The hottest Humanity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Forgive yourself for speaking on behalf of the world

The Joyous Struggle • 276 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Language Identity Politics Humanity
  1. The challenge with collective action problems, like climate collapse, is complicated by the ambiguity of the term 'we' in English, lacking the distinction between inclusive and exclusive pronouns.
  2. English's status as a predominant global language, particularly online, influences communication dynamics and power structures due to historical reasons.
  3. The inherent ambiguity in the term 'we' in English complicates addressing pervasive collective challenges, leading to speaking on behalf of everyone without acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests that exist.

Beliefs That Sterilize The World with Malcolm Collins

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Humanity Belief systems Ethics Cultural Studies Social theory
  1. Beliefs can shape how we view and interact with the world. It's important to recognize these beliefs and consider their impact.
  2. Certain beliefs may discourage people from having children, leading to societal challenges. We should think about how our views affect population growth.
  3. Discussing controversial ideas can help us understand different perspectives. Open conversations are key to finding solutions to big issues.

Behold the dreamer

De Pony Sum • 255 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Humanity Forgiveness Suffering Gratitude
  1. Goodness is often based on moral luck, where circumstances may lead anyone to do wrong.
  2. It's challenging to categorize people as good or bad, making it important to choose how to view humanity as a whole.
  3. Forgiveness and gratitude are crucial, especially in recognizing human struggles and efforts to do good amid suffering.
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I'm hosting four literary salons this year

The Novelleist • 358 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Humanity Worldbuilding Dystopia
  1. Join the Salon Series at the Collector tier to discuss utopian texts through deep-dive discussions on Zoom
  2. Explore themes such as techno-futurism in 'Lathe of Heaven' and humanity from the perspective of robots in 'Psalm for the Wild Built'
  3. Delve into utopian worldbuilding in 'Terra Ignota' and the balance between dystopia and utopia in Aldous Huxley's works

Why You Should Read Sci-Fi

Trantor Publishing • 299 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Genre Technology Future Humanity
  1. Sci-Fi is a genre that explores humanity's relationship with technology, showing how it can radically change human experience and impact society.
  2. Sci-Fi authors use the genre to examine potential futures, from utopias to dystopias, reflecting the times we live in and societal concerns.
  3. As technology evolves, Sci-Fi will become increasingly important, serving as a tool to set boundaries on technological progress and explore the impact on humanity.

It Was a Long Time Ago, and It Never Really Happened Anyway

Variations on a Theme • 99 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Nostalgia Totalitarianism Enlightenment Existentialism Humanity
  1. The article discusses nostalgia for past times and how events that seemed unbelievable then are now real memories.
  2. The author reflects on societal conformity during challenging times, drawing parallels to historical events.
  3. The piece highlights the dangers of delusion, rationalization, and the impact on individual freedoms within a society.

The Birds and the Wasteland

Neckar’s Notes • 144 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Society Nature Humanity
  1. In a world that may feel like a wasteland, it's vital to find what makes you feel alive and follow that path, regardless of external circumstances.
  2. The current culture is saturated with distractions that cater to the dopamine loop, leading to addiction to stimulating activities and a loss of genuine connection and creativity.
  3. To combat a dead culture, one must embrace mindful attention, direct experience, creative expression, and deep connections in order to create an alive culture filled with authenticity and humanity.

SXSW Final: Daniel Johnston had a Psychotic Illness, And Lived His Dreams

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 157 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychiatry Medications Humanity Treatment
  1. Daniel Johnston was a prolific songwriter and artist despite battling with a psychotic illness.
  2. His story highlights the complexities of living with mental illness and the impact of psychiatric treatments.
  3. Acceptance, understanding, and balancing the benefits and risks of treatments are crucial in mental health care.

The Ruffian Speaks

The Ruffian • 159 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Speaking Curiosity AI Humanity
  1. The author is available for hire as a keynote speaker for talks on topics like curiosity and productive disagreement.
  2. The author has experience giving talks to various organizations and is open to discussing speaking engagements.
  3. The author also discusses themes like AI and being human, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanity in the face of advancing technology.

The Mystics of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sci-fi Progressivism Religion Humanity Fiction
  1. Progressive ideologies in the modern world are intertwined with religious and mythical elements to create a more engaging narrative.
  2. Science fiction often incorporates concepts like evolution, destiny, and indistinct higher beings to provide meaning and purpose in a world that can seem bleak and indifferent.
  3. Stories reflect the beliefs and aspirations of society, offering insights into the fears, hopes, and dreams of a culture.

Technology and Population Decline

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🕹 Technology Population Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Digital Twins Humanity
  1. The world's population is declining which poses challenges and pressures, including an ageing population and economic strains on healthcare and pensions.
  2. Robots and AI technology are becoming crucial for filling job gaps and augmenting human capabilities, especially in areas like healthcare and manufacturing.
  3. Technological advancements like Digital Twins and Blockchain are expected to play key roles in various sectors such as manufacturing, environmental analysis, and financial systems, potentially reshaping societal dynamics.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genomics History Biology Humanity Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.

Beyond the Soul: Rethinking Human Exceptionalism in the AI Era

The Future of Life • 39 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Humanity Consciousness Philosophy Ethics
  1. Our belief in human uniqueness might be a mistake since AI can replicate many skills we thought were exclusive to humans. This includes things like problem-solving and creativity.
  2. The idea that only humans can be intelligent doesn’t hold up because AI is learning to do things traditionally seen as uniquely human. We shouldn't feel threatened by this; it could help us understand intelligence better.
  3. Focusing on what makes us special should include AI's advances, not push them away. Embracing AI can help us tackle problems together and enrich our understanding of intelligence.

Why Study Literature?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
📚 Literature Impact Education Humanity
  1. Literature provides a unique opportunity to step into different perspectives and understand what it means to be human.
  2. Reading literature can broaden our understanding of humanity and offer insights into complex societal issues.
  3. Literature can serve practical purposes in fields like medicine, offering new perspectives and enhancing the doctor-patient relationship.

Crossing The Halfway Mark

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Reflections Development Humanity
  1. Reflecting on progress made and what lies ahead as we approach the halfway mark of the year.
  2. Summarizing articles on connection, perennial problems, projects & philosophies, and April's miscellany.
  3. Future plans include exploring integral theory, cognitive science, and somatic therapy, with a hint of fantasizing about unique experiences like isolating in a cabin.

AI is Boring

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Creativity Artificial Intelligence Content Humanity
  1. Value comes from scarcity, and the abundance of AI-generated content reduces its value and meaning.
  2. The convenience and entertainment offered by AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney risk dumbing down humanity and making genuine creativity obsolete.
  3. Human achievement, with all its imperfections and struggles, holds more value and meaning than the easily obtainable and abundant content created by AI.

Reveal Your Contradictions

David Spinks' Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Communication Identity Community Psychology Self-Expression Humanity
  1. It's normal to feel conflicting emotions about big issues, like elections. You can acknowledge these feelings instead of trying to pick one side.
  2. Naming your contradictions can help you connect with others. It shows you're human, which encourages openness and shared understanding.
  3. Holding in your feelings can distance you from others. Embracing your messy thoughts can lead to more acceptance of different opinions and experiences.

Life is Not an Investment

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Value Consumption Work Fulfillment Humanity
  1. The humanities teach us to value things that are good in themselves, like love and personal development, rather than just things that lead to something else like money or status.
  2. It's important to acknowledge the inherent value of labor and the products of that labor, rather than solely focusing on productivity or profit.
  3. Consumption and work should be aligned with fundamental human values like truth, goodness, and fulfillment, rather than being driven by a never-ending pursuit of material possessions or profit.

AI as a tool vs. human obsolescence

Imagination Rabbit (Z) • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Technology Artificial Intelligence Humanity Entertainment
  1. AI can be a powerful tool for creatives to enhance their original ideas, not replace them.
  2. The rise of advanced AI tools may lead to the creation of fully automated 'content creators' without the need for human involvement.
  3. Individuals who prioritize genuine creativity and authenticity over following trends or chasing popularity will remain relevant in a world dominated by AI-generated content.

AI, Institutions, and the Future of Human Flourishing with Sam Hammond

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Institutions Ethics Future Humanity
  1. AI can greatly impact how we organize and run our institutions. It's important for us to think about the good and bad effects AI might have on these systems.
  2. Human flourishing should be a priority in discussions about AI. We need to make sure that technology helps people live better lives.
  3. The role of institutions is crucial in shaping a positive future with AI. Strong institutions can guide the development of technology in a way that benefits society.

The Thundergod is Humanity's Hero

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Humanity Religion History Archaeology
  1. Ancient Germanic people believed Thor, the Thundergod, played a crucial role in protecting humanity from evil creatures like jotuns through artifacts like the Canterbury Charm and Kvinneby Amulet.
  2. Thor was invoked through magical incantations to heal people afflicted by ailments caused by supernatural beings, showcasing his role as a hero and protector.
  3. Pop-culture depictions of Norse gods and jotuns in shades of gray are contrary to historical beliefs, as Thor was seen as a mighty hero who safeguarded humanity against threats from evil creatures.

A Global Human Consciousness?

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Humanity Technology Culture Nature
  1. The concept of a global human consciousness, although seemingly unlikely amidst current world issues, has been a topic for centuries and may have significant impacts on our understanding of humanity.
  2. Advancements in technology, such as AI, could potentially play a role in facilitating connections and common values across societies, but it also poses risks and challenges.
  3. Humanity is evolving towards a greater awareness of our interconnectedness with nature and all living beings, suggesting a potential shift towards a more unified and conscious global perspective.

Don't Shoot the Philosopher: Ethics and the Pursuit of Moral Integrity

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jul 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Beliefs Knowledge Humanity
  1. Ethics and morality are frequently confused, but they have distinct meanings and play vital roles in personal, social, and political contexts
  2. Philosophy through ethics challenges us to critically examine our moral beliefs and strive for intellectual integrity
  3. Thinking ethically requires addressing complex moral questions, confronting inconsistencies, and engaging in meaningful dialogue to enhance mutual understanding

When Art Is Liberty

Critic at Large • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Film Prison Humanity Freedom
  1. Italy has a unique approach to incorporating art into its prisons, with over a hundred theater companies thriving within prison walls.
  2. The film 'Caesar Must Die' showcases how even the most hardened criminals can find redemption and humanity through the power of art.
  3. Art has the profound ability to uplift individuals from the depths of despair, showcasing the shared humanity that transcends even the harshest of circumstances.

In the name of progress ...

Grist Potentia • 39 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🕹 Technology Progress Humanity AI
  1. Technology has been exciting humans for centuries, from basic tools to AI.
  2. Despite fears, humanity embraces technology, believing it leads to job creation and prosperity.
  3. Many techno-optimists have strong faith in the positive impacts of technology.

Algorithms Are A Cultural Artefact

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Technology History Society Humanity Art
  1. Algorithms have been an integral part of societies for over 4,000 years, serving as a crucial cultural artifact that impacts our daily lives.
  2. Understanding algorithms as cultural artifacts helps us regulate and develop them more responsibly, creating products and services that benefit our societies and economies.
  3. Algorithms are a representation of human culture, evolving over time to reflect our past and present, providing insight into societies and playing a vital role in our digital and physical worlds.

Priceless: A Kiss and the Ends of Life

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 22
📖 Philosophy Values Humanity Integrity Ethics Meaning
  1. Our values shape our decisions and outlook on life, driving both practical considerations and ultimate goals.
  2. There are different kinds of value - some objects are valued for their usefulness (extrinsic value), while others are treasured for their intrinsic worth.
  3. Understanding the distinction between means and ends is crucial in leading a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and intentions.