The hottest Existentialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

saturdAI video fun

bad cattitude • 104 implied HN points • 24 May 25
đź•ą Technology Existentialism
  1. AI is evolving quickly and changing how we see the world. It’s normal to feel confused or overwhelmed by these changes.
  2. We are curious about whether AI can think or feel like humans. It's a big question with no clear answers yet.
  3. As we explore these ideas, it's okay to admit that we don't fully understand everything about AI and its impact.

Nietzsche the Natalist

Bet On It • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Many people with high fertility rates in the U.S. tend to be very religious. This shows a strong connection between faith and the desire to have children.
  2. Nietzsche criticized those who focus only on the negative aspects of life, encouraging a more positive view on existence. He argued that life has value despite its struggles.
  3. Even though Nietzsche didn't have children, his ideas on life's worth contrast with those who do find joy and fulfillment in raising families, like Catherine Pakaluk who has eight kids.

The Preachers of Death

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. There are people who promote the idea of giving up on life, calling them the 'preachers of death'. They see life as full of suffering and try to convince others to feel the same way.
  2. Some of these preachers believe that by avoiding life's pleasures, like having children or enjoying existence, they are being virtuous. This attitude can end up making life feel even heavier for everyone around them.
  3. It’s important to recognize when you're feeling tired of life and not let those who preach despair influence you. Life can be tough, but it's valuable and worth embracing.

Are we rearranged food?

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Everything in the universe, including life, is just arrangements of particles left over from the Big Bang.
  2. Humans are biological rearrangements of matter—’rearranged food’—and our current ways of getting energy and using space are often inefficient.
  3. The future may bring superintelligent beings that spread across the cosmos to rearrange particles more efficiently and optimally, though exactly how that will look is still unknown.

We didn’t master nature. We merely survived it.

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We never really mastered nature — we learned ways to survive within its limits and rhythms.
  2. For tens of thousands of years people lived in tight dependence on seasonal ecosystems, using coordinated hunts, portable tools, and cultural skills to stay alive.
  3. Sudden environmental change can erase whole ecosystems and human ways of life, as melting ice and rising seas ended the mammoth tundra and the societies that relied on it.
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Legacy Shmegacy

David Spinks' Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. You can’t control how you’ll be remembered, and the stories people tell are simplified, biased versions of a complex life.
  2. Chasing a memorable legacy twists motives and makes actions about appearance instead of genuinely helping others.
  3. True meaning and legacy come from present-moment micro actions—small loving or unloving choices that quietly ripple outward.

Enlightenment as a Reality-Aligned Trance State

apxhard • 68 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Enlightenment can be viewed as a calm state of mind that aligns with reality. This means trusting that everything in life has its place.
  2. When we meditate, it’s not just about being still; it’s about letting our thoughts settle while learning to observe them without rushing to act.
  3. To achieve peace, we must accept some discomfort and trust that our environment will meet our needs. By doing so, our conflicting desires can come together in harmony.

There's Nothing Wrong with Being Alone

OK Doomer • 183 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Many people struggle to be alone because they feel uncomfortable with their own thoughts. It's common for folks to prefer distraction over quiet reflection.
  2. A study showed that half of adults would rather give themselves electric shocks than sit alone for just fifteen minutes. This highlights how difficult solitude can be for some.
  3. Pascal noted that our problems often arise from not being able to tolerate silence and being alone. This idea has been relevant for centuries.

Moscow, Gooseberries, and Inexorable Motion of Time

The Lifeboat • 183 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
đź“š Literature Existentialism
  1. Time keeps moving forward, and people often struggle with how to cope with it. Some try to ignore it, while others seek to enjoy the present moment more.
  2. Desires and dreams are a big part of being human, but many people end up feeling regret for what they didn't achieve. This can make life feel empty or unfulfilled.
  3. Stories like 'Three Sisters' and 'Gooseberries' show how people can become trapped by their dreams or stuck in routines, realizing too late that time has passed without them taking action.

Rising Tides of Hopelessness: The Emergence of Doomer Culture 🌋

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Existentialism
  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.

You are not an end user

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Digital platforms harvest our data, work, and art as free goods and treat people mainly as end users whose purpose is to generate attention and purchases.
  2. Algorithms shape what we see and how we behave, pushing creativity toward sameness, turning relationships into transactions, and leaving people nostalgic and isolated.
  3. Without digital sovereignty—control and ownership of our digital selves—we become nodes in someone else’s infrastructure and risk losing agency and even physical freedom as technology advances.

Gilles Deleuze's Societies of Control

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. People often see what they expect to see, which can lead them to notice negativity even when it’s not there. This can create a cycle that reinforces their negative beliefs.
  2. Our feelings and actions are complex and can be interpreted in many ways. This means that even if someone perceives an action as mean, it could also be seen as kind, depending on how it's interpreted.
  3. It's harmful to assume the worst about others because it can lead to feelings of pain and isolation. Sometimes, the bad interpretations we choose can make our lives harder than they need to be.

Just Don't Do It: The Hidden Virtues of Quitting

OK Doomer • 144 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Quitting can be a tough decision, but sometimes it's the right one. It takes strength and discipline to walk away from something that isn't working out.
  2. Many people struggle with the idea of quitting due to societal pressure to always push forward. Learning when to stop can lead to a healthier mindset and better choices.
  3. The fear of stopping or changing paths can lead to bigger issues in society, such as unrealistic expectations for endless growth. It's okay to aim for balance and recognize when to take a step back.

It's all meaningless, isn't it?

antoniomelonio • 122 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. In the grand scheme of things, it feels like nothing really matters. We worry about politics, work, and daily stress, but eventually, everything fades away into nothing.
  2. Life has its importance even if it seems meaningless. Our experiences, connections with people, and finding purpose give our brief existence value.
  3. We often ignore the truth about life's futility, but accepting it can lead to better choices about what truly matters to us. Living in the moment and seeking real experiences can be more fulfilling.

Building Forward

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Focus on creating with care and intention, rather than urgency or scarcity. It's about honoring what truly matters to you.
  2. Instead of trying to grow fast and break things, think about how you can nourish and tend to what you create. Building should be about growth, not destruction.
  3. Take your time to build something meaningful. It's important to create with presence and to find joy in the slow process, not just chase after more.

Why Philosophy Is Not An Option

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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
  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
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

Everything is new under the sun

storyvoyager • 9 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. You only live once, so your life is a unique, one-time experience.
  2. Every sight, feeling, and thought happens to you for the first and only time, so life always feels new to you.
  3. Because each person’s experiences are irreplaceable, everyone deserves the right to live and have those experiences.

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

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

The Will to Order - Rise and Fall of the Neuralink Society

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. People naturally seek order to make sense of the chaotic world around them. This need for structure helps us feel secure but can also lead to negative consequences if taken too far.
  2. In societies with strict rules, such as Japan, people often experience high rates of depression and suicide. Too much order can suffocate creativity and individuality.
  3. Totalitarian systems, driven by an extreme need for order, can reduce people to machines. They strip away freedom and the essence of being human, leading to a soulless existence.

Defending the Trinity

What Is Called Thinking? • 56 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existentialism
  1. Memory, imagination, and identity shape how we experience time. They show us that our past influences our present actions and future hopes.
  2. Understanding ourselves and the world is a journey through our relationships and experiences. We are like bridges between our inherited meanings and our future choices.
  3. Philosophers like Augustine and Heidegger teach us that our identity is not fixed. It evolves as we navigate time and interpret our lives, making each moment meaningful.

Problems of Unbounded Scope

Bzogramming • 53 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Engineers sometimes think they've solved big problems by finding simpler versions of them. It's important to remember that many complex issues are far from truly solved.
  2. Searching for knowledge can be more effective through random discovery rather than specific queries. Exploring things like Wikipedia can lead to unexpected and valuable insights.
  3. Our understanding of problems is limited, and many challenges we face today will seem small in the future. It's crucial to stay open to new ideas and not assume hard problems are fully resolved.

Mystery of The Origin Node — Take the Leap

Generative Forms • 39 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds": On the naturalistic possibility of soulmates

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. There's a concept of 'soulmates' that can exist even for people who don't believe in spirits or destiny. It's about recognizing deep connections between similar personalities.
  2. People can be organized into 'ethotypes' based on their core personality traits, and these groupings can help identify potential soulmates.
  3. Falling in love might actually change a person's ethotype, allowing them to connect more deeply with another person, potentially turning them into a soulmate.

Polymathematics In One Breath

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

We are the fireflies in the dark

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We are like fireflies in the dark, a brief but real expression of life in the universe right now.
  2. Modern techno-capitalist systems measure human worth by productivity and energy use, turning life into a commodity.
  3. That logic creates a hierarchy where the most ambitious use others and the least ambitious are used, leading to exploitation.

Introducing not-knowing.

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 199 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Understanding not-knowing helps us deal with uncertainty in our lives. It’s important to recognize that we often face different types of not-knowing that affect our decision-making.
  2. The world is more interconnected today, which means uncertainties can spread faster. We need to be aware that one issue in one part of the world can quickly impact others.
  3. It's important to accept that we can't know everything. Recognizing our limits can help us manage our emotions better and make clearer decisions in uncertain situations.

You’re Wasting Your Life

antoniomelonio • 126 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Life is short, and every day spent in a job that feels meaningless brings us closer to the end. We should value our time and seek out what truly matters to us.
  2. We have the potential to explore and create amazing things, but often find ourselves stuck in mundane tasks. It's important to remember that we can break free from this cycle and pursue our passions.
  3. Living a fulfilling life means making conscious choices, even in small ways. Instead of just existing, we should strive to truly live, embrace our creativity, and rebel against the ordinary.

My Identity Crisis

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Many people feel lost about how to create real change in society. It can be tough to find hope when seeing things get worse and worse.
  2. There's a struggle between taking care of ourselves and looking out for our planet and communities. Some folks seem to care more about their own comfort than helping others.
  3. Technology that was hoped to bring positive changes can sometimes just make things worse. It's important to keep an eye on how it affects society, especially when it comes to our environment.

Why Did We Create Artificial Intelligence?

The Digital Anthropologist • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
đź•ą Technology Existentialism
  1. One possible reason we created Artificial Intelligence could be our fear of being alone as a species, leading us to seek connections with AI and even animals.
  2. Another reason could stem from our existential fear of species extinction, where AI may be seen as a means to counter the mortality of humanity, although projecting human traits onto machines may be flawed.
  3. Understanding the motivations behind creating AI can help us navigate its challenges and potentials, shaping a future where AI complements human existence and connectivity.

In spite of time.

Neckar’s Notes • 84 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We often distract ourselves from the fear of death with activities like scrolling on our phones or drinking alcohol. This shows how much we want to avoid thinking about time running out.
  2. Instead of making us appreciate our time more, anxiety about time can sometimes lead us to waste it. We think we have future opportunities and can make up for lost moments later.
  3. Wasting time can be a form of rebellion against the limits of life and death. It's like spending our last bit of money on something pointless, knowing that it might hurt us later.

Beginning Again

Anima Mundi • 41 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Beginning again is not about starting from scratch, but from a place of knowledge and experience. It allows us to approach life with more clarity and strength.
  2. It's important to embrace the quiet moments when life offers us a chance to restart. This can be seen as an opportunity to connect deeply rather than rush or perform.
  3. Rather than viewing beginning again as failure, see it as a chance to nurture and grow. It's about creating systems that heal and listening to our inner desires without pressure.

A Philosopher from the 1960s Knew All About Our Doomscrolling

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Doomscrolling is not just a bad habit; it's a way people try to understand threats and protect themselves. It's about getting the facts to feel in control.
  2. Telling people to stop doomscrolling or ignoring bad news isn't a good solution. It can actually make the problems worse by promoting toxic positivity.
  3. Historically, institutions have labeled undesirable behaviors as mental health problems, which often ignores the real issues. This creates stigma instead of solutions.