The hottest Existentialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Help in a hyena crisis

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers on Substack.
  2. The content includes a wide range of topics from Eldritch abominations to astro-geeks.
  3. The title 'Help in a hyena crisis' suggests a focus on aid or support during difficult situations.

Meaningless day job

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 21
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Sometimes we choose to ignore inconvenient meanings and pretend not to notice. This is a form of nihilizing.
  2. We may try to justify our nihilizing behavior by coming up with rational reasons to believe that everything is meaningless.
  3. The concept of a meaningless day job is explored, shedding light on the fallacies linked to meaninglessness.

All Life is a Stage

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The post discusses the concept that all life is like a stage, implying that our lives are like a performance that we play out.
  2. The content assumes that readers have a basic understanding of fourth way literature, suggesting a specific level of familiarity required for engaging with the material.
  3. Access to the full post is limited to paid subscribers, highlighting the exclusive nature of the content.

Ryan Seffinger: The Creative Spirit and the Horizon of the Possible

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The left must be wary of getting caught up in protests and demands without a clear alternative political-economic model to capitalism.
  2. Engaging with capitalism while criticizing it creates a paradox - we need to deeply understand and question the systems we're part of.
  3. To envision true innovation beyond the constraints of capitalism, we must broaden our collective imagination and seek solutions outside the current system.
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Don’t try to optimise life decisions

Tecnica • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Life decisions can be unpredictable, and overthinking them isn't always helpful. Sometimes, a seemingly small choice can lead to big changes.
  2. We often need to balance enjoying the present and thinking about the future when making decisions. It's a choice between being happy now or planning for what's ahead.
  3. Accept that life is a chaotic system, and not every decision will turn out the way you expect. It's okay to embrace the uncertainty instead of trying to control everything.

Are “Unconscious” People conscious?

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Scientists can now better tell if people in vegetative states are aware of their surroundings or can regain consciousness. This helps distinguish between those who can't react at all and those who have some mental activity.
  2. Consciousness is linked to specific brain activities. Researchers can use tools like EKGs and MRIs to recognize these brain patterns that indicate someone is conscious.
  3. Future technology might allow people with locked-in syndrome to communicate or control devices just by thinking. This could be a major breakthrough for better understanding and helping these patients.

On winning lotteries

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 11
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Life has factors beyond our control that shape our destinies. It's important to recognize that genetics, geography, and financial status play roles in our opportunities.
  2. Different political views may accept the idea of unequal starting points, but they react differently to the consequences of that inequality.
  3. There are three main 'lotteries' in life: your genetics, where you're born, and your family's financial situation, and it's worth thinking about how you would prioritize these in terms of their impact on your life.

The Cloud and the Soup

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Clouds can be unique in their shapes and appearances. Each cloud can remind us of personal experiences, making them feel special.
  2. Clouds share universal qualities with each other and everything in nature. At a basic level, everything is connected and similar, regardless of differences.
  3. There are patterns and structures in the universe that help us understand how things relate. Looking for similarities can help find connections, but it's also interesting to explore what remains the same despite changes.

Stories with four characters

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Stories can have four key characters: you, your opponents, the known, and the unknown. This helps create a clear strategy in any situation.
  2. Using four characters can bring a sense of stability compared to just three. It's about finding balance and understanding different perspectives.
  3. In both stories and computer science, the concept of four relates to structure and relationships. Recognizing these connections can deepen our understanding of both fields.

Long-range dependance

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Sometimes, the value of something isn't about how complete it is, but about the impact of specific parts. For instance, losing the last page of a story can feel like a big deal, while a missing page in a dictionary doesn’t change much.
  2. Different experiences in life have varying levels of importance. Some events or moments are like the very valuable pages in a novel, while others are just pages that don’t add much to our overall experience.
  3. We should think about what makes our daily experiences worthwhile. Just like in a book, some days or moments can bring a lot of joy while others might not seem significant at all.

Know when to stop searching

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Having courage can inspire more courage in others. Being brave can create a chain reaction of bravery.
  2. Focusing too much on every detail can lead to feelings of meaninglessness. When everything is known, it can feel like nothing matters.
  3. Having choices is great, but having too many can complicate things. It helps to set some limits to make decision-making easier.

The world is an open system

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The world gives us a fresh start every day. This means we can change our stories and try new things, even if it feels hard sometimes.
  2. Simpler stories often hold more power in our lives. They can connect us better and are easier for everyone to relate to, even if they're vague.
  3. Some ideas stick around longer because of our shared experiences and how we connect with each other. This can make it tough to change our perspectives or break old habits.

unfinished thoughts

Midnight Musings • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Taking proactive action helps you imagine a better future, rather than just reacting to everything around you. Creating space for your thoughts can lead to more meaningful personal growth.
  2. Our belief in what we're doing influences our health more than we might think. Instead of following strict health guidelines, listening to our bodies and trusting our instincts may lead to better well-being.
  3. What does 'home' really mean? It might be less about a physical place and more about feeling at peace and connected with ourselves and others.

Will I regret this decision when I die?

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Most decisions in life are simple and don't have significant consequences. It's okay to make mistakes on these easy choices.
  2. A small percentage of decisions are really important and can change your life. These are the choices that we should think about carefully.
  3. To live a fulfilling life, it's better to take risks and reduce regrets. Choosing what excites you is key to avoiding a life full of 'what ifs.'

The Vehicle and the Stance

A blog. • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Opening a lock can be a tricky task that gets easier with practice and the right technique. It's similar to some life skills that just take time to learn and master.
  2. Maintaining a 'heroic stance' is important for finding joy in life despite its challenges. It's about having a positive attitude that helps you deal with difficulties.
  3. Some knowledge is hard to explain or teach; it often requires personal experience to truly understand and apply. This kind of knowledge makes certain skills or insights unique to each individual.

A kitten darts across the road

Devansh’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Sometimes, our instincts react faster than our thoughts when we see something concerning. Just like when I saw the kitten, I felt a rush of emotions before I could even think.
  2. Life can throw unexpected surprises at us, and we often feel unprepared for them. It's a reminder that we need to build ways to cope with sudden emotional reactions.
  3. Small events, like a kitten crossing the road, can trigger big feelings. It's important to recognize and accept our emotions during such moments.

ATTENTION: URGENT NOTICE

Orbis Tertius • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Pay attention to important aspects of life that may be overlooked. They can affect your overall well-being.
  2. It's everyone's responsibility to be aware of their experiences and the world around them.
  3. Feeling lost or meaningless is common, but there are ways to address this and improve your existence.

Debt, Death, and the Lightness of Living

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. True happiness comes from having no debts, whether financial or moral. It’s about carrying less burdens in life, not owning more things.
  2. Life is short, and every day should remind us to live fully. We shouldn’t wait to take chances or have meaningful conversations because time is precious.
  3. Simplifying our lives and letting go of what weighs us down can lead to more happiness. Awareness of our time here encourages us to live well and embrace possibilities.

The Cathedral Builder and The Renaissance Man | Part 1

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Individuation is about reaching your full potential and can lead to two main paths: The Cathedral Builder and The Renaissance Man. Each path has its own focus and motivations.
  2. The Cathedral Builder is a specialist who works towards a long-term vision with clarity and persistence, while The Renaissance Man embraces a wide range of interests and values curiosity.
  3. Choosing your path involves understanding your own characteristics and preferences, whether you seek to master a specific skill or explore various opportunities in life.

Work Day Theme: Life

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 10 Sep 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We desire a rich and meaningful experience of life, not just a collection of events. Life's true essence is more than just the time we spend or the experiences we gather.
  2. Observing life flowing through us encourages a sense of freedom and connection. It's important to feel and recognize life in both ourselves and the world around us.
  3. By focusing our attention on our direct experience of life, we can foster a deeper appreciation and love for it. Life is not something we own; rather, we are part of a greater life force.

Law of Three, an introduction

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Every event involves three forces at play, and understanding them can help us see things differently. This means we shouldn't just focus on one side of a situation.
  2. Gurdjieff suggested that we should engage with the unpleasant things in life. By allowing conflicting feelings to interact, we can discover deeper insights.
  3. Being able to understand and accept others' experiences is key to true compassion. It's important to find balance between opposing feelings, which helps create peace.

Inner and Outer Considering

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We form relationships based on our likes and dislikes of others. This means our feelings about people influence who we connect with.
  2. Inner consideration is when we judge others based on our feelings and expectations. Outer consideration is seeing others for who they really are and understanding their needs.
  3. Practicing impartiality helps us become less focused on ourselves. By doing this, we open up to truly helping and loving others.

JG Bennett on Worlds

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. As we grow, we encounter different influences and challenges. These experiences shape who we become and help us understand our true purpose.
  2. The journey of life involves moving away from our origins and eventually returning to them. This process is essential for growth and transformation.
  3. Changing our environment and circumstances can lead to significant personal development. True transformation isn't just about growing; it's about evolving into a new world.

Levels of Being

Sons of Liberty Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Humans can change and grow in ways that animals and plants cannot. We have the ability to evolve and refine ourselves by doing inner work.
  2. There are seven levels of being, and the first three levels focus on physical, emotional, and intellectual imbalances. Identifying these imbalances is the first step toward improving ourselves.
  3. Balancing our physical, emotional, and intellectual sides helps us feel whole and well. We should set personal aims to guide our efforts in achieving this balance.

The Cathedral Builder and The Renaissance Man | Part 2

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. There are two main paths to self-formation: deep, lifelong focus (the Cathedral Builder) and wide-ranging curiosity across fields (the Renaissance Man), and both demand real suffering and trade-offs.
  2. A Cathedral Builder risks ego-driven delusion, painful opportunity costs, loss of purpose after goals are met, and obsession that harms relationships, so they must balance ambition with self-awareness and connection to others.
  3. A Renaissance Man risks shallow relationships, constant distraction by new interests, and feeling like they miss out on recognized greatness, so they should put down roots, tolerate deep practice, and rely on internal measures of success.

Existential Liberalism

Inland Nobody • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Modern liberal freedom has outpaced the shared systems that once gave life meaning, leaving many people with excess existential capacity that breeds disorientation, humiliation, and reactionary politics.
  2. The proposed fix is Existential Liberalism: keep individual freedom but actively provide non‑coercive "meaning scaffolds" to help people find purpose and stability in their lives.
  3. Practical steps are to reduce humiliations, teach people how to cultivate meaning, build new institutions and traditions that transmit it, and guide people through existential confrontation so liberal democracy remains stable.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction 2.0

Inland Nobody • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The ethical framework is to Increase Wealth, Decrease Trauma, and Increase Splendor so people can find and build lasting meaning without being told what to believe.
  2. Wealth means surplus resources (money, time, social, mental, physical) and provides the freedom and capacity to do meaningful work and help others, but it’s neutral and must be stewarded well.
  3. Reducing unnecessary trauma and cultivating splendor (happiness, self-fulfillment, self-actualization, and meaning-creation) frees people to self-author and produces positive, compounding benefits for society and future generations.

The Collapse of Meaning under Liberalism

Inland Nobody • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Existentialism
  1. Liberalism has given people unprecedented freedom, wealth, and safety, but it has also eroded inherited social and moral frameworks that used to provide stable meaning, leaving many people with thin or fragile senses of purpose.
  2. Smartphones and algorithmic media massively accelerate meaning collapse by constantly exposing people to dissonant information and public humiliation, which erodes self-understanding and increases reactivity.
  3. This crisis of meaning helps explain current political volatility: those with internal meaning navigate freedom better, while people who rely on external meaning often project anxiety into reactionary politics, so liberalism needs new, value-neutral ways to help people build durable meaning without sacrificing freedom.

The Good Life in the Modern Age

Inland Nobody • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Modern life gives many people extra freedom and resources—this "excess existential capacity" can lead to aimlessness or anxiety if it isn't directed toward something meaningful.
  2. Splendor is a layered way to flourish that starts with small pleasures, moves through self-fulfillment and self-actualization, and culminates in a coherent sense of meaning.
  3. Finding meaning by helping others and working on Wealth, reducing Trauma, and increasing Splendor (the WTS pillars) grounds your life and creates lasting benefits for both you and society.