The hottest Liberalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Freddie deBoer 10365 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. Many people got really upset about certain books in the past, often without reading them, which made it hard for authors. This created a strange situation where publishers would listen to loud complaints instead of just letting books be published.
  2. Right now, there's a bit of a backlash against that intense focus on social justice, but the effects of that period are still lingering in society. Some people are still trying to cancel things they don’t like, and that behavior continues in various forms.
  3. The way liberals approach politics often revolves around judgment and pointing out failures, which some see as limiting. There’s a question of what kind of politics will emerge in the future and if it will be different from how things have been.
Life Since the Baby Boom 2075 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.
Noahpinion 29882 implied HN points 15 Nov 24
  1. Liberalism, which values individual freedom and dignity, is losing its presence in politics today. People are beginning to feel that discussing freedom is not as popular or important as it used to be.
  2. Societal freedoms are decreasing, with fewer leaders advocating for individual rights. Issues like abortion and freedom of speech are increasingly under threat from both political sides.
  3. In today's world, believing in liberal ideals feels like joining a rebellion against powerful authoritarian influences. People who support freedom and dignity are now faced with many challenges and obstacles.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 4437 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.
Glenn’s Substack 619 implied HN points 26 Sep 24
  1. Modernity and liberalism are criticized for focusing too much on individualism and reason, which Dugin believes disconnects people from their cultural and spiritual roots. He wants to emphasize collective identities, traditions, and faith.
  2. Dugin proposes a 'fourth political theory' as a new way of thinking about politics that values family, religion, and humanity's deeper nature. He argues it's a response to the limitations of existing ideologies like liberalism, fascism, and communism.
  3. Eurasianism is seen as a way for different civilizations to work together while appreciating their unique identities. Dugin believes this approach can create better international relations and is a chance for a new global understanding as Western dominance fades.
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Disaffected Newsletter 3816 implied HN points 23 Jul 24
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.
The Upheaval 5276 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. Millennial Snot describes the trendy, snarky way that some elites talk today, making serious topics feel unserious. It's like a mix of teen slang and sarcasm that feels immature.
  2. This speech style reflects the struggles of millennials to balance their youthful identity with adult responsibilities. They often use this casual tone to cope with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to stay 'cool.'
  3. Millennial Snot may be fading as younger generations like Gen Z start to find it cringe-worthy. There’s a shift back toward sincerity and real communication as a response to the overly snarky discourse.
Glenn’s Substack 999 implied HN points 27 Aug 24
  1. Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
  2. The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
  3. Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 3876 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.
Singal-Minded 1184 implied HN points 02 Dec 24
  1. Liberals often think they are just trying to make the world better, but they also have power and responsibility in how they run institutions. It's important for them to recognize their agency.
  2. The backlash against liberal policies often comes not just from conservative anger, but from real issues within liberal organizations. Ignoring these internal problems can lead to further dysfunction.
  3. In education, the push for diversity and political views can overshadow traditional values and fairness. This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with institutions like universities.
The Upheaval 1065 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.
Castalia 479 implied HN points 06 Aug 24
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.
Glenn’s Substack 559 implied HN points 27 Jul 24
  1. Culture plays a big role in international politics, and France has a strong history of embracing cosmopolitanism.
  2. The opening ceremony of the Olympics may be seen as a show of tolerance, but it also has contradictions regarding accepting criticism.
  3. Liberal societies often struggle with tolerance for different opinions, especially about issues like immigration and gender, which can create cultural pressure to conform.
From the New World 16 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. Many people believe that democracy and populism cannot work together. This creates a worry that democracy is failing.
  2. There is a lot of talk about free speech and how it might hurt democracy. People are questioning if this is true.
  3. Some argue that social media is damaging to democracy. Yet, it raises the question of whether those claims about democracy's end are valid.
Demodexio 132 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. Liberals believe people should work together to solve problems, not just focus on individual efforts. Collective action is really important in creating change.
  2. Socialism is often seen as a barrier to this teamwork because it can fixate on class issues. Liberals argue that this focus makes it hard to address other important aspects of people's lives, like race and gender.
  3. Throughout history, thinkers have emphasized that a successful society relies on people coming together for common goals. This idea has been part of liberal thought for over 2,400 years.
Persuasion 2731 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. Conservatism has two main competing ideologies: Fusionism and National Conservatism.
  2. National Conservatives risk bureaucratic tyranny and extremism, while Fusionists have economic successes but cause societal divisions.
  3. Humanist Conservatism offers a moderate, inclusive, and community-focused alternative to the existing conservative schools.
The Liberal Patriot 1945 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. History provides lessons for today's political challenges, such as the impact of the New Left on Democrats in the past.
  2. There are similarities between the New Left of the 1960s and the new-New Left today, raising concerns for the anti-Trump coalition.
  3. Mainstream Democrats need to navigate ideological battles and focus on building a new Vital Center to preserve democracy and the American mission.
The J. Burden Show 738 implied HN points 26 Apr 24
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 76 implied HN points 15 Dec 24
  1. The market economy is seen not just for creating wealth, but for shaping character and virtues like self-discipline and resilience. This suggests that economic struggles can help people become better individuals.
  2. Some economists argue that uncertainty and risk of poverty are necessary for a society to function well. They believe without these challenges, people might not push themselves to improve.
  3. Critics of this perspective think that focusing on the hardships of capitalism ignores the real needs and experiences of everyday people. They see value in prosperity and security, not just in struggle and sacrifice.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle 117 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. Modern authoritarianism can be different from historical fascism, as it stems from today’s anti-fascist values. It's important to understand how current states operate beyond just past comparisons.
  2. The idea that more rights to bear arms would fully protect freedoms is oversimplified. A deeper approach is needed to challenge state power effectively.
  3. Classical liberalism has changed, with a shift from focusing on individual rights to promoting more social welfare. This change has expanded state authority despite its anti-authoritarian claims.
White Hot Harlots 239 implied HN points 22 Apr 24
  1. NPR has shifted towards being more aligned with the Democratic party rather than being more traditionally liberal in its coverage.
  2. Commercial networks may avoid certain topics due to financial interests, whereas NPR's funding model allows it to cover a wider range of issues without worrying about ratings.
  3. The dynamics and messaging within the Democratic party have changed, leading to NPR reflecting this shift by emphasizing identity issues and being less critical of establishment Democrats.
White Hot Harlots 219 implied HN points 16 Apr 24
  1. The article discusses how incoherent paranoia is not exclusive to conservatives, and how left-wing ideologies have also been associated with similar beliefs in the past.
  2. The text explores the evolving perceptions of masculinity and how cultural shifts have impacted ideologies over time.
  3. It highlights the universal trend of increasing distrust in established systems of power among conservatives and liberals, leading to a loss of faith in electoral politics and expert narratives.
Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider 687 implied HN points 29 May 23
  1. Wokeism relies on tactics like cancel culture and language obscurity to shut down rational debate.
  2. Wokeism lacks a clear ideology but seeks power through destruction, making it dangerous.
  3. Liberalism's values may be good, but they can feel counterintuitive, making them vulnerable to abandonment, especially in the face of authoritarian challenges.
Castalia 599 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. Liberals believe the world has room for improvement but is mostly okay, while progressives feel everything is terrible and getting worse.
  2. Liberals see violence as an anomaly to be handled through legal systems, while progressives view it as a result of power imbalances that need moral commitment to fix.
  3. Liberals think progress is slow but happening, while progressives focus solely on social justice and need major changes to address past wrongs.
Silver Bulletin 779 implied HN points 02 Nov 23
  1. Free speech is facing challenges, especially among young liberals who show low tolerance for controversial speech.
  2. College students have varying levels of tolerance for controversial speakers, with notable differences between conservative and liberal viewpoints.
  3. The decline in support for free speech is not limited to elite universities, indicating a broader generational shift.
Fisted by Foucault 393 implied HN points 20 Feb 24
  1. Saint Alexei, a figure representing liberal democracy, faced challenges in his past but ultimately embraced the principles and mission of liberal democracy, symbolizing a transformation and dedication to the cause.
  2. The narrative highlights the conflict between Saint Alexei and Russian leaders, shedding light on the struggle for liberal democracy in a political environment filled with corruption and oppression.
  3. The portrayal of Saint Alexei as a hero and martyr underscores the importance of his mission to bring liberal democracy to Russia and the sacrifices made by individuals in this pursuit.
Hypertext 159 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. Gerald Gaus emphasized the importance of optimism and confidence in defending liberalism, even in challenging times with populist threats.
  2. Gaus's philosophy focused on bottom-up moral reasoning and the idea that a diverse society can find common ground through emergent order.
  3. He advocated for extensive individual freedom as essential for the survival of an open society, and highlighted the significance of incrementalism and learning-based governance in policymaking.
JoeWrote 8 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. Liberal socialism combines ideas from both liberalism and socialism. It supports the idea that the economy should be democratic while protecting personal rights and properties.
  2. Socialists can also embrace liberal principles like freedom of expression and religious toleration. The relationship between socialism and liberalism is complex, and both sides can learn from each other.
  3. To achieve change, rebuilding the labor movement is essential. Socialists can work within the Democratic Party while also considering creating alternative parties to push for more leftist policies.
Castalia 359 implied HN points 07 Oct 23
  1. Ibram X. Kendi's antiracism center faced serious management issues and the fall of his reputation raises questions about the integrity of institutions that supported him. Some people feel a sense of schadenfreude, while others see it as a sign that these institutions failed to critically assess what they were promoting.
  2. Critics argue that a central problem is the way ideas about racism and anti-racism have been oversimplified and sensationalized, leading to a pessimistic view of progress in America. This shift has made discussing genuine progress much harder, as some now view racism as an inescapable reality.
  3. The conversation about marriage's role in happiness sparks tension, as some view the emphasis on marriage as a right-wing distraction. However, data suggests that married people report higher satisfaction, indicating that the benefits of marriage should not be easily dismissed in debates about family and societal values.
The Path Not Taken 462 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. The Battle of Ideas festival had some limitations in representing a diverse range of viewpoints.
  2. There is a tension within the heterodox movement between promoting freedom of speech and the values of its supporters.
  3. The heterodox movement plays a crucial role in providing spaces for those marginalized by mainstream perspectives.
Fake Noûs 365 implied HN points 23 Dec 23
  1. The world is experiencing a decline in fertility rates, particularly in more prosperous nations.
  2. Liberalism, with its focus on individual freedom and prosperity, may contribute to the decline in fertility due to factors like career options and personal pursuits.
  3. Possible solutions to the fertility problem include promoting the idea that having children is valuable, advancing technology like artificial wombs, and providing incentives for people to have more children.