, citizens will make smarter choices and be more engaged in their communities.
  3. Social media platforms are likely to change for the better, promoting respectful discussions and fact-checking. This shift can help reduce anger and division online.

How to protect your voice in the age of outrage

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 210 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Build a supportive community to encourage open discussions. It helps if your friends can handle different opinions without turning against you.
  2. Aim for financial independence to speak your mind without fear of losing your job. Having multiple income sources can give you more freedom and security.
  3. Know what you're willing to risk when standing up for your beliefs. Some battles are worth fighting, while others can be let go without regret.

Transcribe yourself!

Austin Kleon • 1578 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. If you're stuck on writing, try talking it out and recording yourself. It can help free up your thoughts.
  2. Reading various books can be enlightening. Don't be afraid to share the ones you picked up and even put down.
  3. Traveling can be more enjoyable if you explore local spots like libraries or grocery stores. It helps you connect with the culture better.

Phillis Wheatley: An American Genius

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Phillis Wheatley, an African genius, overcame immense challenges to become a renowned poet, showcasing resilience and talent in the face of adversity.
  2. Wheatley's poetry masterfully blends reason and emotion, demonstrating a deep understanding of Enlightenment principles while infusing her work with joy and beauty.
  3. Despite facing skepticism and struggles during her lifetime, Phillis Wheatley's legacy endures as a reminder of the enduring power of art and literature to illuminate the human experience.

The Value of Foreign Diplomas

Cremieux Recueil • 483 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. People often assume that a degree from a prestigious school means a candidate is more qualified, but the same should apply to comparing U.S. natives with immigrants. Many immigrants may not have the same skills or education levels as U.S. natives who have degrees.
  2. Research shows that immigrants with foreign degrees often perform worse than U.S. natives with degrees in tests of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. This suggests a gap in skills that may not be recognized.
  3. Reforming immigration by focusing on skill-based assessments rather than just degrees could lead to better outcomes for the U.S. It would allow for hiring more skilled immigrants while still benefiting the native population.

A school of vocations

The Pillar • 196 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Education
  1. There has been a significant decline in the number of Catholic schools in the U.S. over the last 50 years.
  2. While the number of Catholic colleges decreased, the number of students enrolled in these colleges increased.
  3. The percentage of Catholic children attending Catholic schools has reduced, but Catholic education still influences vocations like priesthood.