The hottest Humanism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Toward a Shallower Future

Noahpinion β€’ 43471 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Embracing technology can improve human life by reducing suffering and challenges. Many people instinctively resist this idea, valuing suffering as a part of the human experience. However, advancements can lead to happier, healthier lives without the need for struggle.
  2. As society evolves, we learn to tackle and overcome hardships that once defined our existence, like high maternal mortality rates. The decline of such tragedies marks real progress and allows us to enjoy safer and richer lives.
  3. Celebrating modern comforts and happiness doesn't diminish the importance of past struggles. It’s essential to understand that a life without constant adversity can still be meaningful and can unleash new potentials in who we can become.

Meaning in life can be found in death

Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 2497 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Caring for the dead can be a deeply meaningful experience. It connects us to our loved ones and reminds us of the significance of life.
  2. Many people are surprised to learn they have the right to care for their own deceased family members. Understanding these rights helps empower individuals during tough times.
  3. The practice of home funerals allows families to be active participants in the grieving process, which can be more healing than relying solely on professional services.

Everyone's A Based Post-Christian Vitalist Until The Grooming Gangs Show Up

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 39093 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. People often care more about issues close to home than distant suffering, even if they claim to be indifferent. It's easy to ignore problems that don't directly affect us.
  2. When something shocking happens, like the grooming gangs, people suddenly show emotional support and demand action. This shows that we can and do care about issues when they hit home.
  3. Our moral beliefs can be confusing and sometimes contradictory. We need to face these contradictions and acknowledge that we can care about suffering everywhere, not just where it's convenient for us.

What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker β€’ 30719 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
  2. She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
  3. Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

How To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

Caitlin’s Newsletter β€’ 2128 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. To feel both happy and well-informed, you need to explore your inner feelings just as much as you do the outer world issues. It's all about understanding both sides.
  2. Life can have ugly truths and beautiful moments at the same time. You can be hurt by what you see in the world but still find happiness in everyday life.
  3. By digging into your own beliefs and thoughts, you can change how you view the world. This deeper understanding helps you see how your inner feelings connect to what's happening outside.
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EXCLUSIVE: Gloria Steinem on boys and men

Of Boys and Men β€’ 75 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Humanism
  1. Gender equality should include boys and men as beneficiaries too, and we must break down job and role stereotypes so anyone can pursue caring or technical work regardless of gender.
  2. Joy, humor, and a positive tone make the equality movement more infectious and effective than anger or negativity, so being uplifting matters as much as being critical.
  3. Aim for a humanist future where gender matters less by improving representation, embracing the best parts of different communication and leadership styles, and making sure everyone can see themselves in every role.

Means and Meaning

Not Boring by Packy McCormick β€’ 490 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Technology provides us with means, like tools and resources, but it's up to us to find meaning in our lives. We need to think about what we really want and how we can achieve a fulfilling life.
  2. Having more options and convenience can actually make it harder to find fulfillment. We might get lost in distractions and forget to pay attention to what truly matters.
  3. To bridge the gap between the tools we have and the meaning we seek, we need to engage more deeply with our experiences. By paying attention and making conscious choices, we can create a life that's more meaningful.

The Tiger Show

Caitlin’s Newsletter β€’ 1303 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. We should not let the least capable control our world. People often feel helpless, but we have the power to change things for the better.
  2. Inside us, there's a great potential that we often forget. We have the ability to stand up for our happiness and well-being.
  3. The current state of things can change when we decide to take a stand. We are stronger than we realize and can make a difference.

This Chinese philosopher reformed politics in one generation

The Novelleist β€’ 923 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Mòzǐ believed that political corruption in ancient China came from leaders acting in their own self-interest. He thought that if everyone cared about the community instead of just themselves, society would improve.
  2. He started a movement called 'inclusive care' that focused on helping others and making decisions for the benefit of all. This idea gained support among the middle class, leading to initiatives that helped the poor and promoted social welfare.
  3. Mòzǐ's efforts led to changes in government where more community-minded leaders emerged. His teachings inspired reforms that improved society, but ultimately Confucianism became the dominant philosophy in China.

Most ideas fail, and that's fine

inexactscience β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Most ideas don't succeed, and that's normal. It's common for businesses and projects to fail, so we shouldn't feel bad about it.
  2. Understanding failure rates can help us plan better. Knowing that failure is typical helps give a clearer picture of what's possible and can keep expectations realistic.
  3. The process of trying is valuable, even if we don't succeed. Like the myth of Sisyphus, finding meaning in our efforts makes the journey worthwhile, regardless of the outcomes.

Essay Club: The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment by C. S. Lewis

Mind & Mythos β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. C. S. Lewis argues that punishment should be based on what a person deserves, rather than just trying to deter others or cure the criminal. This is important for justice to exist.
  2. When punishment is only about deterrence or cure, it can lead to abusing people as mere tools for society's goals, rather than treating them as individuals with rights.
  3. Lewis warns that a system focused just on helping or fixing people can end up being very oppressive, especially if those in power ignore the concept of what someone deserves for their actions.

Is America about to fall? Or flourish?

The Novelleist β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Humanism
  1. Humanism focuses on logic and making gradual improvements for society, aiming for better jobs and life for everyone. It's about working together and using reason to solve problems when times are stable.
  2. Anti-humanism arises from feelings of personal instability and distrust in political systems. It leads people to prioritize their own needs over the community and seek radical changes when they feel ignored or threatened.
  3. Currently, society is leaning towards anti-humanism due to real grievances, and while logic has helped progress in the past, emotional responses are becoming more common as people seek immediate solutions.

The Tears of Strangers are only water

Wrong Side of History β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Humanism
  1. Empathy has its limits; we often feel sad for others but can't fully connect to their pain. It's normal to care about distant events, but we might not be able to change them.
  2. Sometimes, people who are deeply empathetic can get overwhelmed by the suffering they see in the world. This can lead to sadness, just like in the story of Simone Weil.
  3. Understanding the feelings of others is important, but we need to balance it with our own well-being. It's okay to feel for others without taking on their pain.

The Non Linear Path

The Renaissance Man β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Life doesn't always have a clear direction, and that's okay. Embracing the unknown can help you trust your journey, even when it feels scary.
  2. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of jealousy and regret. Remember, everyone is on their own unique path, and you are not better or worse than anyone else.
  3. Holding onto hope is important, even when things don't make sense. It's better to believe that everything will work out in the end than to live in fear.

Transhumanism: Toward a Futurist Philosophy

Extropic Thoughts β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Transhumanism is a philosophy focusing on improving humanity through technology and science.
  2. This essay discusses the origins and persistence of religion, contrasting it with the dynamic optimism of transhumanism.
  3. Dynamic optimism of extropian transhumanism promotes continuous growth and progress, contrasting with the stagnation and resignation often encouraged by religion.

You’re Wasting Your Life

antoniomelonio β€’ 126 implied HN points β€’ 09 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Life is short, and every day spent in a job that feels meaningless brings us closer to the end. We should value our time and seek out what truly matters to us.
  2. We have the potential to explore and create amazing things, but often find ourselves stuck in mundane tasks. It's important to remember that we can break free from this cycle and pursue our passions.
  3. Living a fulfilling life means making conscious choices, even in small ways. Instead of just existing, we should strive to truly live, embrace our creativity, and rebel against the ordinary.

Courage and Moonshots

Castles in the Sky β€’ 29 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Big, crazy ideas can spark real change. Even if they seem impossible, they can lead to groundbreaking outcomes, like space travel.
  2. Dealing with the unknown is key to growth. Embracing humility, curiosity, and courage helps us face challenges and pursue innovative ideas.
  3. It's important to focus on practical steps for achieving goals. Even the most visionary thinkers made their mark by doing the hard, everyday work.

You are astonishingly unique

inexactscience β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. Your existence is extremely rare and special. Every generation of your ancestors had to survive for you to be here today.
  2. The chances of your specific lineage and circumstances coming together are astronomically low. It's like winning a cosmic lottery.
  3. Everyone you meet is also incredibly unique. We are all part of a vast story of chance and choices that led to our existence.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 3

From the New World β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Humanism
  1. George Grant believes that the idea of limits is tied to the idea of God, meaning there are moral boundaries we should not cross. This suggests that some things are simply wrong, regardless of our opinions.
  2. The political legitimacy in society has shifted since divine authority was lost, making people look for new sources of legitimacy. This includes reliance on science and the founders of nations.
  3. It's unclear if Grant's view of God is unique to Christianity or if he could see value in other religions like Islam or Hinduism. He seems to focus more on the concept of a higher limit than on specific religious practices.

Letter #4: Peace

Charles Eisenstein β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Humanism
  1. Taking action for peace is urgent as the world faces serious challenges. We need to be proactive in addressing these crises.
  2. Writing about tough topics can be difficult, especially when it feels like there is pressure to get it right. It's okay to keep revising and trying again.
  3. The feeling of responsibility can weigh heavy when discussing war and conflict. It's important to recognize this pressure while still striving for positive change.

The Purpose of the Novel

Novum Newsletter β€’ 3 HN points β€’ 31 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Humanism
  1. The lazy option tends to win when translating content, leading to lowered writing quality.
  2. Artificially-generated writing and art are becoming more prevalent, raising concerns about their impact on various industries.
  3. The novel is a uniquely human form of expression that AI struggles to replicate due to its social and historical origins.