The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

How David Perell found and hired The Cultural Tutor

Deplatformable Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Consider reading older books instead of just the latest bestsellers to have a unique perspective and stand out as a writer.
  2. The content we consume shapes our ideas over time, so choose diverse sources to cultivate diverse thoughts.
  3. Being intentional about exploring historical or ancient texts can help in developing a distinctive voice as a writer and thinking differently.

Zen Bones: The Life & Legacy of Alan Watts

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Alan Watts was a prolific writer and philosopher who translated Eastern philosophical ideas for a Western audience, influencing many with his work.
  2. Watts believed in the philosophy of not taking life too seriously, embracing the idea that there are no failures or successes, just experiences.
  3. He integrated ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, and other philosophies, advocating for a relaxed approach to enlightenment and addressing Western problems like fear of meaninglessness.

Cyborg Baby

Default Wisdom • 706 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Adderall and heavy internet use can change how people think and feel. They can make emotions flat and cause mood swings.
  2. There's a shift in writing styles today compared to the past, with longer and more emotional pieces becoming popular. These essays often focus on being authentic rather than just sharing ideas.
  3. The idea of mixing human DNA with robots raises interesting questions about the future of humanity and technology. It's a thought that's worth exploring more deeply.

America, Seen from the Eyes of a Child

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 550 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. The principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence impacted the author deeply, leading him to become an American citizen.
  2. America's educational system has been moving away from the core values of American civilization, embracing moral relativism.
  3. There is a need for a new moral clarity and philosophical rearmament to defend America's principles and combat cynicism.

Bring back the "Renaissance Man"

The Novelleist • 2215 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Embrace being a generalist with diverse interests and skills.
  2. Mastery comes not just from depth in one field, but from curiosity and exploration across various disciplines.
  3. You can create a better future through art, philosophy, and diverse experiences, not just politics or corporations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why is Academic Writing so Bad?

Going Awol • 179 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. One reason for bad academic writing is intentional complexity to ensure longevity and generate discussions and interpretations.
  2. Academic writing issues stem from language barriers, knowledge curse, insecurity, and lack of incentives for clear writing.
  3. Encouraging academics to focus on knowledge pursuit over personal legacy could help improve academic writing quality.

Inside the Mind of Wang Huning; Christmas Day as Judgement Day

Scholar's Stage Updates • 339 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Wang Huning identifies America's technological success from a unique perspective, linking it to American values and traditions.
  2. Reflections on Christmas reveal it as a holiday of domestic happiness, charity, and modesty, rather than focusing on heroism or grandeur.
  3. Contrasting American futurism and innovation with societal realities prompts an intriguing discussion on the evolving cultural landscape.

The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'the Deal' suggests a future where people can live up to 280 years, but it comes with heavy trade-offs, like losing personal belongings and facing a controlled way of dying. It's a challenging idea about how we value life and death.
  2. In this future scenario, many might feel trapped in a fake version of life, where they experience pleasant distractions instead of actually living. The imagery of a body trying to escape emphasizes the struggle against a hollow existence.
  3. Reflecting on this situation can make us question our current medical practices and life choices, similar to how historical figures have critiqued society. It invites a deeper discussion about what it truly means to live and die in our time.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Big Serious Books Can Really Be Your Intellectual Friends

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Books can be seen as friends that engage with you if you learn to read them actively. They respond to your thoughts and questions, making your reading experience lively.
  2. It's important to treat your books with respect and see them as conversations with the authors. This mindset can transform your understanding and enjoyment of reading.
  3. Instead of focusing solely on academic achievements, let your genuine interests in the topics guide your writing. This way, your accomplishments will be a natural result of engaging deeply with the material.

On Drugs: Our First Interview

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 27 May 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. JSR's new book talks about the nature of reality and the impact of psychedelics on our perception. It suggests that everyone is 'on drugs' in some way every day through the chemicals our bodies produce.
  2. In a light-hearted interview, JSR discusses his own experience with various medications and how they influence his life. He makes a joke about wanting to avoid weight gain while managing his mental health.
  3. The conversation touches on the complexities of recreational drug use, leaving readers curious about JSR's opinion on psychedelics and encouraging them to subscribe for more detailed insights.

A Fable for Race Realists

Kevin’s Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Augusto Monterroso is a master of concise fables in the Spanish-speaking world.
  2. The fable 'The Lion's Share' can be interpreted by race realists and Western chauvinists to symbolize dominance and entitlement.
  3. Monterroso's fable actually satirizes societal oppression and challenges the notion of biological superiority.

On Cultivating “Genius” (Part I)

if not, Paris • 530 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The term 'genius' and language have been questioned by structuralists and post-structuralists, blurring clear meanings.
  2. Academic discourse can prioritize sounding smart over communicating effectively, leading to confusion and inadequacy.
  3. Academia's cultivation of 'genius' can limit new ideas and perspectives, impacting the understanding of genius in the 21st century.

Francine

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 241 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. René Descartes had a daughter named Francine who died young, and her story reflects a deep love and complex emotions about loss.
  2. Descartes experimented with ideas about the soul and body, believing he could bring Francine back to life through a combination of philosophy and mystical practices.
  3. The narrative explores themes of love, grief, and the boundaries between life and death, showing how powerful connections can influence thoughts and actions.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

The Marxism of Black Reconstruction

Origins of Our Time • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Riley argues that the Marxism of Black Reconstruction challenges the claims that W.E.B. Du Bois was not an intersectional theorist and not a Marxist, but a Jeffersonian supporter.
  2. Du Bois did not see small family farmers as the main protagonists in his work, but rather focused on the broader social relations and class struggles.
  3. Du Bois was aligned with the Marxist tradition and held socialist views, advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and the redistribution of wealth.

The Idiots Are Yelling About Weather Machines Again

OK Doomer • 283 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Philosophy
  1. Recent severe floods in Texas highlight the dangers of inadequate disaster response plans. Many people were unprepared for the sudden rise in water levels.
  2. Ancient Greek philosophers pointed out that concepts like compassion and self-interest might be illusions in how we view human behavior. They believed deeper truths about our motivations are often overlooked.
  3. The discussion around weather machines shows how misinformation can distract from real issues like climate change and policy failures impacting people's safety.

december

bookbear express • 836 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Commitment helps you discover what you like and dislike in life. It can change you, sometimes in surprising ways.
  2. Living deeply in experiences can feel like being stuck in a 'tar pit', where leaving is hard but staying can also be rewarding.
  3. Dream-like experiences can shape our feelings and memories, making us appreciate moments with others even more.

Roll With The Elephants

Insight Axis • 355 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Embrace your human gifts like intellect and bravery to face challenges and make a difference
  2. Recognize the power within yourself, dormant yet magnificent, waiting to be unleashed
  3. Don't shy away from confronting your fears, instead, confront them head-on like walking with elephants

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Hollywood often struggles with moral philosophy and promotes a kind of morality that seems unrealistic. Instead of dealing with complex situations, they opt for simple solutions that make heroes look good.
  2. In Hollywood, self-defense is tricky; heroes must wait for an attack before fighting back, even when it's clear they're in danger. This approach can make characters seem foolish and overly lenient.
  3. The way Hollywood portrays morality ignores real-world consequences. Their stories often end with characters benefiting from luck rather than genuine moral choices, which can lead to dangerous ideas about how to handle conflict.

The Gulf and the Silence

The Abbey of Misrule • 641 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. When the power goes out, life changes a lot. People talk more and do things differently without all the gadgets.
  2. Going without electricity made one family reflect on what they gained and lost with technology. It brought a calm, slower pace to their lives.
  3. Experiencing silence can reveal new rhythms in life, making people appreciate simple moments like reading books and sitting by the fire.

The Future of the Oswald Spengler Project

The Oswald Spengler Project • 359 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The author is writing a book on Oswald Spengler's life and works, which will be published in installments on Substack. The book will cover topics like Spengler's life, his thoughts on technology, prehistory, and politics.
  2. The posts about the book project will be paywalled moving forward, as a thank you to those who have supported the author. Paid subscribers will receive weekly installments until the manuscript is completed.
  3. The author expresses gratitude for the support received from both free and paid subscribers, with a special mention of reaching 1,000 free subscribers. The first post titled 'Goethe and the Four Stages of Culture' is set to be released soon.

A Century of Chess

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Chess is like art. Great players show their personality through their game, just like artists do in their work.
  2. Chess has a history of evolution. The early 20th century was a key time where strategies were developed, changing how the game is played.
  3. Chess history reflects broader trends in society. The struggles and successes of famous players give us insight into the culture and hopes of the early 1900s.

Hidden Open Thread 355.5

Astral Codex Ten • 894 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers to discuss various topics. It's a space for people to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content. This means only those who support the platform can participate.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the post, which helps increase visibility and engagement. Sharing can also foster a sense of community among subscribers.

You're Alone and You're Scared but the Banquet's All Prepared!

Default Wisdom • 284 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People are feeling more lonely these days, which makes them look for companionship in unexpected places, even with objects like robots or machines.
  2. The internet can change how we think and relate to things, making it easier for some people to connect with objects rather than other humans.
  3. Technology is designed to feel more alive, which makes it easier for us to see machines as having feelings, leading to a mix of friendship and use in our relationships with them.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

Hidden Open Thread 389.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The post is intended for paid subscribers only, so it's exclusive content.
  2. There seems to be a focus on sharing and community engagement in the discussion.
  3. Many readers have participated in the comments, showing a lively interaction among subscribers.

Seeking part-time heroes

A User's Guide to History • 294 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. Statues and monuments often commemorate individuals for their positive contributions to society, but can become problematic when their less-positive actions are later emphasized.
  2. Critics today expect full-time heroes on pedestals, but individuals have imperfections that may not align with this ideal.
  3. Adopting a part-time hero model like David Bowie's philosophy can help us appreciate individuals' good deeds while acknowledging their flaws, and encourage us to strive for heroism in our own lives.

Fields & Energy

Fields & Energy • 459 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The author is working on a book called 'Fields & Energy' that explores electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. He plans to share sections of the book weekly over about two years.
  2. The book argues that electromagnetism involves two different phenomena: fields and energy, which could help explain various puzzles in physics. It also ties these concepts to historical and philosophical insights.
  3. The author aims to make the book accessible to both professionals and non-specialists, blending technical details with general concepts to engage a wider audience.

The End of Rebel Wisdom and What's Next

The Bigger Picture • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Rebel Wisdom is coming to an end, but new initiatives are on the horizon with a focus on sensemaking, philosophy, and cultural context.
  2. David will collaborate with Perspectiva on a new project in 2023, recasting Rebel Wisdom's YouTube channel and courses.
  3. Alexander will continue with a new Substack called 'The Bigger Picture' starting from tomorrow, featuring exclusive content on trauma, heterodoxy, and pop culture.

Energy in the gap

Austin Kleon • 1578 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Creative tension is the gap between what you create and what you wish to create. It's common for beginners to feel disappointed because their work doesn't match their high standards.
  2. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's important to push through the awkward early stages of creativity. Many people give up here, but sticking with it is key to improvement.
  3. Reading and learning from others can help process your own creative thoughts. Books often show us that our ideas are not as original as we think.

(The Divine) 1. Voracious Life (Khepri)

Microanimism • 79 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The sun has a profound connection to humanity and microbial life, influencing circadian rhythms and photosynthesis.
  2. Khepri, the scarab-headed god in Ancient Egyptian religion, symbolizes the life-giving and renewing qualities of the sun through resurrection.
  3. Bacteria can enter a state of suspended animation by forming tough spores, demonstrating voracious life deriving seemingly from nothing.

Attitudes one can take towards people who have behaved badly

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 875 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Social punishment is a natural part of how humans interact, helping to enforce a social contract. It can feel too harsh or unjust at times, but it still serves a purpose.
  2. There's a tricky balance in discussing the ideas of people who have done bad things. We need to find ways to remember their contributions without overlooking their wrongdoings.
  3. It's important to correct the record if someone is proven innocent after being publicly condemned. Reputations can suffer permanently, and it’s crucial to acknowledge when we've gotten things wrong.

✨ 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 Philosophy
  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.

1.0 On Generation & Corruption

Fields & Energy • 459 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. In physics, our understanding has greatly improved over time, but some concepts can still feel confusing or counterintuitive. We often have to rely on complex math that works well, even if it doesn't make total sense at first.
  2. Michael Faraday challenged the common ideas of his time by introducing the concept of 'fields' instead of just focusing on point particles. This helped explain how forces work in a way that made more sense to him.
  3. Today, we still face similar questions about our understanding of reality in physics. As we develop new mathematical tools, we should ask if we need to rethink our basic ideas about how things work, just like Faraday did.

Talking Enneagram 7 blues

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 1889 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Discovering your Enneagram type can be a revealing and enlightening experience.
  2. Being a type 7 can involve a complex mix of enjoying life but also struggling with simple discomfort.
  3. Understanding and accepting your Enneagram type's characteristics can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.