The hottest Modernity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Two Faces of Modernity

News from Uncibal • 656 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Modernity Enlightenment Government Society Human experience
  1. Modernity has both helped and hurt humanity. While it has brought material improvements like electricity and medicine, it has also led to government systems that might control every aspect of our lives.
  2. The problems we face today, like economic issues and government overreach, are partly a result of modern ideas from the Enlightenment. Simply going back to those ideas won't solve our problems.
  3. Many debates today focus on how the state should act in the world, often pushing for more government control instead of less. We may need a new way of thinking that goes beyond modernity to find real solutions.

The Crisis of Modernity and Liberalism, with the Fourth Political Theory and Eurasianism as the Solution

Glenn’s Substack • 619 implied HN points • 26 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Modernity Liberalism Critical Theory
  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.

Matter Matters

The Abbey of Misrule • 603 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Pilgrimage Nature Belief systems Modernity
  1. People's view of the world has changed from ancient times, when nature and community played central roles, to modernity, which often focuses on individualism and progress.
  2. Christianity sees matter not as evil or purely good but as a creation of a good God that can be damaged by human actions. Our relationship with it is important.
  3. Experiences with sacred places, like churches or icons, can evoke deep feelings and connections, reminding us that spirituality is deeply intertwined with the physical world.

Power, Speed and Centralisation

The Commonplace • 824 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Modernity Consumerism Power Technology Society
  1. We live in a fast-paced world where everything moves quickly, but it often leaves us feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Speed can make us feel busy without achieving true progress.
  2. The relentless push for speed and efficiency leads to a centralization of power and control. As technology advances, those who control the speed of communication gain more influence over our lives.
  3. Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and reflect. Taking a moment to slow down allows us to think critically about what we really want and question who benefits from our constant rush.

The Modernity Machine

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💾 History Modernity Society Psychology Political History Cultural History
  1. Modernity may have started in the 13th century instead of the 16th, linked to global shifts in culture and politics rather than just Western advances.
  2. Technological changes affected societies worldwide, creating different modern experiences that aren't just Western but globally diverse.
  3. The relationships between classes, like monarchs and workers, have changed over centuries toward more equality, suggesting that trends towards decentralization and empowerment will continue.
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About Being of Two Minds

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Self-awareness Rationality Modernity History
  1. The shift from Fortune to Reason marks a big change in how people see themselves and the world. People started to believe they could improve themselves instead of just relying on luck.
  2. The rise of new ideas and technology during the Renaissance helped create this sense of self-awareness. It changed how people thought about their place in the world and their ability to impact it.
  3. Even with all the changes, many old ideas and beliefs still linger. Our present largely builds on the past, showing that even with progress, the past isn't completely gone.

Four waves of modernity

World Game • 3 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Modernity Philosophy Intellectual history Social theory
  1. Europe played a key role in changing and destroying old ideas and systems. This led to new ways of thinking and governance.
  2. The shift brought about major changes in power dynamics, where traditional structures were challenged and replaced.
  3. This transformation wasn't just about politics; it also involved deep changes in culture and philosophy that still influence us today.

The Reckoning of Time

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Time Modernity Ritual Existence
  1. Timekeeping has deep cultural roots and was originally intertwined with religious and social practices.
  2. Modernity saw a shift in the importance of timekeeping from a human endeavor to a machine-driven process.
  3. The modern expectation of universal and standardized participation in societal issues contrasts with the historical concept of individualized duties and roles.

We Can Come Back From The Brink

Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider • 235 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture Institutions Elections Modernity Youth
  1. Institutions in the US are under assault, but they continue to function and there are mechanisms for resistance and change.
  2. The American people have the power to influence their political landscape through voting, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
  3. Modernity relies on objective realities like physics and mathematics, which will persist despite ideological pressures.

The Tale of the Machine

The Abbey of Misrule • 416 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Modernity Religion Technology Culture Spirituality
  1. The essay series discusses the modern project of replacing nature with technology and the emergence of the Machine as a powerful force shaping society.
  2. It explores the impacts of Machine values on culture, including the loss of human connections, cultural upheaval, and the rise of individualism.
  3. The series delves into potential responses to the dominance of the Machine, including stoicism, reactionary radicalism, and the search for eternal values amidst societal decline.

Starting in Mysticism; Ending in Politics

The Joyous Struggle • 59 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Mysticism Politics Modernity Transcendence
  1. Charles Peguy believed that everything starts in mysticism and ends in politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins and implications of statements and ideologies.
  2. Peguy's concept of 'amodernism' challenges the traditional views associated with modernity, suggesting a different perspective that incorporates mysticism and transcendence.
  3. The idea of starting from a mystical perspective rather than a modern one can lead to a more meaningful and profound approach when shaping a shared world and understanding reality.

On The Broken Culture

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Social Interaction Philosophy Human behavior Modernity Cultural Theory
  1. During the pandemic, many people felt disconnected and confused. Social interactions broke down, and culture turned more abstract and centralized.
  2. The push for centralization made everything feel streamlined but also ignored individual needs. There's a feeling that power is consolidated, leading to inequality and lack of personal connection.
  3. Finding meaning outside of the central culture is important. Instead of fighting against it, we should focus on building connections and fulfilling lives with like-minded people.