The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Dostoevsking

The Lifeboat • 470 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Dostoevsking is a funny idea about enduring a long wait for the writer Dostoevsky to come out of a door. It's like a silly sport where people sit and hope he will appear, even though no one knows if he is really there.
  2. The competition involves a lot of waiting and suffering, like holding in your bladder when you really need to go. Participants get desperate but believe it's worth it to see what lies behind the door.
  3. This whole concept shows how people can get really obsessed with waiting for something big, even if it leads to pain or frustration. It’s a playful way of talking about literature and the human experience of longing.

Sensefully Selling Coffee

thestoa • 393 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Philosophy
  1. Creating with a partner can bring about uncertainty but also deeper relational layers.
  2. The concept of a 'source role' in creative projects can lead to clarity and prevent conflicts.
  3. Focusing on the vibes and aesthetics of a product can guide business decisions and create a unique selling experience.

Invisible Threads

Seven Senses • 359 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes, we have the same ideas as others at the same time. This can feel frustrating when it comes to creative work, but maybe it's a sign that we're all connected.
  2. Many great ideas in history were discovered by different people independently. This shows that creativity often works the same way, where themes arise collectively rather than just from one person.
  3. If multiple people express the same idea, it doesn't mean it's less original. It might actually show the idea's strength and how it resonates with many, much like a chorus in a song.

In Real Life

Becoming Noble • 697 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sam Hyde's 'Candyman' persona and demand to fight Hasan Piker are seen as groundbreaking performance art that renews a focus on action art.
  2. The Right is seen as the true artistic avant-garde, breaking away from the constraints of a declining society and embracing physical and spiritual energies.
  3. The revival of art is seen as essential in a late-stage civilization, where action art, with its raw energy and authenticity, is proposed as a powerful medium for expression.

The preservation of fire

Wrong Side of History • 389 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The preservation of cultural values and ideas is important for society's growth. We need to recognize and protect what we believe in.
  2. Engaging in discussions about our heritage helps keep these values alive. It's essential for people to come together and share their views.
  3. Events like conferences play a vital role in fostering these conversations. They allow individuals to learn from each other and build a stronger community.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Case Against (Most) Books

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 10 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.

Summer mailbag

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Going out to do small tasks can bring joy and purpose to your day. It's nice to find little errands to make life feel active and engaged.
  2. Answering letters is rewarding, but managing email can be overwhelming. It's great to connect with others but sometimes it's hard to keep up.
  3. Happiness often feels elusive, and chasing it can be tiring. It may just come to you unexpectedly if you're living in the moment.

The Classic Solution to Demoralization

ancientlifecoach • 373 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. True competence requires morale - like how Napoleon kept himself motivated with Plutarch's 'Life of Caesar'.
  2. History should inspire action in the present - it's not just about presenting facts but about bringing out the best in us.
  3. Avoid industrial-scale demoralization by studying great figures we're trained to ignore and ensuring that future generations are 'moralized' in the ancient way.

On and of erotic undercurrents of Infinity

The Lifeboat • 298 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Infinity is boundless and always leads us to new discoveries, but it also brings challenges and decay. Life and growth often lead us to explore beyond limits, but this can create chaos and uncertainty.
  2. Humans tend to view the world in a negative light, focusing on what is missing rather than appreciating what is present. A beautiful perspective can often be overlooked because of this habit.
  3. The relationship between the earthly and the celestial is complex, with both having masculine and feminine qualities. This dynamic influences how we experience existence and connections with the world.

How Great Writers Become Great

Mind & Mythos • 219 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Great writers often have time and space to focus on their work. Many famous writers dedicated their time to thinking and writing without many distractions.
  2. Younger writers may have more time but lack experience. Older writers have knowledge but often struggle to find time to write.
  3. Finding balance between family, work, and writing is tough. It's important to prioritize what matters most in life, even if it means having limits on achievements.

Hidden Open Thread 358.5

Astral Codex Ten • 1101 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This post is an open thread for discussions among paid subscribers.
  2. Subscribers can share thoughts and engage with others in the community.
  3. It promotes active participation and sharing ideas within a dedicated space.

Hallucination and Humour

Going Awol • 159 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
😂 Humor Philosophy
  1. Humor often arises from incongruity, where there's a mismatch between what's expected and what happens. In writing, overly incongruous humor might be mistaken for AI-generated content.
  2. The suspicion of AI-generated writing can discourage writers from using certain types of humor, creating an incentive to avoid being accused of cheating.
  3. As technology improves and AI becomes more sophisticated in generating content, it may lead writers to lean towards more sensible and less conspicuously incongruous humor.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 90 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The past is often seen as better than it really was. People tend to remember the good times more fondly.
  2. Romanticizing the past can lead to unrealistic expectations about the present and future.
  3. It's important to reflect on the past honestly, recognizing both the good and the bad.

BLINDSIGHT IS 2020

COVID Reason • 1348 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Philosophy
  1. Some individuals faced harsh criticism for questioning Covid policies.
  2. Questioning the lockdown orthodoxy led to finding like-minded individuals.
  3. Managing a pandemic involves balancing public safety with human rights and freedoms.

Hidden Open Thread 390.5

Astral Codex Ten • 344 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This content is specifically for people who pay for a subscription. It offers special posts or threads to those users.
  2. Open threads allow subscribers to discuss topics freely. This creates a community vibe where members can share and exchange ideas.
  3. The post encourages sharing with others. Promoting engagement helps grow the community around the content.

RTF Lecture Invitation: Guanzi- Introduction to 3000 Years of Chinese Economic Thought (Feb 4 at 2pm ET)

Through A Glass Darkly • 334 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Rising Tide Foundation lectures aim to showcase Chinese cultural dynamics and economic history to address misconceptions and lies about China and Russia.
  2. They emphasize the importance of gaining true insight into different cultures to develop critical thinking skills and combat misinformation.
  3. The upcoming lecture on '3000 Years of Chinese Economic Thought' will explore the origin and meaning of economics from a traditionally Chinese point of view.

Reflections on studying Large Language Models

Philosophy bear • 393 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. It's important to understand what Large Language Models (LLMs) can currently do and limit excessive philosophical concerns. Focusing on their real capabilities helps us appreciate their strengths and weaknesses better.
  2. Critics often overlook the achievements of LLMs, making broad claims without specific evidence of what these models can't do. A careful look at their limitations and abilities is needed for a fair assessment.
  3. When thinking about LLMs, we should be cautious about using complex concepts like 'thinking' or 'creativity.' It's better to focus on what these models can actually accomplish instead of getting caught up in vague definitions.

The Divine Engineer of Ancient Sichuan

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 826 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Chengdu is a city that mixes modern life with traditions. Tourists can find panda-themed items everywhere and the city shows a blend of old and new.
  2. Li Bing is a significant figure in Chinese history for his engineering skills. He developed an ancient irrigation system that helped people manage floods and improve farming.
  3. Chinese heroes are often celebrated for serving the people rather than just fighting battles. Figures like Li Bing show how public service and engineering are valued in their culture.

64. Time

The Line Between • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Making time for important tasks can be challenging, so it's valuable to find your most productive hours.
  2. Engaging with new subjects or perspectives can be stimulating and expand your knowledge.
  3. Having a reliable, hearty meal option can provide sustenance for long working days.

2.6.3 The Misinterpretation of Newton

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Newton did not explain why gravity exists. He focused on describing what gravity does instead of offering guesses about its cause.
  2. Many scientists after Newton misinterpreted his ideas, leading to a belief that gravity was an essential quality of matter, even though Newton disagreed with such views.
  3. Over time, Newton's concepts became viewed as abstract ideas rather than being connected to real evidence from the physical world.

Be Bold, Do Science

Insight Axis • 513 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Science is not a master and has no master - it's about constructive argument, experiment, and refinement.
  2. Science is not confined to subjects like biology or physics - it's about diverse applications and better explanations.
  3. Science is not about hoarding facts but finding theories - it's a creative action that involves testing and humility.

Be Still and Know

The Abbey of Misrule • 337 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. There are different types of people in the world, and some seek deeper meaning in life. This search often leads them to seek advice or guidance from wise figures.
  2. Struggles with self-worth and faith can be overwhelming. Moments of desperation may lead to reflections on spirituality and the desire to find purpose.
  3. Saintly figures can inspire hope and provide a glimpse of what it means to live a meaningful life. Their authentic kindness and wisdom can challenge our doubts and fears.

community > conflict

if not, Paris • 353 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Focus on building a diverse and respectful community when discussing disagreements.
  2. Setting thoughtful intentions can guide personal growth and reflection throughout the year.
  3. Creating connections and sharing authentic experiences can lead to personal fulfillment and growth.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

Douglas Groothuis Joins The Worldview Bulletin

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 353 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Renowned Christian philosopher and apologist Douglas Groothuis joins The Worldview Bulletin as a regular contributor.
  2. In his first article, Groothuis discusses the 'oddness' of Jesus and how it challenges common perceptions.
  3. Jesus' actions and teachings in the Bible often display a level of complexity and depth that challenge traditional understanding.

Diary: (2) John Oakes on Silence

Book Post • 314 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being in stillness and silence can be beneficial for new ways of thinking and being
  2. Taking time for solitude and quiet can lead to inner reflection and creativity
  3. Moderation in experiencing silence and solitude can have a soothing effect on the mind

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

My Conversation with Matt Teichman

By Reason Alone • 42 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Philosophy
  1. Structured practices like spaced repetition, reading groups, and long-term recall systems make learning more effective and more enjoyable.
  2. Even small bits of knowledge — names, dates, or basic history — give big interpersonal and intellectual returns, and many people genuinely enjoy the act of recalling facts.
  3. There are bigger questions about how knowledge and tools shape thinking: whether deeper knowledge aligns people’s views, whether humans can be universal explainers, and how imperfect LLMs might still add value to learning and creativity.

The only outcome

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The current state of society in the West was bound to happen due to cultural paths taken over the last 70 years. We can't ignore that we are responsible for our situation today.
  2. There is a deep-rooted narcissism among people who lack understanding of true freedom and history, which has been shaped by a controlling government.
  3. For real change to occur, society might need to confront some painful truths and experiences, possibly through a crisis, so that people can take responsibility for their lives.

The Nowness of Things

The Abbey of Misrule • 247 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes the best things in life happen on the edges, in the quiet places where we can truly appreciate them.
  2. New inventions like cars can have big impacts, but we often only see the downsides after time passes, like pollution and traffic accidents.
  3. Taking slower routes can show us a different world, where people are more connected to their surroundings and live at a different pace.

Hélène Finds Her Voice

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The writer, Hélène, identifies as both human and supernatural, sharing a little about her life and mentioning the tension with her husband regarding her powers. It's a blend of reality and the mystical that makes her unique.
  2. There's a new book by JSR called _On Drugs_ that is getting positive reviews, and it seems to be creating a buzz as they start promoting it more widely. People are encouraged to pay attention to it and invite engagement.
  3. Hélène discusses the serious issue of how technology, like AI, can create barriers for certain groups, especially the elderly, highlighting it as a potential social problem that should be taken seriously rather than treated lightly.

The Moses Option

The Abbey of Misrule • 998 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Activism is about trying to fix the world, but it often leads to thinking in a narrow way. Instead, we need to focus on personal change and spiritual growth.
  2. The true path to making a difference might be through sacrifice and self-emptying, rather than fighting against the problems we see around us.
  3. To really connect with the world and each other, we should start by looking inward and understanding our own flaws, like the story of Moses who carried his past while seeking transformation.

Of Piscivory and Political Capital

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Cormorants have been unfairly hated throughout history, often seen as symbols of greed and gluttony by famous authors. Those views were likely from people's own faults rather than the birds' behavior.
  2. The cormorants are skilled fish-eaters and have even been trained for fishing in some cultures, showing their unique relationship with humans.
  3. People's negative opinions about cormorants appear to be changing, as awareness and sympathy for these birds grow, suggesting a shift in how we view wildlife.

Who Needs Love

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Love is something we need, but asking for it all the time seems unrealistic. It's okay to want a little less love while we focus on our everyday lives.
  2. Even though it sounds nice to wish for constant love, the reality is that life is busy and complicated. We have work and responsibilities that often take priority.
  3. In the end, love would make life better, but we also need to manage our expectations and not let love overshadow our practical needs and goals.

Why the Turing Test is Not Enough

Insight Axis • 592 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The Turing Test is a thought experiment, not a formal test, and was proposed by Alan Turing to test machine intelligence
  2. Passing the Turing Test does not necessarily indicate true intelligence in AI, as it requires reasoning capabilities and explanatory capacity
  3. Artificial General Intelligence testing should involve multi-dimensional assessments beyond the Turing Test, covering various aspects like linguistic, spatial, and mathematical intelligence

2.6.1 Newton’s Methods

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Newton believed that geometry should be connected to real-world observations, rather than just logical deductions from axioms. He saw math as a tool to understand the physical world.
  2. He emphasized that we should always seek the simplest explanation for natural phenomena, following the principle of parsimony. If a simpler explanation fits the facts, it should be preferred.
  3. Newton argued that conclusions drawn from experiments should be regarded as generally true, even if new evidence could change our understanding later on. This highlights the importance of adapting our views as we gather more information.

One year later

Jeff Giesea • 219 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Grieving is a personal journey, and it's okay to let go of sadness over time. It's important to find a way to remember loved ones while moving forward.
  2. Sharing memories and stories about those we've lost can lead to moments of joy, even amidst the sadness. Laughter and memories can help heal.
  3. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions when grieving. Allowing yourself to smile and celebrate the life of those who have passed can be a way to honor them.