The hottest Human behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Things Worth Remembering: When the Earth Shakes

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1674 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💾 History Philosophy Disasters Human behavior Cultural impact Historical Events
  1. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake led to a lot of chaos, but it also showed how people can come together and create order from disorder.
  2. Philosopher William James found inspiration in the earthquake's aftermath, believing in hope even during tough times.
  3. This history reminds us that even in crisis, there can be opportunities to rebuild and unite as a community.

How to feel bad and be wrong

Experimental History • 40381 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Biases Decision-making Mental models Human behavior Self-reflection
  1. Our brains often take shortcuts when facing tough questions, making it easier to answer simple ones instead. This can lead us to overlook important issues in our lives.
  2. Many people measure their worth and productivity based on how hard they feel they are working, instead of setting clear goals. This can cause unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy.
  3. When assessing things like the state of the economy or the quality of a school, we tend to rely on popular opinion rather than personal experience. This leads to judgments that may not reflect reality.

My Apology to Trumpers

Erik Examines • 3404 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human behavior Political alliances
  1. Many people who support Trump are not inherently bad or immoral. They might be afraid to confront the reality of supporting someone like him, fearing they will lose their friends and community.
  2. People often make excuses for problematic leaders instead of standing against them. This kind of behavior can be compared to being in an abusive relationship, where the fear of change can lead to justifying bad actions to maintain the status quo.
  3. It's vital for all sides to find common ground, especially in tough political times. Sharing a belief in democracy and rule of law is more important than differing opinions on specific issues.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 3

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Behavioral Economics Cognitive Psychology Human behavior Intellectual history Decision-making
  1. Daniel Kahneman showed that people often don’t act like the rational thinkers we expect. He studied how we make decisions and found many biases that affect our judgment.
  2. He worked with Amos Tversky and together they explored how our minds trick us. Their ideas laid the foundation for behavioral economics, changing how we think about choices.
  3. Kahneman's book 'Thinking Fast and Slow' explains our two types of thinking: fast reactions and slower, more careful thinking. Understanding this can help us make better decisions.

Complexity Thoughts: Issue #46

Complexity Thoughts • 259 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🔬 Science Ecology Evolution Neuroscience Human behavior Complex Systems
  1. Biodiversity is important for the stability of ecosystems, as different species contribute to their health and resilience. Losing biodiversity can harm not just the species we see, but also the tiny organisms that support them.
  2. Ecosystem synchrony is a concept that helps us understand how different ecosystems respond to changes in their environment. It looks at how similar patterns in ecosystem functions can reveal important information about their health.
  3. Belief dynamics show how people's beliefs change over time, influenced by their social networks. Understanding these dynamics can help tackle issues like misinformation and social conflict.
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A short defence of gossip

The Common Reader • 1417 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Moral Philosophy Communication Human behavior Ethics
  1. Gossip helps us communicate the truth when direct conversations feel difficult. It allows people to share important information without the pressure of a public setting.
  2. Telling the truth is morally important, especially when it can serve as a warning about someone's behavior. This makes gossip a tool for honest inquiry.
  3. Even though gossip often gets a bad reputation, it has a valuable role in social interactions. It enables people to express concerns and share insights about others.

This Week's Podcast Ep is REALLY Good + Friday Open Chaos Thread

Culture Study • 1679 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Media Social Issues Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Therapy speak is becoming more common in conversations, especially on social media, and includes terms like 'boundaries' and 'shadow work.'
  2. The podcast discusses how to approach New Year's resolutions in a balanced way, avoiding extremes of hustle culture or vague therapy language.
  3. An Open Chaos Thread allows people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive, yet freeform, environment.

The Psychology of Collapse: A Deep Dive in Human Misbehavior

OK Doomer • 221 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Human behavior Health Risks
  1. People often reject truths that challenge their beliefs, making it hard to change minds. This shows that once someone is convinced of a falsehood, it can be painful to accept the truth.
  2. There is a growing trend of people ignoring health advice and embracing harmful choices, like the demand for raw milk despite public health warnings. This can be seen as a reaction against authority and established knowledge.
  3. Studies in human behavior suggest that society is increasingly turning away from useful knowledge and safety measures, which raises concerns about our ability to respond effectively to real threats.

Wandsworth Prison Blues

Wrong Side of History • 365 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society Entertainment Criminal Justice Human behavior
  1. A British prison officer became famous for being in an explicit video with an inmate, which caused a lot of social media buzz. This incident shows how some scandalous situations can quickly go viral and attract public attention.
  2. The officer, while married and a mother, had an OnlyFans account where she shared adult content, reflecting a trend among some individuals in the public eye to mix their private lives with explicit online personas.
  3. The video was recorded by a fellow inmate, highlighting a certain rebellious culture within the prison. This culture can create unusual dynamics among inmates and staff, sometimes leading to serious consequences.

13 Observations on Ritual

The Honest Broker • 30254 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Rituals Technology Community Human behavior
  1. Smartphones are not suitable for genuine ritual as they embody restlessness, which is opposite to the stability needed for rituals.
  2. True rituals are deeply rooted in physical time and space, unlike online experiences that can feel hollow and lack genuine connection.
  3. Memes mimic elements of ritual like repetition and shared meaning but lack the depth and transcendence that true rituals provide.

What Do You Wish People Were More Curious About?

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Curiosity Human behavior Anthropology History Community
  1. People are curious about a wide range of topics, like the history of places or specific laws that are too complex to understand at first glance. Exploring these subjects can lead to deeper insights.
  2. There are everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, like the physical toll of standing or bending all day. Recognizing and discussing these can create empathy and understanding.
  3. Curiosity can expand our knowledge and improve our connections with others. By asking questions and seeking answers, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

Why Everywhere We Look, There We Are

Everything Is Amazing • 1547 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Human behavior Cognitive Science Social Responsibility Environmental Issues Storytelling
  1. People often see faces and familiar patterns in everyday things. This strange trick our brain plays is called pareidolia, and it shows how we connect what we see to ourselves.
  2. Our attachment to objects, like clothing or old gear, can be sentimental. This affection helps us care more about the environment and encourages us to repair instead of throw away.
  3. Understanding our cognitive biases, like pareidolia, can help us be more curious and appreciate the world around us. If we learn to see ourselves in everything, we might treat it all with more care.

Social media is a machine that destroys empathy

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Empathy Human behavior Healthcare Capitalism
  1. Social media can lead to a loss of empathy. People often say things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face.
  2. When anger about issues like healthcare rises, some people turn to violence and support it. This shows a breakdown of empathy and understanding.
  3. There's a need to focus on changing the systems causing these problems, rather than blaming individuals. We should hold companies accountable while also working to fix the root issues.

Soft is the New Hard.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Work Culture Strategic Thinking Personal Development Human behavior
  1. Grace means being kind and humble to others, understanding that success comes from many factors, not just hard work. It's about caring for people's feelings and respecting their experiences.
  2. Flow happens when you are fully engaged in something challenging but enjoyable. It brings joy and can come from creating, learning, or helping others grow.
  3. Connection is crucial for happiness. Building strong relationships and having a purpose can improve your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and supported.

Technology to the Rescue!

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media Communication Consumption Human behavior
  1. People have always believed that technology will solve human problems, from the telephone to AI. But no matter the advancements, our fundamental human nature remains the same.
  2. Many technologists share a faith in technology similar to religious beliefs, seeing it as a way to achieve progress and even redemption for humanity.
  3. Connecting people through technology, like social media, often leads to conflicts instead of harmony, reminding us that simply being connected doesn't guarantee understanding or peace.

The problem with psychology is that it has no theory

Something to Consider • 1019 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology Economics Human behavior Theories Science
  1. Psychology lacks a solid theoretical framework, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions from research. Without a guiding theory, findings can feel random and disconnected.
  2. Economics, on the other hand, is built on clear theories that help explain and predict human behavior in markets. These theories allow economists to make strong and testable predictions.
  3. A theory in economics helps researchers know what to expect, and it can influence actual outcomes in the real world, unlike the often unclear results in psychology.

In spite of time.

Neckar’s Notes • 84 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mortality Time Human behavior Spirituality
  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.

Coalitions are everywhere

Optimally Irrational • 62 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Game Theory Social Psychology Coalitions Human behavior Evolutionary Theory
  1. Coalitions are important in human life. We often need to work together for defense, support, and to achieve bigger goals than we could alone.
  2. People really care about their social groups and belonging. Feeling excluded from a group can make us anxious or upset.
  3. Our reputation matters a lot in coalitions. How others see us can affect our ability to make friends or succeed in groups.

Psychological Pollution

Disaffected Newsletter • 2218 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Public Space Human behavior Media influence
  1. Modern life is filled with constant noise from machines and devices, making it hard to find quiet moments. This noise can create stress and a sense of chaos in our minds.
  2. Advertisements and screens are everywhere, demanding our attention and creating visual clutter. This overload can make it tough to enjoy our surroundings.
  3. People seem to have lost a sense of public etiquette, leading to more distractions and rudeness in everyday interactions. This can leave us feeling frustrated in social settings.

Attitudes one can take towards people who have behaved badly

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 875 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Ethics Human behavior Communication Philosophy
  1. Social punishment is a natural part of how humans interact, helping to enforce a social contract. It can feel too harsh or unjust at times, but it still serves a purpose.
  2. There's a tricky balance in discussing the ideas of people who have done bad things. We need to find ways to remember their contributions without overlooking their wrongdoings.
  3. It's important to correct the record if someone is proven innocent after being publicly condemned. Reputations can suffer permanently, and it’s crucial to acknowledge when we've gotten things wrong.

Deceitful Messages, Scarcity, American Abyss

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Cultural Trends Human behavior Public Policy
  1. Couples in America spend less quality time together than they did 50 years ago. Many of them don't do activities like meals or outings together anymore.
  2. Men's noses are generally bigger than women's due to puberty, which helps provide more oxygen for larger muscles. It's a small but interesting difference between the sexes.
  3. People feel happiest when they're making progress on meaningful goals that feel achievable. It's important to aim for goals that provide purpose without being too overwhelming.

What should I do? What would you do?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Human behavior Decision-making Self-help
  1. It's common for people to look to experts for answers to their problems, but often there isn't a clear right answer. Many issues are complicated and need thoughtful discussion rather than a simple solution.
  2. Conversations can help people clarify their thoughts and feelings about difficult situations. Talking through problems can lead to better decisions that fit their unique lives.
  3. While some coaches or consultants may not have formal training, they can still provide valuable support. They can help clients understand their problems better and explore possible outcomes.

Fear, Underdogs, Hard Work and Sacrifice

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Status Personal Growth Literature Human behavior
  1. Social status affects how we perceive others, making successful people seem cold and friendly people seem less competent. This shows the complex nature of relationships between warmth and competency.
  2. Happy romantic relationships are very important for overall life satisfaction. When people feel good about their relationships, it greatly contributes to their happiness and sense of purpose.
  3. A mother's milk can adapt to help her baby fight infections. When a baby is sick, the mother's body produces special agents in her milk to help the baby recover.

People Play Games Without Knowing It

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Dynamics Human behavior Game Theory Psychology Cultural Commentary
  1. People often engage in social dynamics and strategies without realizing it. This can affect how they interact with others.
  2. Competition can lead to people playing games for rewards, but sometimes they keep playing long after it's beneficial to them.
  3. Understanding these hidden games can help people navigate social situations more effectively.

Games People Play

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1003 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Relationships Social Dynamics Human behavior Communication
  1. People often have mixed feelings and hidden messages in their relationships. What they show on the outside might not reflect their true feelings inside.
  2. Understanding the psychological games people play can help us communicate better. Being aware of these dynamics can lead to healthier interactions.
  3. It's important to be open and honest in relationships. Clear communication can help break down barriers and prevent misunderstandings.

Numb in India, part 4: Dharma police

Numb at the Lodge • 538 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Dynamics Identity politics Religious Beliefs Human behavior
  1. The caste system in India is more complex than many people realize. It's not just about the four main groups but involves thousands of smaller castes that influence people's lives and jobs.
  2. Many Westerners misunderstand the caste system, thinking it's a rigid hierarchy. In reality, it's more like a flexible system influenced by individual roles and functions within society.
  3. Purity plays a big role in relationships between castes. People avoid contact with lower castes to maintain their own purity, which results in complex social rules and rituals.

If the doctrine fits, ...

In My Tribe • 1002 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ideology Political theory Ethics History Human behavior
  1. Some ideologies, like Communism, can attract people who seek power and control, often leading to oppressive regimes. This happens because the ideology allows leaders to justify cruelty in pursuit of a supposed utopia.
  2. Certain belief systems can be appealing to individuals with violent tendencies, while others attract more peaceful people. This means that personality can shape which doctrines someone might follow.
  3. The way people interact with each other, such as cooperating or competing, is influenced by their personal traits. People usually lean toward beliefs that match their nature, which affects how societies function.

The Banality of Doom: Prepare for Tuesday, Not Doomsday

OK Doomer • 154 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Human behavior Public response Crisis Community
  1. Sometimes, bad things happen unexpectedly in everyday places, like the DMV. It's a reminder that life can change in an instant.
  2. People may not always react the way you expect during emergencies. Some might be indifferent, while others may want to help.
  3. In moments of crisis, it's important to be aware and compassionate. Helping others can make a big difference, even if others choose not to.

The origins of power dynamics, or why chimps can't play baseball

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2122 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🔬 Science Evolution Biology Psychology Anthropology Human behavior
  1. Humans can throw objects accurately and at high speeds, shaping our modern power dynamics in society.
  2. Our unique shoulder adaptations allow for precise and fast throwing, giving us a competitive advantage over other species.
  3. The ability to use ranged weapons and throw projectiles from a distance has influenced human social structures and power dynamics.

Rich People Food, The Paradox of Liberation, Success Sequence

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Food culture Philosophy Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Rich people often have different food preferences, which can reflect their social status. Eating certain foods can signal wealth and lifestyle choices.
  2. The concept of liberation can be paradoxical; sometimes, more freedom can lead to complications and struggles in life.
  3. Following a 'success sequence'—like education, job, and then family—can help people find stability and success in life.

It's Not Cool to Overreact

OK Doomer • 181 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Human behavior Media History Psychology
  1. People often choose not to react during crises, similar to how a man ignored a tsunami. This shows a tendency to deny or overlook dangers that are happening around us.
  2. Many individuals wait and watch disasters unfold instead of taking action, which suggests a cultural trend of complacency and inaction.
  3. Overreacting is often frowned upon, leading to a reluctance to address urgent problems. This attitude can prevent us from dealing with serious issues, like climate change and pandemics.

Get Serious: About Purpose

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5383 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Development Psychology Society Human behavior Values
  1. Purpose is declining in society, with traditional values like faith, family, and community involvement losing importance.
  2. True purpose involves a deep belief in something greater than oneself, motivating action and giving a reason to build.
  3. Focusing solely on self-care and self-love may not bring fulfillment; finding a purpose outside oneself is key to combatting modern malaise.

Cloud Tears

Seven Senses • 339 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Emotions Travel Meditation Personal Stories Human behavior
  1. Many people feel heightened emotions while flying, which often leads to crying. This can happen due to the circumstances of travel or the effects of being at high altitudes.
  2. The environment on a plane can create a space for reflection and emotional release, making it feel like a unique time for personal processing.
  3. Flying reminds us of our lack of control in life, as we depend on others and external factors. It can be a moment of realization about our place in the universe.

Social Learning Links, 12/7/2024

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Philosophy Politics Human behavior
  1. We often form our beliefs based on who we trust rather than just the facts. It's easy to fall into thinking everyone else is wrong if they disagree with us.
  2. People have a bias where they see good things happening to their group as a result of their strengths, while bad things are blamed on outside factors. This leads to unfair judgments about others.
  3. Understanding and acknowledging our own mistakes is tough but important. It helps us to think clearly and make better decisions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Why we should look for the good reasons behind our behaviour

Optimally Irrational • 77 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Evolutionary Psychology Decision-making Behavioral Economics Human behavior
  1. Understanding our behavior is important because it's not just random; it comes from a long history of survival and adaptation. We should look for reasons behind our choices instead of labeling them as irrational.
  2. Historically, research has focused a lot on cognitive biases, making it seem like humans are mostly flawed thinkers. Now, there's a shift towards recognizing our mental processes can also be adaptively efficient.
  3. Many behaviors that seem like mistakes may actually be smart solutions given the complex decisions we face. It's better to explore the reasons behind behaviors to find their potential usefulness.