The hottest Existentialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

What Is Work?

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Work often means how you make money, but that doesn't always show your true effort or success. Many rich people actually avoid traditional work, relying on investments instead.
  2. People often see work as something unpleasant that we have to do to survive. This perspective highlights how work can feel like coercion, especially in rigid job hierarchies.
  3. There's a blurred line between work and leisure, as many enjoyable activities can also be seen as work. Ultimately, true work should provide value to others and be something we find pleasure in.

Mastering Irreverence

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Irreverence helps us see the truth behind societal norms and values. By questioning these, we can break free from the distractions that keep us from what truly matters.
  2. Reverence allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonder in life. Feeling awe for nature or art can elevate our mood and give us a sense of connection to something greater.
  3. Balancing irreverence and reverence is essential for clear thinking and meaningful living. We need both to challenge old ideas while also grounding ourselves in what gives life depth and value.

Are Power and Freedom Opposites?

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Power and freedom can feel like opposite forces. Gaining power often comes with more responsibilities, which can limit personal freedom.
  2. Many people are drawn to power thinking it will give them more freedom, but once they have power, they may find themselves feeling trapped by it.
  3. Truly being free might mean understanding power, achieving it, and then being able to let it go or not being overly attached to it.

jacking themselves off in outer space, forever

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Both mystical and technological prophecies of salvation cater to common human desires for happiness, beauty, health, and self-improvement.
  2. Futurists present a secularized version of salvation through technological advancements, citing historical progress and scientific advancements as evidence for a utopian future.
  3. The idea of eternal bliss and immortality is being reimagined in futurism as a vision of humanity evolving into advanced beings existing in a digital, self-indulgent form in outer space.
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Football Manager- A philosophical look at gaming

Theory Matters • 9 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Football Manager isn't just a game; it's a way for people to escape reality and create deep connections with its world. Gamers can find meaning and identity in their virtual experiences.
  2. There is a strong relationship between games and real life, where rules and challenges in games reflect those in our everyday lives. This makes simulations, like Football Manager, feel more significant than just entertainment.
  3. The recent changes in Football Manager, focusing more on graphics and less on deep gameplay, may be losing the essence of what made it engaging. Simplifying the game can make it less immersive, affecting how players relate to it.

Approaching the wood

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Not-knowing is something we all deal with, but it can be seen as a chance to learn and grow rather than just a problem to handle. Embracing not-knowing can lead to better outcomes.
  2. When working with materials like wood, we can either try to eliminate imperfections or learn to work with them to enhance our final product. This approach can lead to more unique and lively creations.
  3. The way we handle uncertainty in life can be similar to how we deal with materials. Instead of seeing constraints as negative, we can view them as opportunities to creatively adapt and improve.

Letter to Future Dissidents

Tessa Fights Robots • 35 implied HN points • 27 May 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Being a dissident can feel lonely because you see things that others don't. It's tough when you want to fit in but feel different from everyone around you.
  2. Sometimes, when you start speaking your truth, you might find that the world doesn't want to hear it. It can be disappointing when your insights aren't accepted right away.
  3. In the fight for freedom and truth, you may face betrayal from those you trust. It's important to stay true to your values and keep going, even when things get tough.

News Cycle Yo-Yo and Eternal Soul

Tessa Fights Robots • 23 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Don't let the news control your feelings and opinions. It's important to think for yourself and not get swept up in the constant changes in the news cycle.
  2. We are more than just our physical bodies; we are eternal beings with the power to create our own reality. Focusing on this can help us navigate through difficult times.
  3. The challenges we face can be seen as opportunities for growth and understanding. Instead of getting frustrated with the world, we can find ways to bring positivity and change from within.

Happiness and the pursuit of a good and meaningful life

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Happiness is more than just pleasure. It's about living a good life that includes strong relationships and a sense of purpose.
  2. We often face trade-offs in life, like choosing between immediate pleasures and long-term goals. Balancing these can lead to greater life satisfaction.
  3. Finding meaning in life often comes from contributing to others and building connections, rather than just chasing personal happiness.

Interpreting Yonder

Orbis Tertius • 172 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature 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

If You See the World as a Dead Machine, Atrocities Make Sense

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Seeing the world as just a machine can help explain why people commit horrible acts. It makes it easier to understand their actions.
  2. This view of the world can lead to a sense of detachment from others and their suffering. When you see people as parts of a machine, it's easier to ignore their pain.
  3. Recognizing the machine-like nature of the world can change how we think about society and morality. It raises questions about our responsibilities toward each other.

Boom: The Gospel of Progress

Kvetch • 69 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The authors argue that progress comes from a strong vision for the future and the drive to achieve it. They believe that breakthroughs in science and technology can only happen if people unite behind bold ideas.
  2. They emphasize that greatness is often the result of singular efforts and conflicts rather than widespread consensus. Historical achievements like the moon landing were fueled by the passionate resolve of a few individuals.
  3. The text warns against complacency and believing that stagnation is inevitable. It encourages readers to challenge this notion and aim for transformative change instead.

Pathless Path

do clouds feel vertigo? • 19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Breaking out of our usual habits can lead to surprising discoveries. When we pay attention, we might find new paths and experiences waiting for us.
  2. Curiosity can help us push past our fears. Feeling anxious about the unknown is normal, but choosing to explore can open up new opportunities.
  3. Innovation often starts from simply noticing something different. With courage and a willingness to step off the beaten path, we can reshape our understanding and create new adventures.

You aren't special

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The post discusses the idea that you aren't special, challenging the belief in the 'Law of Attraction' that promotes positivity and the universe providing success.
  2. It mentions a film called 'The Secret' that has gained popularity for promoting the idea that to achieve something in life, you just have to know what you want and believe in the outcome.
  3. The post invites readers to keep reading by subscribing to The Leftovers for a 7-day free trial.

Camus, Perfectionism, and Absurd Creation—On Joseph Grand in The Plague

Vremya • 139 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
📚 Literature Existentialism
  1. Joseph Grand struggles with perfectionism, holding him back from completing his writing. He gets stuck on the perfect first sentence and can't move past it.
  2. Life is considered absurd, with no inherent meaning, and we get to create our own purpose. This idea is central to Camus's philosophy.
  3. Art and creation are ways to rebel against life's absurdity. Even small efforts in writing can be seen as part of the larger struggle of existence.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Mimesis is a powerful force in our lives, meaning we often look to others to decide what to want or do. While it's strong, we still have the freedom to make choices within that influence.
  2. Fukuyama's ideas about the 'end of history' suggest that liberal democracy has won but might overlook the ongoing ideological conflicts that still exist. His views can be criticized for being overly optimistic about the state of the world.
  3. Peer review in science has been criticized for not working well, as it often misses errors and limits innovative ideas. Instead of helping, it may create a closed-off system that stifles true progress.

Things of the Heart

Apposition • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Objects hold hidden stories and memories, forming a connection between their history and our own.
  2. In the Digital Age, information dominates over physical objects, impacting how we interact with the world.
  3. Slowing down, forming personal relationships with objects, and engaging in meaningful action are keys to resisting the overwhelming pace of the digital world.

A Measure of Excellence

Jake [Building in NYC] • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Excellence comes from creating and pursuing what is good and beautiful in life. The more you create, the more you grow in excellence.
  2. Artifacts, or creations like art, writing, and projects, show evidence of our existence and impact on the world. The more artifacts you have, the more impact you likely have.
  3. To become excellent, keep creating and don't be afraid to start. Just like any skill, practice helps you improve and get closer to your goals.

Finding the third way

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. There are two common reactions to uncertainty: one is to act like everything is knowable and try to control it, which can lead to poor decisions. The other is to give up and think that nothing can be done about the unknown, which doesn't help either.
  2. Instead of sticking to those two extremes, there's a better approach. It's important to recognize that not-knowing can lead to new ideas and actions.
  3. We can break down uncertainties into different types. Understanding these helps us figure out how to deal with situations where we don't have all the answers.

This is water, motherfuckers

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. David Foster Wallace's 'This is Water' speech teaches us important lessons about life and awareness. It's about seeing the world beyond our daily routines.
  2. Listening to people who have faced struggles can provide unique insights. Their experiences often lead to deeper understanding and advice.
  3. Sometimes, the most valuable advice comes from those who have battled with their own challenges. Their perspectives can help us navigate our own lives better.

On Mallarmé’s Tomb for Anatole—Or What to Do With Absence

Vremya • 139 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
📚 Literature Existentialism
  1. Loss is hard for everyone, and it's normal to feel surprised or guilty about moving on after someone we love dies. Grief doesn’t always feel the way we expect it to.
  2. Thoughts of those we lost can be fleeting, and life goes on with daily distractions. It's a struggle to balance remembering them with living our own lives.
  3. Creating something in memory of a loved one, like a poem or a piece of art, can help to honor their memory and deal with the absence they left behind.

Multi-Psyop. Introduction to the Master Scam

Tessa Fights Robots • 21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We are living in a complex situation where many forces are trying to control how we think and feel. It's important to look deeper and understand what's really happening beyond just the surface issues.
  2. Many messages we hear are designed to keep us angry and divided instead of helping us find real solutions. We need to be cautious about who we listen to and what emotions we let guide us.
  3. It's crucial for us to reconnect with our true selves and recognize our power to create positive change. By healing and being honest with ourselves, we can move past the oppressive narratives and start building a better reality.

Ten Borrowed Years

'Sorry, can you speak up? I have Tinnitus.' • 61 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Life is fragile and can change in an instant. After nearly dying, it's clear that every day is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
  2. We all have a choice in how we live our lives. Instead of just going through the motions, we should actively strive to make our lives meaningful and impactful.
  3. Understanding our own mortality motivates us to live fully. It's important to remember that our actions today can create a lasting difference in the world.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #125

Creative Destruction • 15 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Existentialism
  1. Nihilistic thinking is common, with many feeling lost and questioning the meaning of their lives. This crisis of meaning is a big issue today and can lead to new ideas and values when we confront it.
  2. There is a growing fear of people scarcity as many young individuals are leaving their homes in search of opportunities. This might change the way migration is viewed and handled in wealthier countries.
  3. The financial world is becoming unpredictable, and understanding value is tougher than ever. It's important to read social dynamics in the market, as they play a significant role in outcomes.

Meditations on Machinic Desire

Nothing Human • 57 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

Letter #16: Separation and Reunion

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Standard online formats feel inadequate because ubiquitous AI-generated content makes authentic human communication harder to find.
  2. The scarcity of real connection has grown through the digital age, intensifying people’s longing for genuine, person-to-person exchange.
  3. Some writing is gated behind paywalls, linking access to perceived authenticity with paid subscription models.

Grace.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 48 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Grace is about being kind and understanding, especially during tough times. It's important to respond with patience instead of anger.
  2. Having grace means showing forgiveness and empathy towards others. This helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
  3. Grace also involves accepting our own imperfections and handling challenges with dignity. It's about staying calm and composed even when things get difficult.

Why No Cassandra of Hope?

What Is Called Thinking? • 42 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Cassandra represents the idea of being ignored while predicting disaster, like prophets in the Bible who warn others but are often mocked or disregarded.
  2. In literature, we see more examples of ignored warnings than of hopeful messages. It seems people find it easier to mock the messengers of doom than to accept hopeful visions.
  3. People who share positive messages often focus on small, gradual changes instead of significant, sudden improvements, which makes their voices less impactful in comparison to doom-laden warnings.

Freedom, Not Control

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Freedom is about making choices that lead to a fulfilling life, rather than trying to control everything. Prioritizing sleep and good nutrition helps create that freedom.
  2. True community leaders listen and support people seeking guidance, creating meaningful connections. It's good to reach out to mentors or leaders when you're looking for direction.
  3. Managing health issues takes learning and adaptation, and it's important to verify information rather than just relying on labels. Taking care of ourselves and others is a journey, especially when it comes to health.

The Black Swans are Overhead

What's Important? • 35 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  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.

Notes from SeaLevel

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Existentialism
  1. Golf can feel pointless when you realize you're just going in circles. It sometimes seems like a fancy way to pass the time without real meaning.
  2. Keeping score in golf, and in life, can bring unnecessary pressure. Enjoying the experience is often better than worrying about the numbers.
  3. Many people get stuck in loops, doing the same things over and over without real growth. It’s important to find purpose and avoid letting these routines control us.

A Whole New Cope

Breaking Smart • 107 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Thanks to globalization and the internet, we now feel more involved in global events.
  2. Our reactions to distant events can be influenced by a sense of general disequilibrium in the world.
  3. The balance between constraint and agency in our lives can be disrupted by external factors, leading to heightened reactions.

The Enemy is Any Thing That Will Get Me Killed

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The post discusses the concept that anything threatening one's survival can be considered an enemy.
  2. The author expresses frustration towards government decisions and the prioritization of weapons over social issues like homelessness.
  3. There is a reflection on feeling isolated in a society that may be considered insane by those who seek sanity and compassion.

An Intelligence Beneath the Surface -

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 18 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The video argues that strange or “crazy” ideas are often symptoms of deeper social and environmental conditions rather than the root causes of our problems. It uses images like geese and solitary confinement to show how isolation and stress produce those thoughts.
  2. Comments have been turned off on Substack and conversations are being moved to a dedicated forum to keep discussions focused and avoid spreading the creator too thin.
  3. This is one of a series of short videos for the Sanity Project 2026 that will be posted frequently, and the project is reader-supported with free and paid subscription options.

The Clouds

Square Circle • 11 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Trusting words can be tricky. Sometimes, just observing nature, like clouds or the sea, can help solve our mental struggles.
  2. Nature offers a reality that isn't driven by human desires. It allows us to feel something greater than our own thoughts and problems.
  3. By truly engaging with the uncontrived beauty of nature, we can reconnect with a more authentic part of ourselves. There's a sense of kinship with things like clouds that transcends our everyday worries.