The hottest Human condition Substack posts right now

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Neither Robot Nor Baby

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics AI Impact Human condition
  1. The folk theory of mind suggests that humans have feelings and decision-making abilities, while AI does not. This means we shouldn't think of AI as having a mind like ours.
  2. AI operates based on code and rules, not feelings or intentional decisions like humans have. Mistakes made by AI don't come from emotional reactions like they would in a person.
  3. While AI can cause harm, it's not because it has its own mind. It's important to recognize that AI's actions reflect human intentions, whether they're intended or not.

The pitfalls of abundance

Jeff Giesea • 399 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Human condition Technology impact Cultural critique
  1. Having too much can actually be a problem. It's easy to get overwhelmed with food, social media, and entertainment all around us, making it hard to find balance.
  2. We need to be smart about what we let into our lives. Just like a chef carefully chooses ingredients, we should select our experiences and connections wisely.
  3. It's important to set limits. Finding moderation in abundance helps us focus on what truly matters, like love, relationships, and personal joy.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.

Only A Truth-Based Relationship With Reality Can Satisfy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1927 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Truth-seeking Human condition Cognitive Bias Social Critique Mindfulness
  1. People really want a true understanding of reality, even if they don't always realize it. Society pushes false ideas and distractions that keep us from finding real happiness.
  2. Chasing after material things, social status, or knowledge often leads to disappointment because they are based on lies. True satisfaction comes from aligning our beliefs and actions with reality.
  3. To find happiness, we must confront our personal falsehoods and the lies in society. This journey to truth can be tough, but it's necessary for building a better world.

It's all meaningless, isn't it?

antoniomelonio • 122 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Absurdism Meaning Reality Human condition
  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.
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Perhaps We Expect Too Much of God

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Parenting Expectations Human condition
  1. We often put too many demands on God, expecting Him to handle everything like a superhero. This can create unrealistic expectations that even an all-powerful being might find overwhelming.
  2. Just like a mother needs help at home, we should recognize that God doesn’t have to do everything alone. We should take more responsibility for our own lives and help out where we can.
  3. While it’s okay to hold God in high regard, we should balance our expectations with what is realistic. Understanding this can help us have a healthier relationship with faith.

I'm a Marxist and an Atheist But I Don't Think Religion Would Wither Away Under Socialism

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 419 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Marxism Human condition
  1. Religious beliefs can be objectively false but still reflect permanent human aspects. Debates on this topic will continue.
  2. Even though Marxists critique religion as the 'opiate of the people,' not all Marxists see it as a simple bashing of religion.
  3. The idea that religion would disappear in a socialist society might not be entirely accurate.

Meandering Aspirations On A Wobbly Table Of Context

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book Writing Human condition
  1. The author discusses the motivations behind writing a book, likening it to regret minimization and a cognitive itch to scratch.
  2. The author aims to blend various wisdom traditions and personal experiences in their writing to create a philanthropic project focused on healing and integration.
  3. The text delves into existential questions about human development, the purpose of life, and the pursuit of wisdom and excellence, drawing on ancient philosophical concepts and deities of wisdom for inspiration.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 1

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📖 Philosophy Human condition Mortality Virtue ethics Ancient Wisdom
  1. Human existence is marked by a balance between living for the moment and planning for an uncertain future.
  2. The pursuit of material wealth and fame may lose appeal in the face of mortality, leading to a focus on benefiting others.
  3. A key aspect of human life is the quest to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and excellence, striving towards understanding what it means to be a good human being.

Appreciation is scarce

Connecting Dots • 2 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Appreciation Community Value Creation Workplace dynamics Human condition
  1. Appreciation is hard to come by in our work and lives. Many people feel unrecognized for their efforts, especially in the workplace.
  2. Creating value for others is important but can be challenging. It often requires understanding their needs and finding ways to meet them.
  3. We should think of appreciation as a long-term goal, like charging a battery. By focusing on the positives we've achieved and building supportive communities, we can keep ourselves motivated.

On a bus

Natural Selections • 7 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Human condition Lifestyle Global Perspectives
  1. Observations from a bus ride in Ecuador highlighted the disparity in wealth and opportunities between people
  2. The toll booth workers' daily lives spark questions about freedom, joy, and aspirations in the face of monotonous and toxic work
  3. Scenes along the road reveal the repetitive nature of tasks and the search for meaning in various forms of work and entertainment