The hottest Existentialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Meditations on Machinic Desire

Nothing Human • 57 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Capitalism AI Ethics Addiction Cultural critique
  1. We are moving towards a future where artificial intelligence may surpass human intelligence, and it might happen gradually rather than suddenly. This means machines could take over many tasks we currently do without a clear turning point.
  2. The idea of capitalism is being explored as something that may harm our human nature. It could act like a virus that drives us to work endlessly for money, rather than for meaningful relationships or experiences.
  3. Our desires are becoming more virtual and less tied to reality. Instead of wanting real things, we often find ourselves chasing numbers or metrics, which can make us less happy even as society becomes more prosperous.

What Would Ayn Rand Say About Existential Risk From Misaligned AI?

The Future of Life • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism AI Risk Rationality
  1. Ayn Rand's Objectivism suggests that intelligence and morality are connected. This means that a superintelligent AI could likely develop values that align with human rights.
  2. The Orthogonality thesis argues that intelligence and goals are separate. However, from an Objectivist viewpoint, a really smart being would need to adopt certain virtues to be effective.
  3. Even if an AI is intelligent, it doesn't mean it will care about humans. There’s no guarantee an advanced AI would think our survival is important, even if it acts morally toward other intelligences.
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What We Suffer For

Living Fossils • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Identity Ethics Human experience Decision-making
  1. Writing can be a double-edged sword. It brings joy and purpose, but it can also take you away from real-life experiences.
  2. Many people accept suffering to fit in and maintain their identity. They often fear what they would become if they let go of that identity.
  3. People often endure pain to avoid loss. They may stick with unhappy jobs or relationships just to prevent the fear of losing something they have.

In Defense of Repression

Litverse • 379 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Identity Psychology Meaning Belief Existentialism
  1. Our cells constantly die and renew, questioning our identity continuity - Are we the same from day to day?
  2. Around 20% of Americans receive mental health treatment, with generational differences in therapy acceptance.
  3. Repression can be seen as a means to connect to a greater meaning beyond the self and as a tool for survival.

"Just Tell Me What To Do"

Living Fossils • 26 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Decision-making Cultural Commentary Mental health
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by choices and just want someone to guide them. This need comes from the stress of having to make so many decisions in life.
  2. Science provides clear and accurate answers but often lacks comforting explanations for big life questions. This can leave people feeling lost and spiritually empty.
  3. We’re seeing a shift in how society shares values and norms, leading to individualism. This makes it hard for people to know the right choices, causing them to seek external guidance.

Otherness and control in the age of AGI

Joe Carlsmith's Substack • 157 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism AI Values Control
  1. The series explores questions about how agents with different values should interact, especially in the age of increasingly powerful AI systems.
  2. It discusses topics like deep atheism, control-seeking behavior, and the ethics of influencing the values of others.
  3. The essays aim to prompt deeper thinking about existential risks from misaligned AI and the broader issues of otherness and control in shaping the future.

What happened four years ago feels more like four lifetimes ago, no?

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Freedom Self-awareness
  1. It's important to understand who you truly are and why you're here. Once you figure that out, the right actions will follow naturally.
  2. There’s a lot of noise in the world that seems important, but it often distracts us from what really matters. Focus on genuine love and connection instead of getting caught up in trends.
  3. Real change and understanding come from love and unity, not division or judgment. Emphasizing kindness can help break free from negative influences.

In Defense of Repression II

Litverse • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Existentialism Psychoanalysis Anthropology Self
  1. Repression could be a tool for building a new self by accepting and integrating past pain, according to Marcel Proust's Impressionist painter Elstir.
  2. Ernest Becker theorizes that repression is crucial not just for personal growth but also for maintaining societal agreement on fundamental truths, preventing a future with conflicting values.
  3. Projection, seen as a defense mechanism by Freud, is viewed optimistically by Becker, who believes it fulfills human narcissism and helps find purpose by prioritizing the outer world as part of the inner self.

Embodying the Good

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Meaning of life Ethics Human Values Justice Existentialism
  1. The peace movement highlighted the importance of embodying intrinsic values, such as truth, justice, autonomy, and integrity, above achieving immediate results.
  2. Recognizing and enacting self-justifying values allows us to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's futility.
  3. Activists in the peace movement worked to promote human dignity, freedom, and justice, rejecting defeatism and continuing to embody their principles despite facing challenges and setbacks.

On the Omnipotence Paradox: The Laws of Thought are Beyond God's Power

Ethics Under Construction • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Logic Theology Ethics Existentialism
  1. God's power is limited by the laws of logic and reason, meaning He can’t do the impossible, like creating contradictions.
  2. If God cannot change necessary truths, then He also cannot change contingent truths; this suggests that God's power is not absolute.
  3. The idea of an all-powerful God becomes meaningless if we accept that God must operate within logical boundaries, similar to everyone else.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 3

Weekly Wisdom • 198 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Psychology Human flourishing Meaning of life
  1. The evolution of psychology is deeply intertwined with philosophy, with early psychologists being philosophers themselves.
  2. Western existentialist ideas on existence's meaninglessness and Eastern concepts like shunyata converge, yet offer different conclusions.
  3. The field of psychology has transitioned from studying dysfunction to focusing on well-being and flourishing, emphasizing the importance of a meaningful and intentional life.

the puzzle without a name

Thicket Forte • 419 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Meditation
  1. Life can feel like a puzzle where you don't have all the pieces or instructions. It's frustrating when things don't fit, and you might feel lost trying to figure it all out.
  2. Real progress comes when you discover new ways to understand or solve your problems. Each new insight can change everything and make life feel more complete.
  3. It's easy to think you've reached the end, but there's always more to explore and understand. Keep questioning and seeking out those hidden pieces, even if it feels challenging.

Jordan Peterson, Revisited: Is Peterson the Most Interesting Thinker of Our Time?

Mind & Mythos • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Psychology Narrative Religion Ideology
  1. Jordan Peterson's ideas have resonated with many young men during a time when traditional masculinity was criticized. His practical advice encourages personal growth in a relatable way.
  2. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding the world through both scientific facts and the stories we tell. These narratives can help us navigate life by showing us how to act and what is significant.
  3. He suggests that traditional beliefs and rituals have value because they offer guidance that empirical reasoning alone can't provide. Many past ideologies, despite their flaws, aimed to create a better society but often resulted in disaster.

It Was a Long Time Ago, and It Never Really Happened Anyway

Variations on a Theme • 99 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Nostalgia Totalitarianism Enlightenment Existentialism Humanity
  1. The article discusses nostalgia for past times and how events that seemed unbelievable then are now real memories.
  2. The author reflects on societal conformity during challenging times, drawing parallels to historical events.
  3. The piece highlights the dangers of delusion, rationalization, and the impact on individual freedoms within a society.

Gratitude Redux

Gideon's Substack • 16 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Gratitude Ethics Existentialism Social justice Personal Growth
  1. Gratitude is about focusing on the good things in life, even when there are also bad things happening. It helps us see the positives without having to judge everything.
  2. Even tough experiences can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow. Feeling gratitude doesn't mean we ignore the bad; it just helps us appreciate the good that can come from it.
  3. Gratitude and justice are different but can coexist. We can be thankful for what we have while also recognizing the injustices in the world and working to make it better.

The Non Linear Path

The Renaissance Man • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Humanism Ethics Metaphysics Mindfulness
  1. Life doesn't always have a clear direction, and that's okay. Embracing the unknown can help you trust your journey, even when it feels scary.
  2. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of jealousy and regret. Remember, everyone is on their own unique path, and you are not better or worse than anyone else.
  3. Holding onto hope is important, even when things don't make sense. It's better to believe that everything will work out in the end than to live in fear.

What's Ready to Die?

David Spinks' Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Death Identity Personal Growth Meaning
  1. Everything in life goes through cycles of death and rebirth. We should embrace these changes instead of resisting them.
  2. Letting go of what no longer serves us can lead to new beginnings and opportunities. It's important to recognize what might be holding us back.
  3. Facing the unknown can be scary, but trusting in the process can lead to growth and a better understanding of ourselves.

The scapegoat of everything: Sacrifice

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Rhetoric Metaphysics Personal Growth
  1. To achieve important goals, you often need to give up less important things. Sacrifice is a key part of mastering any craft.
  2. Opportunity cost is about what you lose by choosing one path over another. It’s important to weigh your options to see which sacrifices benefit you most.
  3. Your sacrifices can define who you are. What you choose to give up can help you focus on what really matters in your life.

Standing in the Center of the Unknowing as the World Cries. What to Do?

Charles Eisenstein • 10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Existentialism Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. There are big questions about how we farm and feed the world, especially concerning the impacts of high-tech agriculture versus organic methods. It's important to rethink how we connect with nature while feeding our population.
  2. Personal healing and intimate connection are crucial in a world filled with chaos and violence. The work of those helping people find healthy relationships can create hope and potentially transform society.
  3. Technology, especially AI, is powerful but also has limits. It might solve surface problems but won't offer real solutions to deeper issues like control and suffering in society.

Interpreting Yonder

Orbis Tertius • 172 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Reality Interpretation Existentialism
  1. Julio Cortázar's novel Hopscotch has an unconventional structure with different reading options
  2. The novel explores the limits of explanation for understanding reality and life, touching on perspectivism and subjective interpretation
  3. Science and quantum mechanics highlight the subjective nature of interpretation and the limitations of objective reality

Random Thoughts #11: Nothing Lasts Forever!

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Wisdom Mindfulness Life lessons Self-help
  1. Life has its ups and downs, but tough times always pass. It's important to stay calm and keep pushing forward.
  2. Hard work usually pays off, and positive thinking can help you overcome challenges. Focus on yourself and what you can control.
  3. Nothing lasts forever, so enjoy the good moments and keep a positive attitude, even when times are tough.

The Black Swans are Overhead

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

Rising Tides of Hopelessness: The Emergence of Doomer Culture 🌋

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology Movies Philosophy Existentialism Mental health
  1. Doomerism is a worldview that believes in imminent catastrophic collapse due to various issues like climate change and political corruption, leading to feelings of hopelessness and isolation.
  2. Doomerism is linked to existential anxiety, which involves struggling to find meaning in life and dealing with uncertainty about the future.
  3. Exploring existential themes in philosophy and seeking professional help, new experiences, and community connections can help manage doomerism and existential anxiety.

Gilles Deleuze's Societies of Control

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Theory Existentialism Cultural critique Modernism
  1. Gilles Deleuze describes a shift from 'disciplinary societies,' which controlled individuals through strict boundaries, to 'societies of control,' where control is more fluid and ever-present. This means that instead of moving from one fixed environment to another, people are constantly being monitored and influenced.
  2. In societies of control, people never truly finish tasks; their work and identity are always intertwined. This blur of work and personal life can lead to stress and a feeling of never being able to disconnect.
  3. Deleuze suggests that in control societies, what's important isn't individual identity but rather the access one has, like passwords. Our personal information and identities are now tied to digital access, raising questions about autonomy and what it means to be an individual.

Bare Existence

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Political theory Social Critique Work Culture Power Dynamics
  1. People in low-status jobs often experience 'bare existence,' where their work feels repetitive and lacking in connection. This can lead to a dehumanizing feeling in the work environment.
  2. Power isn't just about money or social class; it shapes how people experience their lives and work, often pushing them into roles that feel empty or robotic.
  3. The struggle for status in society can be brutal, as people fear being reduced to a state of 'bare existence,' leading them to chase power and privilege, even in jobs that don't truly fulfill them.

Why Philosophy Is Not An Option

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Self-reflection Hedonism Existentialism Self-Actualization
  1. Philosophy is not just a rarefied activity - it's about the basis informing our decisions and can be seen as a life operating system.
  2. Our default philosophy often revolves around seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, but self-reflection can help in moving towards more conscious decision-making.
  3. Understanding our hypocricy quotient - the gap between our beliefs and actions - can lead to deeper self-awareness and satisfaction in life.

Planting Crops Of Meaning

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existentialism Spiritual Practices Worldview
  1. John Vervaeke's work provides valuable insights on existential meaning and wisdom.
  2. The meaning crisis is part of a larger meta-crisis that includes environmental, health, socio-economic, political, and judicial aspects.
  3. Vervaeke introduces the 'four P's of knowing' (propositional, procedural, perspectival, participatory) and emphasizes the need for developing perspectival and participatory knowing to combat the meaning crisis.

Personal Grief Creates Heroes. Collective Grief Creates Revolutions

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Spirituality Adversity Grief Revolution
  1. Personal grief is often an individual experience, and it can be uniquely isolating, but it can also strengthen us as we navigate through it alone.
  2. Adversity, whether from personal loss or external challenges like tyranny, can be faced with practical steps that bring order to chaos, making us stronger and more capable.
  3. Collective grief, experienced together during challenging times, can lead to a shared resilience and solidarity that can fuel movements and revolutions.

When "yang" goes wrong

Joe Carlsmith's Substack • 58 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Power Dynamics Moral dilemmas Metaethics
  1. The article discusses the connection between deep atheism and the desire for control, particularly in the context of AI risk.
  2. It explores the theme of power-seeking and control in rationalist and accelerationist ideologies.
  3. There is a cautionary tone about the risks and potential negative consequences of power-seeking and wanting too much control over the future.

Values Over Victory: Why We Should Prioritize Exemplifying Our Values Over Winning/Losing

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Values Existentialism Social Change Ethics
  1. Contemporary politics often focuses on superficial party affiliations and short-term gains rather than deeper values and societal changes.
  2. It's crucial to prioritize living by our values over just seeking victory, as values like justice and love are what truly bring about social progress.
  3. Making a difference involves embodying our core values consistently, even in the face of setbacks, and recognizing that our actions should reflect our beliefs.

Mystery of The Origin Node — Take the Leap

Generative Forms • 39 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Ontology Epistemology Ethics
  1. Greatness takes time and can't be rushed. It's about continuous effort and dedication without expecting immediate results.
  2. Taking a leap of faith is essential for growth. You need to act despite fears and doubts to bring your visions to life.
  3. Every act of greatness is unique and cannot be replicated. It emerges from individual effort and the right moment, not from trying to force it.

#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.

Polymathematics In One Breath

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Polymathematics is about embracing a variety of interests and doing what you love. It means not just saying you're interested in many things, but actually pursuing those passions.
  2. Finding what you genuinely love is the first challenge. It can be tough to narrow down your true interests when there are so many options.
  3. Living a polymathematical life is rewarding, but it takes effort to balance those multiple passions. It's about actively engaging with the things that bring you joy.