The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Should economists read Marx?

Noahpinion • 32118 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🚌 Education Economics Philosophy History Theory Social Science
  1. Many economists don't need to read the original works of thinkers like Marx or Smith to understand economics. They usually study practical models and theories that help solve real-world economic problems.
  2. Modern economic education often emphasizes foundational papers by influential economists, which explain key concepts like market failures and public goods, rather than focusing on Marxist ideas.
  3. Reading Marx can be useful, but mainly as a cautionary tale about how economic theories, if misapplied, can lead to disastrous outcomes in real life. It reminds economists to approach their work with humility.

RegenNarration

Rushkoff • 59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Philosophy Environment Art Wellness
  1. Sometimes healing takes time, and doing nothing can be the best way to let systems fix themselves. It's okay to pause and wait for change.
  2. Allowing ourselves to feel fear or sadness can help us transform those feelings into something positive. It's important to process our emotions instead of ignoring them.
  3. Voting is a basic tool to influence change, even if the candidates aren't perfect. It's better to choose someone who cares about important issues like nature and human rights.

Where the Magic Doesn’t Happen

After Babel • 1507 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Technology Education Faith Parenting Philosophy
  1. Technology can make personal development harder. Instead of helping kids grow and learn, instant access to things distracts them from meaningful experiences.
  2. Magic, or instant and effortless results, should not be in places where kids learn and grow. Schools, homes, and churches need to avoid tech that takes away from real relationships and hard work.
  3. Even a short break from screens can help families reconnect. When tech is removed, people quickly find joy in being together and engaging in real life.

Great scientists follow intuition and beauty, not rationality

The Intrinsic Perspective • 28468 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Philosophy History Psychology
  1. Great scientists often rely on their gut feelings and a sense of beauty rather than just cold hard logic. This mix of intuition leads to important discoveries.
  2. Famous scientists aren't just rational thinkers; they have quirky beliefs and passions that drive their creativity. This uniqueness helps them come up with groundbreaking ideas.
  3. There's a complex balance between formal science and the imaginative, intuitive side. Embracing both can push the boundaries of what we understand about the universe.

The Parable of Anna Akhmatova

The Honest Broker • 28957 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Politics
  1. The power of art can overcome even the strongest dictators. Artists like Anna Akhmatova show that creativity can stand firm against oppression.
  2. Success in today's world is often measured by money and popularity, but true creative expression is about more than just those metrics.
  3. Even when artists face harsh censorship, their work can survive and resonate over time, leading to eventual recognition and respect.
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Goethe and Faust for a New Age

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2556 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Mythology Art History
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien might be compared to Goethe due to their deep knowledge and the large, influential works they created. Both men built complex worlds in their writings that resonate with deeply human themes.
  2. Tolkien's character Elendil is seen as a modern hero similar to Aeneas, embodying survival, duty, and the preservation of culture. Both characters face the challenge of keeping their people's traditions alive in the wake of disaster.
  3. Tolkien's influence goes beyond literature; it is shaping political movements today. His themes of resilience and tradition are resonating with various groups, especially in Italy and among certain political factions in the U.S.

Fishing For Hope In The New Year

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 123 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Traditions Philosophy
  1. Even when times feel tough, we can choose to be optimistic. It's important to keep hope alive, especially at the start of a new year.
  2. Reflecting on the past year helps us appreciate the people we've lost and the wisdom they've shared. Remembering them can offer comfort and perspective.
  3. Traditions, like quiet family gatherings instead of wild parties, can make New Year's more meaningful. Sometimes, a low-key start can feel much better.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Media Social
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

How to like everything more

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 8860 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Food Philosophy
  1. Enjoyment is a skill that can be improved by focusing on the details and layers in experiences, whether it's music, food, or art. Try to look for different aspects that you might usually overlook.
  2. Being curious and open to new sensations can transform how you experience intense music, food, or art. Instead of resisting strong stimuli, embrace their intensity and see them as opportunities for enjoyment.
  3. Creating a connection with the creator of a work can enhance your enjoyment. Think about the effort and emotion they put into their creation, which can make you appreciate it even more.

'Do You Believe Jesus Died for Our Sins?’ Richard Dawkins Confronts Jordan Peterson

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins • 933 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Existentialism Cultural Studies
  1. Richard Dawkins challenges Jordan Peterson about his beliefs on the Bible and whether Jesus died for our sins.
  2. Peterson compares the truths of Christianity to the complexities of quantum physics in a recent conversation.
  3. They discuss how Christianity has influenced human progress and what it means to believe in its truths.

Links For December 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 13627 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Religion Philosophy Literature
  1. Steven Seagal has led a colorful life after Hollywood, converting to Buddhism, supporting Russia, and marrying multiple women. He's even been called the reincarnation of a famous saint.
  2. An outrageous fine of $20 trillion was imposed on Google by Russia for blocking certain YouTube channels. This amount is far more than the total worth of the world's economy!
  3. There's a belief that taller candidates tend to win U.S. elections. While some studies suggest a slight trend, it's not enough to say it's a reliable rule.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Biographies Social Critique Atheism
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant writer known for his unique talent with words. He could create outstanding articles quickly, even after enjoying drinks with friends.
  2. Hitchens didn't always agree with everyone, but he valued strong thinking and consistency in ideas. His journey shifted over time, reflecting changes in his beliefs.
  3. He was unafraid to challenge societal figures like Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger, criticizing them for their actions regardless of their popularity. Hitchens focused on truth and human values in his work.

The Reasoning Race: Can Small Models Reason?

TheSequence • 161 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Models Research Engineering Philosophy
  1. The Sequence newsletter is evolving to offer more focused content, catering to both AI scientists and engineers. This means you'll get richer discussions on research and practical applications.
  2. There will be new editions each week that cover a variety of topics like education, engineering, interviews, and insights. This change aims to make the content shorter and easier to digest.
  3. The discussions around reasoning in AI are expanding to include smaller models, challenging the idea that only large models are capable of complex reasoning. It's an exciting area of exploration.

The Cat in the Tree: Why AI Content Leaves Us Cold

The Convivial Society • 2382 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Philosophy Human experience Society
  1. AI-generated content can be technically impressive but often feels dull and forgettable to many people. It lacks the emotional warmth that comes from human creativity.
  2. Unexpected discoveries, like finding a charming painting in nature, can bring genuine delight and a sense of connection. This feeling of surprise adds value to human-made art.
  3. The essence of art lies in human intention and presence. Simple acts of creativity can create a sense of companionship and joy, forming connections in a lonely world.

Scream's Hidden Message: Victimhood is Deadly

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 178 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Mental health Victimhood Philosophy
  1. The Scream movies show that people need to take responsibility for their actions. Blaming others doesn't help anyone grow or heal.
  2. Characters who see themselves as victims often end up causing harm to others, while those who empower themselves can overcome their struggles.
  3. The main character, Sidney, learns to control her life and refuses to be defined by her past traumas, showing that self-reliance leads to true strength.

UFOs are a soft sci-fi genre

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7615 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Philosophy Sociology Technology Literature
  1. UFOs are often seen as a type of soft sci-fi that mixes imaginative stories with poor evidence. This suggests that many UFO enthusiasts focus more on fantasy than reality.
  2. Real first contact with aliens is more likely to be through indirect evidence over long distances, rather than physical visits. Scientists think we might find signs of alien civilizations from far away.
  3. As science progresses, we might enter a stage of uncertainty about aliens, leading to debates without clear answers for a long time. This means we could be questioning the existence of aliens for hundreds of years.

Why Gregory Bateson Matters

The Honest Broker • 16822 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Counterculture Technology Philosophy Psychology Environmentalism
  1. Gregory Bateson was a multi-talented thinker who connected many fields like biology, anthropology, and cybernetics. His wide-ranging insights help us understand the complex issues in today’s digital world.
  2. Bateson's concept of the 'double bind' reveals how people can feel trapped by conflicting demands in their lives, which can lead to confusion and distress. It's crucial to recognize these situations to find solutions.
  3. Bateson emphasized the importance of feedback loops in both technology and human behavior. When these loops are absent, systems can spiral out of control, just like some online platforms do today.

When Do We Give Up on Writing?

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 15613 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Literary Criticism Storytelling Children's literature Philosophy
  1. Writing often takes us to a quiet, lonely place where we can be creative, but once we share our work, our lives can become busy and public.
  2. Many people stop calling themselves writers or artists as they grow up because they fear judgment and criticism from others.
  3. We shouldn't let the fear of what others think keep us from expressing ourselves. It's important to hold onto our creativity and remember the joy of storytelling.

"Totalitarian Jesus" and the New Obscurantism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Consciousness Culture Mysticism
  1. Some people feel really stressed about current politics and the future. It's making them think deeply about what's happening in the world.
  2. There are concerns that culture and spirituality are in danger from negative forces in society. Many believe we need to pay attention to these threats.
  3. Dreaming about worse scenarios, like concentration camps, shows how intense and fearful these feelings about the future can be.

Resist Summary

The Map is Mostly Water • 2942 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Learning Writing Cognition Philosophy
  1. We read too many summaries instead of diving deep into topics. This can make us miss the detailed understanding that comes from exploring original sources.
  2. Writing from your own experience and observations is important. It helps create richer and more interesting content than just summarizing others' ideas.
  3. Using AI for quick answers can simplify things, but it might prevent you from understanding complex ideas. Building a deeper understanding requires slow and careful thinking.

The Innocent And The Beautiful Have No Enemy But Time

Astral Codex Ten • 12526 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Fiction Philosophy Criticism
  1. Time is the only true enemy of those who are innocent and beautiful. It can take away love and youth.
  2. Embracing simplicity and purity brings happiness, even if it seems fragile. Pure intentions often face challenges.
  3. Beauty and innocence should be cherished, as they stand out in a complex world. They may be vulnerable, but they are worth protecting.

How Intellectuals Found God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5958 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theism Philosophy Intellectualism Conversion Religion
  1. Many intellectuals, who once questioned or rejected God, are now finding faith. It's interesting to see a change in perspective among respected thinkers.
  2. One example is Matthew Crawford, who felt lost in his early life but experienced a spiritual transformation through personal connections and discussions about faith.
  3. The journey to finding God can often feel like a personal story of searching and discovery, rather than a simple acceptance of religious beliefs.

There Is No Need To Wait For Revolution Or Paradise

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Society Revolution Awareness Philosophy
  1. You don't have to wait for a big change to start making a difference. You can begin now by sharing ideas and helping others see the truth about our world.
  2. You have the power to enjoy life and see beauty all around you, even when times are tough. Learning to appreciate the moment can make a big difference in how you feel.
  3. There's no need to wait for a perfect future or grand revolution. The time to act and appreciate life is right now, so don't hold back any longer.

Life Cannot Be Delegated

The Convivial Society • 2609 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Humanity Philosophy Society Tradition
  1. Life is about personal involvement and cannot be handed off to technology. When we let technology take over important parts of our lives, we miss out on what makes life meaningful.
  2. We should think carefully about how much we delegate to technology. There are limits to how much we can rely on it before it stops helping us and starts taking away from our experience of life.
  3. Everyday tasks and responsibilities are not distractions; they are part of what shapes our lives. Embracing the mundane can help us find purpose and meaning in our actions.

The Early Christian Strategy

Astral Codex Ten • 31866 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Morality Game Theory History Philosophy
  1. The TIT-FOR-TAT strategy in a game theory setting shows that being cooperative at first and then matching others' actions leads to the best outcomes. This strategy teaches us that kindness can be more effective than constant distrust.
  2. Early Christians practiced extreme kindness, even to their enemies, which created strong community bonds and trust. Their approach involved helping everyone, demonstrating that selfless love can attract support even in tough times.
  3. While many groups struggle to maintain such selfless strategies over time, history shows that momentous change can occur when people commit to a COOPERATE-BOT mindset, suggesting that genuine kindness might be more powerful than we often believe.

Is There a Crisis of Seriousness?

The Honest Broker • 43884 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Philosophy Society Technology
  1. Seriousness in society is fading, with many things now focused on being entertaining rather than meaningful. This shift makes it hard for people to expect anything authentic.
  2. The rise of technology has made it easier to create fake experiences, from movies to online interactions. Many people struggle with knowing what is real anymore.
  3. There is a growing desire for more genuine, serious engagement in life. People are starting to reject the fake and are seeking deeper connections and authenticity.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Philosophy Creativity Expression
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Hard Money and Hard Men

Postcards From Barsoom • 3906 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Blockchain Finance Economics Philosophy
  1. To create good times, we need to focus on becoming great individuals first. It's not just about what you do, but about who you choose to be.
  2. In our current world, there's a lot of distraction and mediocrity. We must resist this and strive for excellence by not settling for average.
  3. History shows us the importance of strength and preparation. To appreciate peace, you must understand the value of being ready for conflict.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Society Philosophy Equality Social Issues
  1. The topic discusses women's ability to think critically and independently. It's important to recognize and value women's perspectives and intellect.
  2. Challenging stereotypes about women's thinking can lead to more inclusive conversations. Everyone should have equal opportunities to share their ideas.
  3. Encouraging discussions about gender and intelligence can help break down societal biases. Open dialogue promotes understanding and respect among all individuals.

The Miracle of the Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism Religion Philosophy Tradition History
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

Smash The Technopoly!

After Babel • 2052 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media theory Technology impact Digital ethics Youth culture Philosophy
  1. Many young people today feel negatively about smartphones and social media, with a large percentage wishing these technologies had never existed. This shows a growing anxiety about their impact on life.
  2. Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan teach us that technology shapes our thoughts and behavior in ways we might not notice. The medium we use communicates messages that can change how we feel about ourselves and the world.
  3. We need to reclaim control over technology to protect our moral values. It's important to start discussing and setting limits on how we use digital tools to ensure they serve us, not the other way around.

✨ Life in an AI utopia: A Quick Q&A with futurist and philosopher Nick Bostrom

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Futurism Philosophy Ethics Innovation
  1. It's often easier for people to imagine a bad future, like in movies, than a good one. This can affect how cultures think about their future.
  2. When thinking about a perfect world, many people share similar ideas, like having peace and cleanliness. But if everything goes perfectly, we might miss out on challenges that give our lives meaning.
  3. The future of artificial intelligence could be really bright or really dark. We need to prepare for both possibilities because we are entering a new era with big changes ahead.

Things Worth Remembering: The Empathy of J.K. Rowling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Public Speaking Media Art Philosophy
  1. J.K. Rowling reminded everyone how powerful imagination can be during her speech at Harvard. It's a great reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives.
  2. Rowling is praised for being a brilliant and successful writer, despite facing controversy in recent years. Her talent and impact on literature shouldn't be overlooked.
  3. It's essential to appreciate remarkable people like Rowling while they are still alive. We often wait too long to celebrate the contributions of influential figures.

The quiet circle

Silentium • 359 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Fashion
  1. Supporting quiet and meaningful work is important. It helps create space for reflection and creativity.
  2. You can try a 7-day free trial to access more content. This lets you explore and see if it interests you.
  3. Engaging with calm and thoughtful communities can lead to personal growth. It encourages deeper connections and understanding.

A Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Aesthetics Taste Criticism Philosophy
  1. Taste can be compared to grammar, meaning that there are rules and structures to follow within different contexts. You can appreciate different kinds of taste, similar to how you can master varied languages or styles.
  2. Sometimes, taste seems like a competition to stay trendy or relevant. There are instances where people's taste can be influenced by social status or group preferences, rather than genuine appreciation.
  3. It's important to appreciate both high-quality and low-quality things. Having taste doesn't mean you should dismiss simpler pleasures; learning to enjoy a range of experiences can be enriching.

Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3482 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity History Philosophy Culture Society
  1. Christianity has had a huge influence on the Western world, shaping many ideas and values we hold today.
  2. Despite differing beliefs about specific miracles, the message of Jesus is recognized as incredibly powerful and enduring.
  3. Within just a few centuries, Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire, showing its rapid spread and acceptance.

The silent warrior

Silentium • 299 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Literature Faith Wellness
  1. Silence can be powerful and offer clarity in our noisy lives. Taking time for quiet reflection can help us focus and understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing the role of a 'silent warrior' means finding strength in quietness rather than loud actions. It's okay to be strong and resilient without always being in the spotlight.
  3. Sometimes, we need to step back and listen more than we speak. Being a good listener can lead to deeper connections and better understanding of others.