The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top International Topics

On Aristocracy

Castalia • 759 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Aristocracy means being part of an elite class in society, often due to having a prestigious education or social connections. It's not just about wealth but also about how you maintain your status.
  2. The new aristocracy focuses on things like high-status jobs and education rather than old wealth. Families aim to pass on their advantages through schooling instead of inheritance.
  3. This modern elite tries to seem open and merit-based, but still, the same types of people tend to succeed. It's like a game where the rules make sure they always win.

Two ordinary Kiwis go toe-to-toe with their local school over inappropriate gender-identity and sexuality content in the curriculum.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Parents are concerned about certain gender and sexuality topics in their kids' school curriculum. They feel the content is inappropriate for children.
  2. Two parents, Blair and Karen, are actively fighting against this content and have formed a support group called PAGE NZ. This group helps others share their concerns and experiences.
  3. Not all schools use the same content from the guidelines, but those that do face strong pushback from parents trying to protect their kids.

Out of Words

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6909 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Twitter serves as an important archive of history, essential for transparency and fighting against autocracy.
  2. Learning new languages can be a way to escape from the negative aspects of social media and can provide a new perspective on the world.
  3. Poetry and language have the power to convey deep political sentiments and reveal the true heart of a nation.

If I Taught Conservative Thought

In My Tribe • 850 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Conservative thinkers often support liberal causes for reasons that align with their values, showing that conservatism can adapt to changing times.
  2. A strong reading list can help people appreciate conservative ideas, and exploring these works might lead to more respect for conservative views.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives, especially in today's polarized climate, is important for fostering understanding and dialogue.

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 Education
  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.
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Condoleezza Rice: Pulling University Funding Threatens U.S. Tech Dominance

Big Technology • 4003 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Cutting university funding can hurt tech innovation in the U.S. Universities play a crucial role in research that leads to breakthroughs and advancements.
  2. The country doesn't have a backup plan if university research is reduced. Most fundamental research happens in universities, and without them, technological progress could stall.
  3. We need to value and support diverse education paths, including vocational training. Everyone should have the chance to pursue education, whether it's a degree or skilled trades.

Read Something Wonderful (about Biology)

Asimov Press • 1250 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🔬 Science Education
  1. Curation of essays is valuable because it leads readers to new ideas they might not discover on their own. It's like finding hidden gems on the internet.
  2. The curated list of biology essays is meant for leisurely reading and focuses on timeless insights instead of quick news, helping readers take their time to enjoy and understand the content.
  3. Exploring essays by different authors can expand your knowledge and perspective on biology, making it a rewarding experience to find writers whose work you love.

dear ghostwriter I fiction

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
⚔ Fiction Education
  1. He turns to books, travel and writing as a way out of a chaotic home and troubled school years, with creative writing becoming a real refuge and direction for his life.
  2. A secret, taboo sexual encounter and other losses lead to silence and isolation that shape his choices and relationships.
  3. Moving to London and working in publishing exposes him to stark contrasts between gritty everyday life and glossy media culture, forcing him to navigate poverty, identity and new opportunities.

Funding science is actually a badass thing to do

Experimental History • 9269 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🔬 Science 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.

A tale of two American cities

Wrong Side of History • 693 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
💼 Business Education
  1. Austin has become a magnet for talent and tech firms because of Texas’s low regulation, cheap land and energy, and an influx of Californians and international migrants, turning it into a fast-growing, futuristic city.
  2. That rapid growth brings clear benefits—jobs, higher wages and lots of new housing—but also serious social costs like rising costs of living, displacement of the city’s bohemian culture, and visible homelessness and mental-health problems.
  3. The story reflects a broader American pattern: a bold, experimental meritocracy that drives big inventions and new institutions, yet often produces stark inequality and an uncertain civic legacy because mobile tech elites don’t always create lasting public cultural endowments.

Another year over, and a new one just begun

Wrong Side of History • 465 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. 2025 felt like a tech and medical tipping point, with big AI advances and major medical breakthroughs promising longer, healthier lives.
  2. Britain’s political consensus broke down as new parties rose and government missteps exposed deep questions about national identity and a needs-based approach many see as unfair to the majority.
  3. Culture wars over 'woke' policies, DEI, and education are eroding institutions and careers, leaving many people frustrated even as infrastructure and progress projects are promoted as solutions.

The Making of an Elite: Japanese Christians

Cremieux Recueil • 1377 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Many Japanese Christians are descendants of samurai who converted out of a desire to keep their social status after losing it. This conversion happened when they became educated through Christian missionaries, who were often their teachers.
  2. As Japan modernized, the government created its own schools, which made it harder for Christians to gain new converts but allowed existing Christians to maintain their elite status. This blend of Christianity into white-collar life made it less fervent but still influential.
  3. Today, Japanese Christians are overrepresented in elite positions and prestigious schools, showing how their unique history of seeking education and status has shaped their place in society.

Highlights From The Comments On Lynn And IQ

Astral Codex Ten • 10668 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🔬 Science Education
  1. IQ tests may not accurately reflect a person's real-life intelligence, especially in very under-educated populations. Many factors, like lack of exposure to education, can affect test performance.
  2. Data from reliable and different sources, like World Bank statistics, often support the findings on national IQs. This suggests that there might be underlying patterns in intelligence across different countries.
  3. There's a complex relationship between IQ and practical skills. Just because someone scores low on an IQ test, it doesn't mean they're incapable in practical situations, like farming.

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9993 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  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.

A dystopian Peter Pan

uTobian • 7724 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Democrats believe children should make medical decisions with lifelong consequences.
  2. Minor consent bills allowing children to be vaccinated without parental consent are seen as unethical.
  3. Endocrine disruption from vaccines may prevent some children from hitting puberty.

the marrow of days — on freedom & idleness in a post-singularity world

antoniomelonio • 142 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Automation and AI will make most jobs obsolete and give billions unprecedented free time, forcing society to answer a simple but huge question: what will people do with that freedom?
  2. Losing work risks a crisis of purpose because many people tie identity and social connection to their jobs, so leisure must be rethought as active education, creativity, and community to support real human flourishing.
  3. If handled well, post-work life could remake cities, families, arts, science, and health by turning economic structures into spaces for community and creativity, though there will be an initial period of decompression before people find lasting meaning.

Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Oklahoma Appoints Libs Of TikTok "To Make Schools Safer," Violent Threats Follow Her Posts

Erin In The Morning • 4127 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Chaya Raichik, creator of Libs of TikTok, was appointed to make schools safer but her posts led to violent threats.
  2. Raichik's appointment to the Library Media Advisory Committee has sparked controversy due to her history of targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. Despite criticism, Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters supports far-right influencers and causes, impacting LGBTQ+ policies in the state.

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

Wood From Eden • 9312 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  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.

OpenAI's new "Study Mode" and the risks of flattery

Res Obscura • 3265 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. OpenAI's Study Mode is designed to help students learn by encouraging them to think for themselves instead of just getting answers. It uses techniques like asking questions and guiding discussions.
  2. While Study Mode could benefit some learners, it may also encourage flattery and make students feel good without necessarily promoting real learning. It's important for AI to challenge students, not just agree with them.
  3. Learning often works best in a group or engaging with others, rather than relying only on AI. Human interaction can provide necessary friction that helps students grow.

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

Marcus on AI • 8457 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  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.

There Will Be Blood

The Vajenda • 3734 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Education
  1. The menstrual cycle is a unique and vital aspect of human biology.
  2. Historically, female physiology has been viewed as inferior, leading to inadequate research and medical care for those who menstruate.
  3. Education and knowledge about menstruation are crucial to combat misinformation and empower individuals to advocate for their health.

Ripe on Time

Seven Senses • 1718 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. It's okay to bloom at your own pace, just like flowers. Some people find their talents early, but many discover them later in life too.
  2. Having a nurturing environment helps talents emerge, but sometimes life events push us to explore our creativity when we least expect it.
  3. It's never too late to follow your dreams or discover new passions. Many successful people achieved their greatest milestones later in life, showing that persistence is key.

19 Anti-Populist Takes on AI

The Algorithmic Bridge • 509 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. Generative AI destroys the scarcity that supported many careers, causing short-term harm to workers and initial gains for consumers, but over time the benefits concentrate with incumbents and sellers of low-quality abundance.
  2. The problem is human choices and institutions, not the machine; AI mainly mirrors our biases and amplifies people’s existing dispositions rather than changing who they are.
  3. Regulation, fear-based marketing about existential risk, and the black-box nature of models tend to favor big firms and create moats, so creators remain responsible for how AI is built and deployed and schools resisting AI often protect outdated systems.

Like a ghost went through me

Austin Kleon • 6774 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. John Green learned he has aphantasia, which means he can't create mental images. This shows how different our brains can be.
  2. Wes Anderson recreated Roald Dahl's writing shed, highlighting the importance of creative spaces for writers. It's neat to see how environments can inspire artistic work.
  3. Joseph Grigley's art exhibit features notes he collected during conversations. It reminds us of the challenges of communication, especially for those with hearing loss.

DeFi Education Q&A (July 2024 pt. 1)

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Education
  1. The Q&A sessions provide expert insights from knowledgeable professionals in finance and crypto. This helps people understand complex topics better.
  2. These sessions are designed to keep subscribers informed about the latest trends in the DeFi space. Staying updated is important for making smart decisions.
  3. The content is aimed at both new and experienced individuals in the crypto world. Everyone can benefit from the shared knowledge.

"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 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.

Stop Striving and Have a Baby

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4178 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Having a baby can bring unexpected joy and fulfillment, challenging the belief that it disrupts your life. Many think parenting is mostly about chaos, but it can also be a source of happiness.
  2. Society often glorifies being busy and the 'striver' lifestyle, leading people to feel pressured to achieve more. This mindset can create a false sense of importance around constant striving for success.
  3. There's a cultural shift where the highest status is given to those who seem very busy, which can disconnect people from personal relationships. It's important to find balance and not get lost in the hustle.

no agency without responsibility

bad cattitude • 230 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. These angry, victim-focused ideologies are best seen as symptoms of a memetic infection that flourished once society's cultural immune system weakened, not as the work of a single conspirator. They cluster because weakened norms let many similar bad ideas spread at once.
  2. The deeper root is a loss of individual agency and accountability that trains people to blame external systems and seek fixes or rewards from authorities instead of taking responsibility for actions and outcomes. This creates dependence, entitlement, and a politics of grievance.
  3. The cure is rebuilding agency by raising and educating children to be responsible, resilient, and autonomous—letting them take risks, fail, learn, and face real consequences. Restoring those habits of self-governance in families and schools will undermine the grievance economy and strengthen social resilience.

Literature needs young men more than young men need it

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9247 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Education
  1. Literature is becoming more popular with women, while fewer young men are writing and reading it. This shift raises concerns about the future of literary culture.
  2. Many believe that this decline in male readers is harmful, as reading novels can help improve emotional intelligence and personal understanding.
  3. The argument is made that contemporary literature actually needs young men more than they need literature, suggesting a crucial void in the literary landscape.

Snow day mailbag

Slow Boring • 3400 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Snow days are more challenging for parents.
  2. Dealing with school absenteeism requires a mix of enforcement and cultural push.
  3. Reflecting on MLK Day includes acknowledging areas where MLK's approaches could have been different.

Odds and ends

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Education
  1. Many fans of content creators develop a strong emotional connection and may feel betrayed if they disagree on issues. It's important to recognize this tendency and keep your reactions in check.
  2. Younger generations often struggle with basic writing skills, making it harder for them to communicate clearly. This gap shows how education has changed over time.
  3. Copyright law is often misunderstood, especially with platforms like YouTube enforcing their own rules. Many people don’t realize that fair use allows for commentary and critique without violating copyright.

Peter Thiel I Respectfully Disagree

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education
  1. Capitalism isn't working well for everyone because many believe the system is rigged against them, especially when they see government influence in the economy. People need to engage with capitalism to truly experience its benefits.
  2. High costs of living and student debt are problems created by government interventions rather than capitalism itself. Removing government from these areas could help restore a more balanced economic landscape.
  3. The education system in the U.S. is heavily influenced by government and unions, which can lead to poorer outcomes. More competition and school choice could improve education and prepare people for opportunities in a capitalistic society.

Gypsies and Jews

Cremieux Recueil • 718 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Gypsies face strong stereotypes and discrimination, which causes some to avoid identifying as gypsies to escape negative perceptions. This leads to skewed statistics and misunderstandings about their true numbers and social standing.
  2. Jewish success has historical roots, shaped by a focus on education and social mobility that started centuries ago. This emphasis helped them thrive even under different cultural and religious regimes.
  3. Both gypsies and Jews have experienced selective group identification that affects how they are viewed by society. This means that the perceptions people have might not reflect the whole truth about these communities.

Open Thread 366

Astral Codex Ten • 7089 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Education
  1. Anyone can share thoughts or ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for discussing anything on your mind.
  2. There are opportunities for people interested in AI safety, including a course that can help you get started in the field.
  3. An AI forecasting project is looking for news outlets to publish articles on future predictions about AI advancements.

The humanities help us find the people we want to know.

The Common Reader • 3614 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. The humanities help us connect with like-minded people. Discussing books is a great way to make friends and enhance our lives.
  2. Sorting, selecting, and signaling are important benefits of studying the humanities. They help us find the right group and show others our interests.
  3. Reading great literature, like works from Jonathan Swift, can improve our understanding of each other and create a sense of community.

Cái chuông rè

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3474 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Education
  1. Having a 'bullshit detector' or independent thinking mindset is crucial for evaluating information and avoiding deception.
  2. Questioning and independent thinking are essential for uncovering truth and preventing misinformation.
  3. Encouraging a culture of questioning and respecting those who ask questions can lead to a more informed and ethical society.