The hottest Human Psychology Substack posts right now

Hypnotism is not magical; it helps people express what they want to do but don't usually allow themselves. It’s like getting permission to be silly and enjoy life.
Many people drink alcohol to socialize, but it's more about feeling free to be open rather than because they need it. Alcohol acts as a permission slip for some to act more social.
You can be fun and social without alcohol or any other crutch. The ability to connect and play is already within you; you just need the confidence to let it out.

Peter Turchin studies human populations like animal populations, focusing on carrying capacity and elite overproduction.
Turchin's theory involves cycles of immiseration, unrest, and epidemics in societies.
Turchin's idea of macroevolution and human psychology connects to Jonathan Haidt's analogy of people forming opinions based on emotions.

Truth is crucial for building trust in relationships.
People can be easily deceived, even when they think they are not.
It's important to seek and verify the truth, especially in an age of misinformation.

Washington DC may have the most control freaks in the world, growing more dangerous every day.
The International Court of Justice is under pressure to decide between law and condoning genocide.
Understanding history involves recognizing common human traits and behaviors on various scales.

Adam Smith's insights go beyond just the concept of the invisible hand in economics.
Smith saw the benefits of market mechanisms but also criticized how powerful elites could exploit them.
Adam Smith had a sophisticated understanding of human psychology and social interactions, anticipating concepts in behavioral economics.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity: