The hottest Morality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Improve the world

A User's Guide to History • 216 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Morality
  1. Different countries can have different views on civil and human rights, like same-sex marriage.
  2. History shows that change in societal views and laws can be influenced by external pressures.
  3. When advocating for rights, consider the potential impact and approach with caution and respect.

Why I Don't Buy The Moral Argument

Bentham's Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. The traditional moral argument for the existence of God is not convincing because the premise that without God, objective moral values do not exist is not plausible for all.
  2. Having God as the source of morality does not provide a satisfactory grounding for morality as it creates more questions and issues.
  3. Explaining the existence of moral facts by positing God as the source is as arbitrary as positing other explanations like pleasure being good.

What Are Ideologies All About?

Everything Is Bullshit • 373 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Ideologies are not about anything concrete - they are mishmashes of contradictory ideas.
  2. Conservatives and Democrats hold conflicting beliefs on various issues.
  3. Political ideologies may not be coherent worldviews but rather tools to advance interests of coalitions.

Britain is institutionally 'anti-racist'

Wrong Side of History • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Morality
  1. Having leaders who share the same values as their people is important for stability. When leaders and citizens have different beliefs, it can create disconnect and distrust.
  2. Some recent cases of sexual abuse show troubling behaviors among those in power. It seems like their priorities are misplaced, focusing on irrelevant factors instead of justice.
  3. There are concerns about how victims are treated based on race. This reflects a serious issue in the justice system where it seems some victims are not given fair treatment.

What Is Grandmotherly Wisdom?

Grandmotherly Wisdom • 353 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Grandmotherly Wisdom emphasizes the importance of understanding our connection to past generations and shaping a better future for those to come.
  2. It encourages finding beauty in everyday moments and the value of personal care, attention and shared experiences.
  3. It involves recognizing the collective effort needed for personal growth, building strong communities, and taking responsibility for creating a positive impact in the world.
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Bullshit Links - May 2023

Everything Is Bullshit • 334 implied HN points • 23 May 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. The podcast 'Infinite Loops' discussed various topics related to bullshit with David Pinsof.
  2. Political ideologies and morality are explored in David Pinsof's academic paper.
  3. Research shows that people share fake news due to fear of social ostracism.

Thoughts of a most impure and libidinous character

Wrong Side of History • 180 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Morality
  1. Censorship decreased a lot at the end of the 20th century, which people started to see as a negative thing. Society began to value freedom and expression over restrictions.
  2. The Hays Code, which limited what could be shown in American movies, was a reflection of older moral values. It stopped filmmakers from including things like profanity, sexual content, or sympathy for criminals.
  3. This code and similar restrictions ended around 1968, leading to a more permissive society. Changes in laws around divorce, abortion, and homosexuality also played a part in this shift.

But desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality
  1. The Ordo Amoris suggests that love should prioritize those closest to us, like family, but this shouldn't justify neglecting others in need. We should still care for people outside our immediate circle.
  2. Christian teachings emphasize not just caring for our families, but also extending help universally, as true charity goes beyond just those we know or love.
  3. Arguments against charity often come from a misunderstanding of property rights; in reality, failing to help the needy can be seen as stealing from them, as the resources we have are meant to be shared.

Evolutionary Ethics

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 255 implied HN points • 13 May 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Morality is subjective but also objective in extremes, with the real debate lying in the middle ground.
  2. Societies with dysfunctional morality can be seen as sick due to cultural contagion, but can also experience evolutionary changes.
  3. Evolutionary processes differ from human incremental changes, resulting in species adapting to different environments and niches.

Dogmatism Is A Bigger Problem Than Religion, I Think, Maybe, Possibly

Singal-Minded • 428 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality
  1. Dogmatism can be a bigger issue than religion. It's not just beliefs that cause harm, but the stubbornness to hold onto those beliefs.
  2. Both religious and secular ideologies have led to terrible events in history. It's important to see that these problems aren't limited to just one belief system.
  3. A more complex view of faith and rationality is needed. It's not always clear that less religion will automatically make the world better.

What Does “exploit” Mean?

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. The term 'exploit' can mean two different things: benefiting from an interaction or causing one party to lose while the other gains. It's important to differentiate these meanings to understand whether exploitation is actually happening.
  2. In some cases, people feel that exploitation occurs when there is a big difference in gains between two parties, like in the example of trading cards or water in the desert. However, the fairness of a transaction can depend on additional context.
  3. People may have strong feelings about what is fair or unfair in transactions based on their moral intuitions. These feelings can guide opinions about exploitation, even when the actual economic circumstances suggest a different view.

The Sun Rose Anyways

Restoring Truth • 216 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality
  1. The world may be in chaos, but nature continues its cycles without our help.
  2. Cities facing decay often align with leftist ideologies, leading to crime and incompetence.
  3. The laws of nature and God offer a blueprint for order and protection against human schemes.

The US Was Right to Nuke Imperial Japan

American Dreaming • 339 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💾 History Morality
  1. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is often misunderstood. Many see Japan as a victim without considering the violence they inflicted in WWII.
  2. Japan was deeply committed to their imperial ambitions, making surrender unlikely. This created a difficult situation for the US, as any alternative to the bombings could have resulted in far greater loss of life.
  3. Many people are not aware of Japan's brutal wartime actions. Understanding this context can change perceptions about the necessity of the atomic bombings.

The Journal of Dangerous Ideas

Secretum Secretorum • 808 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. The idea of dangerous ideas includes those that can harm the world, pose threats, or are inherently dangerous in various aspects like technology, science, or philosophy.
  2. The concept of 'white balls' representing beneficial ideas and 'black balls' representing pernicious ideas explores human creativity and the potential risks and benefits of various thought processes.
  3. The post challenges readers to consider whether pursuing dangerous ideas, like founding a Journal of Dangerous Ideas, is a bold approach worth taking or if it leads to unnecessary risks.

Woe Should We Do?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1063 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. The author wants feedback on what motivates readers to engage with the blog.
  2. Various deep topics have been explored in the blog, including book reviews, epistemology, economics, and more.
  3. The blog has provided valuable content, but the author seeks input on potential new topics to cover.

Some Notes on Political Apology

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Voters often demand political apologies but don't always accept them, leading to a paradox. Despite this, there are valid reasons for demanding apologies even when acceptance is unlikely.
  2. Conditional apologies, though controversial, can still be considered genuine apologies as they reflect an acceptance of facts, remorse, a desire for improvement, and a commitment to change.
  3. Politicians sometimes apologize for historical events they weren't personally involved in to acknowledge narrative connections and prevent the risk of causing expressive harm by remaining silent.

Hidden Brain and Evil Explain

Moral Understanding • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Morality
  1. Political beliefs are often driven by perceptions of threat and protecting different groups from harm.
  2. Misunderstandings about the views of political opponents can lead to false polarization and animosity.
  3. Having open conversations with people who have different political views is crucial for a healthy society and understanding each other's humanity.

The Continuing Relevance of Adam Smith's "Man of System"

Knowledge Problem • 137 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Adam Smith criticizes interventionist approaches in government that disregard individual preferences and autonomy.
  2. Smith highlights the knowledge problem, emphasizing that individuals have unique preferences and societal systems cannot easily override them.
  3. The 'man of system' imposes his ideals regardless of objections, whereas Smith's analyses focus on systems where participation is voluntary and based on mutual agreement.

The Final Reward

Daoist Methodologies • 176 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. A punishment should involve the removal of something previously granted by the sanctioning party.
  2. Leaders who establish power through generosity instead of fear face challenges in maintaining authority.
  3. The establishment of order sets the stage for future disorder, and disorder dictates the evolution of order.

Genetic Fitness and Prime Minister Salaries

Ulysses • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Questions are raised about Prime Ministers' salaries and the impact on their performance, highlighting the importance of fair compensation for effective governance.
  2. Wealth generation, inheritance, and income disparity are discussed in relation to social morality and the need for wealth to be created through value-generating activities.
  3. The effectiveness of economic systems in improving quality of life over generations, the role of capital allocation, and the potential risks of policymakers losing touch with the general public are examined.

Being Good Means More than Not Being an "Asshole": The Limits of the Nelson Family Rules

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Being morally good is more complex than just not hurting others intentionally. It involves being aware of the impact of our actions, even if harm is unintentional.
  2. Moral goodness requires active effort and mindfulness to consider how our choices affect others, beyond just avoiding being malicious.
  3. To be morally good, we must develop a character of moral self-awareness and actively combat our egocentrism by considering the well-being of others in our decisions.

The Theology of the Hypsistarian Church

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality
  1. The Hypsistarian Church focused on monotheistic beliefs in a deity known as God Most High.
  2. Plutarch's writings provide insights into the theological beliefs and practices of the Hypsistarians, drawing connections to ancient monotheistic traditions.
  3. Ancient prayers and inscriptions reveal the reverence and worship of God Most High as the eternal, just, and wise creator of the cosmos.

Why Men Don't Date Woke Women

Handwaving Freakoutery • 803 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Morality
  1. Politics impacts the dating market, affecting who people choose to date based on their ideologies.
  2. There is a rise in people unwilling to date across political lines, leading to fewer marriages and dates.
  3. Woke morality dynamics and past events like the Kavanaugh trial have influenced dating decisions, particularly in avoiding woke women due to fear of false accusations.

“Succession” and the end of the illusion of ethical capitalism

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 890 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Morality
  1. The idea that capitalism can be successful and ethical is shattered by the portrayal in the TV series 'Succession.'
  2. The distinction between a society following legal rules versus one that is truly ethical is highlighted, emphasizing the need to minimize the use of power in both markets and within companies.
  3. The blurring of moral lines between personal and professional spheres in 'Succession' serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of commercialization and amoral behavior in our society.

Video: Why we Fight about Morality

Moral Understanding • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Morality
  1. Our moral convictions are based on a common harm-based moral mind inherited from our past.
  2. The threat of harm continues to shape our moral beliefs, sparking disagreements on who or what is most vulnerable and what harms are real.
  3. Finding common ground in understanding the evolution of morality can help resolve conflicts over moral differences.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, was killed, and some people are actually happy about it. This shows how divided opinions can be about such events across different political views.
  2. The discussion around his death raises important ethical questions, especially about whether it's ever okay to celebrate someone's death. It's quite complex and can depend on the person's actions and their effects on others.
  3. There's a belief that the laws we follow might not always reflect true morality. Some argue that the actions of people in power can still cause harm, similar to outright violence, even if they're legally justified.

Contra Perry Hendricks on Abortion

Going Awol • 139 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Both Kyle van Oosterum and Amos Wollen disagree with conclusions made by Perry Hendricks on the topic of abortion.
  2. There is a debate around the justification of coercing someone to provide bodily support, such as breastfeeding, in difficult circumstances.
  3. The opportunity costs and real-world implications of pregnancy play a significant role in discussions about the legality and morality of abortion.

Getting an 'ought' from an 'is'

Sam’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Fallibilism acknowledges that people can make mistakes and ideas are open to revision.
  2. Recognizing the possibility of moral truths leads to the importance of discussing moral issues.
  3. Engaging in discussions about morality is a moral imperative for fallibilists.

You Don't Know MLK

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
💾 History Morality
  1. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. faced significant opposition and was hated by many Americans during his time, contrasting with his revered status today.
  2. King advocated for radical social change, including fighting against materialism, militarism, and economic injustice, aspects often overlooked in mainstream narratives about him.
  3. It's important to recognize the fuller picture of Rev. King's activism beyond just his nonviolent civil rights work, as he also promoted economic equality, critiqued capitalism, and spoke out against the Vietnam War.

Nietzsche's Morality in Plain English

Arjun Panickssery • 98 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Nietzsche's views on morality can be contradictory and his writing can be hard to understand.
  2. Nietzsche critiques herd morality, particularly on free will, transparency of the self, and similarity among humans.
  3. He values the flourishing of 'higher men' and sees herd morality as hindering their potential.

Feynman, Fairy Tales & Fooling Ourselves

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Richard Feynman emphasized the importance of not fooling oneself, as we are often prone to self-deception.
  2. Fairy tales serve as more than simple children's stories, often exploring dark themes and offering lessons through storytelling.
  3. Stories like 'The Emperor's New Clothes' highlight human tendencies such as vanity, greed, conformity, and the importance of speaking up against falsehoods.

Left-Hand Paths

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Religions and ideologies can be seen as having two paths: the right-hand path, typically exoteric and emphasizing external redemption, and the left-hand path, more anarchist and focusing on listening to oneself.
  2. Esoteric readings of texts offer alternative perspectives, like interpreting biblical passages in a different light to challenge established beliefs and morality.
  3. Engaging in left-handed readings of texts involves maintaining the sacredness of the text while exploring unconventional interpretations that may lead to new insights or narratives.

Chris Hedges: The Nature of Good and Evil

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Everyone has the capacity for both good and evil within them. It's important to recognize this duality in ourselves and others.
  2. In tough times, we often see real kindness and humanity shine through. These moments remind us of the best parts of people.
  3. It's vital to critique power structures rather than fall into hatred for groups or individuals. Focusing on power allows for healthier discussions.

The morality of immortality

Sam’s Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality
  1. Awareness of death doesn't necessarily motivate productivity; people work to improve their lives and the world.
  2. Immortality can be a solution to the suffering of watching loved ones age and die.
  3. With endless time, boredom is unlikely due to the abundance of entertainment and continual human progress.