The hottest Meaning Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Meaning in life can be found in death

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Humanism Death Meaning
  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.

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.

How important are dreams?

Classical Wisdom • 1238 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Meaning Purpose Truth
  1. Dreams have been considered important throughout history and have impacted fields like medicine, philosophy, and even the course of history.
  2. Dreams were viewed as messages from the divine, offering insights into life and guiding important decisions.
  3. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures attached great significance to dreams, seeing them as a link between mortals and the divine.
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Xeno-Religion

The J. Burden Show • 1138 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Beliefs Meaning Sacrifice
  1. Some discussions question whether progressivism is a religion due to its zealotry, external features similar to traditional faith, and enforcement of beliefs like saints and heretics.
  2. Every society has a form of religion, either obvious like Catholicism or subtle. There is a need for faith that will always be filled, even if it means replacing one religion with another.
  3. Wokeness is described as a Xeno-religion, lacking in essential features of true faith such as sacrifices, rewards beyond the immediate future, and providing a meaningful answer to the purpose of existence.

Jester’s Privilege

Becoming Noble • 1375 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Meaning Ethics Existence Truth Knowledge
  1. The Vitalist Right movement is described as being built on a disembodied space of pure voice lacking physicality, leading to a constant state of transition with no lasting structures being built
  2. The jester in this environment thrives due to the privilege of provocation without fear of physical retribution, a role that overshadows proper leadership qualities
  3. Embracing solitude, silence, and decisive action appears to be valued virtues over endless gossip and dreaming in a space where nothing tangible can be built

Purpose Porn

thestoa • 687 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Purpose Meaning Self-help Critique
  1. Question the notion of having a predefined life purpose.
  2. Living without a defined purpose can lead to a more adventurous life.
  3. Avoid getting caught up in the societal pressure of constantly showcasing a sense of purpose.

Stop making your values generic and boring

Jeff Giesea • 359 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Values Identity Symbolism Meaning
  1. Make your values unique and memorable, instead of using boring generic terms. For example, use something like 'Hershey’s Kiss' instead of just 'love and kindness.'
  2. Using specific images or symbols can help you remember your values better. It makes them more personal and meaningful in your daily life.
  3. Regularly revisit and update your values. As life changes, your values might need to change too, so it's good to check in on them from time to time.

Most ideas fail, and that's fine

inexactscience • 79 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Humanism Ethics Meaning Absurdism
  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.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Happiness Meaning Values Humanity
  1. Happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and it takes many paths to achieve it. Finding what brings you joy is a personal journey.
  2. Wealth is important, not just as money, but as having enough resources to help others and improve lives. The more resources we have, the more good we can do.
  3. Decreasing trauma and increasing joy in life, or 'splendor', are key to personal and societal happiness. Every small effort counts in making the world a better place.

I. A. Richards on Metaphor and Rhetoric

Logos and Liberty • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Metaphor Rhetoric Empiricism Meaning
  1. The British empiricists of the Enlightenment period believed in the importance of language referencing clear ideas derived from sensory experiences.
  2. Richards's philosophy of rhetoric emphasizes the central role of misunderstanding and the inevitability of metaphor in language.
  3. Language, thought, and reality are interconnected but distinct, with metaphor playing a crucial role in conveying complex ideas beyond literal terms.

A Festival for the Soul

The Joyous Struggle • 395 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Connection Transcendence Community Meaning
  1. Experiencing emotions and interactions at events can lead to profound realizations and connections with others.
  2. Creating spaces for shared experiences and personal growth can have a meaningful impact beyond the event itself.
  3. Focusing on the soul, personal connections, and transformative education can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and society.

The Question that must be asked

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 958 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Meaning Questioning
  1. The post discusses the old mythic idea of 'the question that must be asked' which is often overlooked in our search for answers in life.
  2. The importance of reflecting on profound questions rather than just seeking immediate answers to life's complexities.
  3. Encouraging a shift in focus towards contemplating deeper questions about life and the universe.

In Defense of Repression

Litverse • 379 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Identity Psychology Meaning Belief Existentialism
  1. Our cells constantly die and renew, questioning our identity continuity - Are we the same from day to day?
  2. Around 20% of Americans receive mental health treatment, with generational differences in therapy acceptance.
  3. Repression can be seen as a means to connect to a greater meaning beyond the self and as a tool for survival.

A Meaning of Christmas

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 390 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Christmas Family Meaning Traditions
  1. Christmas carols often emphasize the birth of a baby, connecting Christmas to celebrating new life and happiness.
  2. Being pro-natalist means believing in the value of having more babies for philosophical, practical, economic, and cultural reasons.
  3. Reflecting on the declining fertility rates globally, there is a cultural importance in considering the celebration of birth and supporting the idea of having children during Christmas.

#124 Design Symbols

Design Lobster • 499 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Symbols Origins Meaning
  1. The origin of common design symbols can often be traced back to specific historical contexts, like the play button symbolizing movement of tape in early tape players.
  2. Symbols can efficiently represent values and concepts; for example, the Nike swoosh symbolizing motion and victory communicates brand values effectively.
  3. Symbols acquire meaning through habitual use, highlighting the power of symbols in communication and representation in design.

Foreskin’s Comment

escape the algorithm • 239 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Rituals Online Interactions Community Creativity Meaning
  1. Rituals are significant online; a user on Youtube demonstrated a unique and meaningful daily commenting ritual that garnered community engagement.
  2. Repetition in rituals builds grounding in life, from daily habits to practices that span generations, connecting to nature's rhythms and the passage of time.
  3. Rituals in online spaces like daily commenting on a video can foster community, resist typical online norms, and access a sense of the sacred through unique, repeated actions.

#080 ✰ "LE NEW CONSUMER" manifesto

Objet • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Manifesto Consumer behavior Values Relationships Meaning
  1. The manifesto introduces the concept of 'Le New Consumer' who is an optimist and believes in creating a better world through their purchasing power.
  2. The 'Le New Consumer' values empowerment, balance, intellectual honesty, relationships, questioning intentions, curation, embracing friction, creating meaning, and seeking like-minded individuals.
  3. The manifesto encourages individuals to join the movement and embrace the values of 'Le New Consumer' to make a positive impact on the world.

Aella: In defence of a birthday girl

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existence Morality Values Meaning
  1. Many criticize Aella for her promiscuous sex life, but it's essential to understand differing views on sexuality and values.
  2. Aella challenges traditional norms by living authentically and making unconventional choices, aiming to achieve her own goals instead of following societal scripts.
  3. Aella's approach to sex involves exploring different facets of eroticism, like performatively de-eroticizing sex to intensify its significance and linking it with scientific exploration.

What's Ready to Die?

David Spinks' Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Death Identity Personal Growth Meaning
  1. Everything in life goes through cycles of death and rebirth. We should embrace these changes instead of resisting them.
  2. Letting go of what no longer serves us can lead to new beginnings and opportunities. It's important to recognize what might be holding us back.
  3. Facing the unknown can be scary, but trusting in the process can lead to growth and a better understanding of ourselves.

The Meaning of Sacrifice at Easter

The Joyous Struggle • 177 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Meaning Sacrifice Easter
  1. Easter Saturday represents the struggle between despair and hope, reflecting the human experience of living in uncertainty.
  2. Many individuals today seek a spiritual perspective that is intellectually robust and personally meaningful, navigating a complex and varied spiritual outlook.
  3. Sacrifice, as seen in the Easter story and in chess, is about giving up something valuable for a greater goal, involving emptiness, self-dispossession, and a transition from weakness to power.

Transhumanism: Toward a Futurist Philosophy

Extropic Thoughts • 117 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Transhumanism Meaning Religion Humanism Nihilism
  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.

Dishonest Words

David Friedman’s Substack • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Language Ethics Logic Rhetoric Meaning
  1. Labeling someone as 'homophobic' for having negative views of homosexuality can falsely imply a single cause for their opinion and stigmatize them without considering other reasons.
  2. Using terms like 'racism' and 'denier' to label those with differing views can be a dishonest tactic to imply that their opinions are unreasonable without proper argumentation.
  3. Words like 'thermal pollution' and 'CO2 emission as pollution' can carry hidden value judgments, implying negativity without explicitly stating the values being used.

The Unhappiness Machine

Caleb’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 13 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Reality Perception Meaning Mental health
  1. In today's digital world, many choose to consume negative news and virtual conflicts, feeding into an 'unhappiness machine.'
  2. The 'unhappiness machine' creates a sense of crisis, victimizes individuals, and distorts reality with constant exposure to negative information.
  3. To break free from the 'unhappiness machine,' prioritize engaging with reality, avoiding unnecessary exposure to shallow meaning and cultural noise.

Finding Our Mythic Ground

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 379 implied HN points • 24 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Imagination Meaning Transformation Belonging
  1. Myth and stories are not just human creations, but living entities that guide us, and we need to learn to listen and work with them.
  2. Ancient traditions and thinkers like Carl Jung emphasize the existence of an 'imaginal world' that influences our reality and offers spiritual experiences.
  3. Reconnecting with old myths and storytelling traditions can help us find new perspectives, meaning, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected and devoid of meaning.

The Case For Life

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 24 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Connection Meaning Spiritual Practices Existence
  1. The question of whether life is worthwhile is often pondered in times of distress, highlighting the nature of the mind.
  2. The emergence of life preceded the application of logic, leading to a mysterious and unanswerable question of why life exists.
  3. The root cause of suffering is often attributed to disconnection with oneself, others, and the environment, suggesting that feeling connected can dissolve doubts about the worth of life.