The hottest Freedom Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Keepers of the Secret

Orbis Tertius • 230 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
📖 Philosophy Freedom
  1. True freedom is a personal, lived state rather than a set of rules, and it’s usually hinted at indirectly in works of art or writing. Once you begin to sense that freedom, it changes how you live.
  2. The Keepers are elusive and non‑organizational, and many who claim the title are distractions; the secret can’t be passed intact, only glimpsed through careful study of many sources.
  3. Acting as if you’re ungoverned can itself reveal the secret more effectively than learning techniques; technique is just a personal style, not the essence of the freedom.

Why We Drink

News from Uncibal • 835 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Alcohol is more than just a drink; it's linked to our freedom. When people try to limit our drinking, it can mean they're also trying to limit other freedoms.
  2. Drinking responsibly helps us learn about our choices and how to live with others. It's part of growing up and being a good citizen in society.
  3. If society starts to restrict our alcohol consumption, it could show a bigger problem. It might mean that people are becoming less capable of handling their freedoms well.

I love America.

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 597 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Freedom
  1. A deep affection for everyday American life — the food, local places, public spaces, small‑town memories, and the little conveniences that make daily life pleasant.
  2. A real fear that something vital about the country is being lost, with recent years feeling tumultuous and threatening the ordinary freedoms and community norms people rely on.
  3. Pride in core American values like free speech, freedom of religion, cultural restlessness, and the chance for rapid reinvention that lets people create and share new ideas.

Liberalism is the rebellion now

Noahpinion • 29882 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Liberalism, which values individual freedom and dignity, is losing its presence in politics today. People are beginning to feel that discussing freedom is not as popular or important as it used to be.
  2. Societal freedoms are decreasing, with fewer leaders advocating for individual rights. Issues like abortion and freedom of speech are increasingly under threat from both political sides.
  3. In today's world, believing in liberal ideals feels like joining a rebellion against powerful authoritarian influences. People who support freedom and dignity are now faced with many challenges and obstacles.
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Thinking Points, January 22, 2024

uTobian • 7252 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Freedom
  1. Higher education failed in responding to Covid, showing weaknesses and flaws.
  2. Climate change movement shifted focus to target small farmers and families, losing sight of its original goals.
  3. Advocating for 'freedom of choice' in allowing toxic products can lead to harmful consequences and is not a viable solution.

Thinking Points, January 9, 2024

uTobian • 7763 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Freedom
  1. We are living in apocalyptic times.
  2. 15% Grade 3 Adverse Event Rate from Pfizer and Moderna Covid shots is calibrated to cause maximum harm without being pulled from the market.
  3. All existing ideologies have failed in the face of the current crisis.

The United States was founded on speaking up against tyranny

Marcus on AI • 8932 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. The U.S. was built on the idea of standing up against oppression. It's important to remember that speaking out is crucial for democracy.
  2. Recent actions by leaders are seen as frightening and could lead to more significant issues if people don't voice their concerns.
  3. Privacy is at risk, with personal information being shared without proper checks. We need to protect our rights and encourage open discussions.

Living In Dirt

The Unpublishable • 7724 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Freedom
  1. Take time for self-reflection and consider letting go of the pursuit of perfection in various aspects of life.
  2. Sometimes, finding freedom and happiness may involve stepping away from strict routines and allowing yourself to be more fluid.
  3. Allowing yourself to let go of control can open up space for new experiences and perspectives to come in.

New Year, New Fight

The Audacity. • 3734 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Freedom
  1. The post discusses the battle for reproductive freedom in the upcoming year.
  2. The author, Aubrey Hirsch, is a writer and illustrator based in New York.
  3. Aubrey Hirsch's work has been featured in various well-known publications.

a nest in time

Secretum Secretorum • 353 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Freedom
  1. A "nest in time" is a recurring, bounded stretch of time devoted to a particular activity that creates its own private psychological environment.
  2. For a time-nest to work it must be a desirable activity and be treated as inviolable, reliably protected from interruptions.
  3. These regular blocks focus your energy and attention and refresh you by freeing you from other concerns, building a clearer sense of self and a deeper kind of freedom than scattered distractions.

Reclaiming Freedom as a Progressive Value

The Message Box • 3144 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. President Biden is emphasizing freedom as a progressive value in his campaign messaging.
  2. Democrats must connect policies to values like patriotism and freedom to build a diverse coalition.
  3. The Republican Party has historically framed freedom in a way that favors big business and individual liberties.

People Can Win

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18059 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. The notion that America is controlled by horrible minorities is a lie.
  2. Efforts to combat misinformation may be receding as people push for normalcy.
  3. Challenging the technocratic solutions and reclaiming democratic values is becoming a priority.

The glory of Europe

Striking 13 • 1577 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. The European Union navigated complex political challenges with a mix of negotiation and compromise, showcasing the effectiveness of careful diplomacy over populism.
  2. The European Union's core principle of uniting economies to prevent war is facing challenges from rising populism, border control issues, and shifts in global trade dynamics.
  3. The recent events surrounding Ukraine's EU membership aspirations highlight the importance of the European Union's approach to politics, emphasizing peace, compromise, and true freedom.

Thou-Shalt-Not Do Anything

Variations on a Theme • 1178 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Freedom
  1. Banning everything everywhere is becoming a popular trend, with bans ranging from travel during emergencies to gas stoves, books, and even youth tackle football.
  2. History shows that rebels who defy bans are often celebrated, with real-life examples like the Russian Samizdat and fictional heroes like those in Star Wars and The Matrix.
  3. The moral dilemma of banning things to create ‘proper civilization’ clashes with the concept of individual freedom and audacity, leading to questioning the effectiveness and morality of banning practices.

On Wise Agency, Part 1 | #315

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 211 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Freedom
  1. Agency can be wise or foolish: wise agency means experimenting and choosing a sustainable, genuine path, while foolish agency is doingwhatever it takes to get ends without regard for consequences.
  2. People often move through phases — mastering career 'hoop-jumping' that masks insecure agency, then 'blowing up' their life — and the danger is trading one identity for another or making rejection your new personality.
  3. To become more wisely agentic, surface and question your unconscious scripts by noticing which beliefs trigger strong reactions, and allow yourself to get lost and experiment instead of seeking quick belonging or monetizing uncertainty.

Whether you are a Monarchist or a Republican, you should be concerned about the Coronation crackdown on peaceful protest.

The Free Mind • 1847 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. It's important to be concerned about the Coronation crackdown on peaceful protest, regardless of being a Monarchist or a Republican.
  2. Six Republican protestors were arrested and detained without charge for sixteen hours on the day of the Coronation.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Free Mind for more insights and a 7-day free trial of full post archives.

Alexei Navalny Lived and Died in Truth

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5597 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. Navalny chose to return to Russia despite the risks, showing his dedication to his country and cause.
  2. Navalny's life and death highlight the stark contrast between the free world and the unfree world.
  3. Navalny's bravery and sacrifice echo those of other victims of Russian authoritarianism, emphasizing the importance of standing up for truth and freedom.

Freedoom

¡Do Not Panic! • 1434 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Freedom
  1. People socially construct their reality, which can clash with natural brute facts.
  2. Post-truthism has become mainstream, with various political groups denying natural realities like the ongoing pandemic.
  3. Society's focus on individuality and consumerism creates a culture in denial, ignoring the collision course with natural realities like climate change.

Exclusive: Navalny’s Letters from the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4312 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. The correspondence between Natan Sharansky and Alexei Navalny showcased their erudition, moral clarity, and humor - with Biblical references and insights into their experiences in prison.
  2. The letters highlighted the universal impact of standing up for freedom and the continuity of ideological struggles from the past to the present, offering hope for change despite challenges.
  3. Both Sharansky and Navalny shared a deep connection and admiration for each other's resilience, with humor and encouragement helping them find strength in the face of adversity.

First Brick in the Firewall? Taiwan Blocks RedNote

Taipology • 107 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Taiwan has blocked the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu over fraud concerns, surprising many users. This creates a sense of irony as Taiwanese netizens now need to use a VPN to access a platform they once made fun of.
  2. The ban on Xiaohongshu is viewed as an attempt by the ruling DPP to control the digital landscape, similar to China's methods. People question how blocking an apolitical app supports democracy and freedom.
  3. Users are worried about the future of online freedom in Taiwan, as more Chinese apps might be targeted next. This could lead to greater backlash, especially if popular e-commerce platforms are affected.

The Authoritarian Impulse

Holly’s Newsletter • 2460 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. The article discusses the issue of authoritarian impulses and the desire for control in society.
  2. It highlights the challenges of censorship and content moderation in online platforms.
  3. The text emphasizes the importance of valuing freedom and understanding the implications of authoritarian measures.

Crossing a line

Thinking about... • 1203 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Living under Russian occupation is incredibly dangerous for Ukrainians. They risk torture or worse for simply expressing their opinions or having Ukrainian symbols.
  2. While war restricts freedom in Ukraine, people there still experience more personal freedom and expression than under Russian control. They can speak their minds without fear of their own government.
  3. There is a growing concern that America might head towards a regime similar to Russia's, where media is controlled, and people's freedoms are increasingly restricted. It's important to stay aware of this and recognize the lines we must not cross.

All Immigrants Are Born on the Fourth of July

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5513 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Freedom
  1. American exceptionalism is real, unique, and tied to the country's history of freedom and individual freedom.
  2. Key historical figures like Washington, Lincoln, and MLK embodied American exceptionalism through their actions and beliefs.
  3. The American experience embraces freedom, innovation, and the pursuit of possibilities, shaping a sense of identity among immigrants and citizens.

Canadian Patriot Podcast with Randy Hillier: The Un-constitutionality of Emergencies Act

Matt Ehret's Insights • 412 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Former MP Randy Hillier discusses the unconstitutionality of the Emergencies Act in a recent Canadian Patriot Podcast.
  2. The Federal Court ruling on Jan 26 declared the Trudeau-Freeland Emergencies Act as unconstitutional, impacting Canadians and sparking discussions on a COVID crimes inquiry.
  3. Resources provided for becoming an informed organizer on related topics like history, documentaries, and critical analysis.

You are too free

Becoming Noble • 757 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Freedom
  1. Limitless freedom can lead to dissolution, and sometimes restrictions can lead to greatness.
  2. True community requires individuals to accept limitations on personal autonomy and to adhere to common values and practices.
  3. By demanding more from individuals and having them subjugate themselves to a cause, greatness and community can be achieved, as exemplified by the Knights Templar.

Kemi Badenoch: How Liberalism Got Hacked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Liberalism is in danger due to the rise of authoritarian ideologies. It's important to protect classic liberal values like free speech and free markets.
  2. Personal experiences with poverty can highlight the importance of freedom and choice in society. Witnessing life under oppressive government helps people appreciate these values.
  3. Classic liberal principles such as equality under the law and the presumption of innocence are essential for a healthy society. These principles are currently being threatened.

Freedom is not the preserve of the "Christian" West

Writing from London • 393 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. Freedom is not solely associated with the 'Christian' West.
  2. The clash of civilisations hypothesis linking Western Christianity to freedom has been disproven in the age of Trump and Putin.
  3. The Russian invasion of Ukraine challenges the idea of the West as Christendom and exposes threats from Russia and evangelical Christian support for Trump.

We Think This Dystopia Is Normal Like People In Abusive Relationships Think It's Normal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom
  1. Westerners may not fully grasp how dysfunctional western society truly is, similar to someone in an abusive relationship not recognizing the problem.
  2. Despite perceptions of freedom, western civilization is heavily influenced by mass-scale psychological manipulation through media and culture.
  3. There is a need for collective awareness to break free from the societal norms that perpetuate a dystopian reality.

The Distant Sun

Becoming Noble • 478 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Freedom
  1. The protection of space and claimed faith allowed a community to operate in secrecy and avoid legal intervention.
  2. Owning a large swath of land provided a secretive community with distance from scrutiny and protection from outside interference.
  3. Lessons from secretive communities can be applied to identify opportunities for invoking similar protective measures.