The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A Letter To Your Mind

Insight Axis • 355 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The mind has been a loyal companion, shaping thoughts and feelings to guide us through life.
  2. The journey towards the true essence of the Self requires letting go of attachments to the mind.
  3. Despite parting ways with the mind, it remains an integral part of the infinite and eternal essence.

A Test of Trouble

Timeless & Timely • 275 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Time is perceived as a great healer, but it is our actions that truly heal us.
  2. The traditional work schedule is changing, with concepts like the four-day workweek gaining traction.
  3. Productivity is not necessarily tied to synchronous communication like meetings; asynchronous work is becoming more common.

Reading List for Chapter 1: On Generation and Corruption

Fields & Energy • 359 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Reading is important for understanding complex topics like calculus and physics. Books like 'Calculus Made Easy' can help beginners grasp the basics more easily.
  2. Narratives and storytelling are essential in both fiction and non-fiction writing. They shape how we understand and connect with concepts.
  3. Scientific revolutions often depend on the context of ideas rather than just rational evidence. This means new theories can take time to be accepted.

A Voyage to the Island of Equalis

Heterodox STEM • 185 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. In the Island of Equalis, the focus on diversity and inclusion can sometimes overshadow the importance of skill and merit in science. This means that some scientists may be chosen based on who they are rather than what they know.
  2. The idea that all answers in science should be equally accepted leads to confusion and a lack of clear truth. Instead of prioritizing accurate results, they value opinions and consensus, which can lead to false conclusions.
  3. Funding for research projects is often based on diversity rather than the quality of the work. This can result in ineffective studies and failed experiments, as seen by the issues with collapsing bridges and unsuccessful crops.
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The Rosicrucian Enlightenment

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. The Rosicrucian movement was influential in shaping modern science, linking spiritual beliefs with the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation.
  2. Prominent figures like John Dee played key roles in merging different ideas of science and magic while promoting natural knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
  3. Despite its initially hopeful visions, the Rosicrucian adventure faced challenges, leading to disappointment and a shift in focus towards reforming society through science and brotherly love.

Soren Kierkegaard

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Brandon meets an intriguing actress named Muriel at a party, and he is immediately drawn to her talent and personality. They bond over their love for theater and share a moment that makes Brandon hopeful about a connection.
  2. After a few weeks of ups and downs, Brandon and Muriel grow closer, but she ultimately decides to rekindle a relationship with her previous partner. Despite their strong connection, Brandon realizes that he needs to keep his emotions in check.
  3. Brandon reflects on his life and career, realizing that success doesn't guarantee happiness. He acknowledges the importance of accepting loss and not getting too attached to anything, whether in business or love.

Rich People Food, The Paradox of Liberation, Success Sequence

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Rich people often have different food preferences, which can reflect their social status. Eating certain foods can signal wealth and lifestyle choices.
  2. The concept of liberation can be paradoxical; sometimes, more freedom can lead to complications and struggles in life.
  3. Following a 'success sequence'—like education, job, and then family—can help people find stability and success in life.

Metaphysical caviar

quite useless • 412 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The newsletter offers new paid options for subscribers
  2. Value is distinct from utility - caviar is valuable despite not being a necessity
  3. The paid subscription options range from $8 per month to $800 for an extravagant option

Man vs Machine

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Paying close attention to small details can help you understand the bigger picture. When you focus on one thing, you can see connections to the whole world.
  2. Creativity is in everything we do, whether it's making music, writing code, or having conversations. Each act of creation holds lessons and reflections of our lives.
  3. Failures are not just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn and grow. By examining our mistakes closely, we gain insights that can lead us to future success.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

I Debate an Academic Feminist

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The writer participated in a debate focusing on feminism with an academic expert. It was a chance to share differing views on the topic.
  2. Both sides read each other's work before the debate, which made the discussion more informed and engaging.
  3. The debate was moderated by another writer, and there is a plan for a follow-up essay to discuss the ideas further.

In Defence of Beauty

Mind & Mythos • 419 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Beauty matters in our lives. It's not just about looking pretty; it's about how things make us feel emotionally and spiritually.
  2. There are some rules of Beauty that many people agree on across cultures. This suggests that Beauty isn't just personal preference, but something more universal.
  3. When we ignore Beauty in our society, we lose touch with important values like kindness and hope. Reconnecting with Beauty could help uplift our culture.

An Introduction to Spengler’s Decline

The Oswald Spengler Project • 459 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The Spenglerian Theory views cultures as living organisms with predictable life cycles of growth, decay, and ultimate demise.
  2. Spengler critiques the conventional classification of history and introduces a Copernican system that treats all cultures as equal, focusing on eight distinct high cultures.
  3. In each culture's life cycle, distinct stages emerge such as youth, maturity, decline, and the transition to civilization, marked by shifts in power, philosophy, religion, and societal structures.

You're not the only one who sees it

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many people feel that something is wrong in society, leading to a sense of disconnection and confusion. It's not just you who notices this feeling; others share similar concerns.
  2. There's a lack of basic respect and attention in everyday interactions, like cashiers not making eye contact or delivery people rushing away. This reflects a bigger issue in how society communicates.
  3. The problems we see today are rooted in deeper spiritual and physical issues that have built up over time. This can make it hard to feel connected and understood, but knowing others feel the same can provide some comfort.

Hidden Open Thread 360.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This post is for paid subscribers only, meaning you need a subscription to access the content.
  2. There’s an open thread format where subscribers can engage with the content and share their thoughts.
  3. It encourages community interaction and discussion among its members.

2.3 Francis Bacon & The Birth of Scientism

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. Francis Bacon is often called the father of scientism, which is the belief that science is the only way to know things. He wanted science to help humans gain power over nature.
  2. Bacon introduced the idea of cognitive biases, which are ways our thinking can be flawed. He identified different types of biases that can affect decision-making.
  3. His vision for science included a society where scientists could lead and guide people, similar to kings with the knowledge to improve life and solve problems.

2.6.2 Newton's Legacy

Fields & Energy • 219 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Newton's laws of motion were groundbreaking but took time to be fully understood and accepted. People did not immediately grasp his ideas about forces and motion.
  2. Many later scientists built on Newton's work, refining and developing his theories. Newton laid the groundwork, but others were key in shaping what we now know as classical physics.
  3. Newton's scientific approach set a high standard for future research. His methods are still considered a model for how scientific investigations should be conducted.

Hidden Open Thread 356.5

Astral Codex Ten • 757 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This post is only for paid subscribers, so you need to subscribe to access it.
  2. It seems like a platform for sharing thoughts and discussions among subscribers.
  3. There are visual elements indicating community engagement, like images and comment options.

I. A. Richards on Metaphor and Rhetoric

Logos and Liberty • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The British empiricists of the Enlightenment period believed in the importance of language referencing clear ideas derived from sensory experiences.
  2. Richards's philosophy of rhetoric emphasizes the central role of misunderstanding and the inevitability of metaphor in language.
  3. Language, thought, and reality are interconnected but distinct, with metaphor playing a crucial role in conveying complex ideas beyond literal terms.

Iris Murdoch, a novelist for now.

The Common Reader • 1630 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Iris Murdoch's novels focus on shocking readers out of themselves rather than offering consolation.
  2. Murdoch's works cover a wide range of themes like adultery, repression, homosexuality, and existential struggles.
  3. She believed art should entertain while also delving into the battle between good and evil, urging readers to escape the 'fat relentless ego.'

Happiness Ruined Everything

OK Doomer • 225 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Chasing happiness too hard can actually make you more miserable. It's important to remember that you can’t be happy for someone else; they have to find their own happiness.
  2. Society has created many 'happiness scripts' that tell us what steps we need to follow to be happy, but these often lead to disappointment instead of true joy.
  3. Real happiness comes from having basic needs met, like food and purpose, rather than the endless pursuit of material things or following societal pressure.

Dangerous or Beautiful

Less Foolish • 432 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Running can help shift your mindset from overthinking to getting things done efficiently.
  2. Being truthful in your self-reflection and writing helps cut through illusions and connect with your inner spirit.
  3. Engaging in communal practices like Collective Journalling and Collective Inquiry can lead to beautiful insights and connections with others.

Lots of People Don't Know What a Woman Is

Bentham's Newsletter • 432 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A woman is not just someone who identifies as a woman - the definition has flaws and circularity.
  2. Defining a woman as an adult human female leads to issues and does not match common understanding.
  3. A woman can be defined by a set of feminine traits, which is practical, inclusive, and well-supported by many philosophers.

Write So Your Mom Can Understand

Less Foolish • 432 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Avoid using unnecessary jargon to make your writing more accessible and understandable.
  2. Being playful with words can help reveal underlying emotions and encourage independent thinking.
  3. Strive to write in a way that anyone, even your mom, can easily understand and engage with your content.

Welcome to The Art of Enchantment

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1278 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The newsletter, The Art of Enchantment, by Dr. Sharon Blackie, covers topics from mythology, psychology, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and folklore.
  2. Dr. Sharon Blackie explains the importance of writers earning a living from their work and providing value to their supporters.
  3. Paid supporters of the newsletter receive exclusive content and can engage in subscriber-only conversations with Dr. Sharon Blackie.

The Counterpart Files

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Philosophy
  1. Every possible outcome of our lives exists in different worlds. This means that every decision we make has created branches that lead to different versions of ourselves.
  2. With new technology, people can explore their 'Counterpart Files' to see these different lives and choices, leading to both excitement and sometimes shock about what they find.
  3. The idea that we are all interconnected and share a more profound identity across these worlds suggests that at a fundamental level, we might be more similar than we think.

Philosophic Premises of Quantum Mechanics – Part I

Fields & Energy • 359 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Quantum mechanics is often misunderstood, with some believing it challenges objective reality. However, the issues stem from outdated philosophies rather than quantum theory itself.
  2. During the Weimar period in Germany, there was a strong cultural push against reason and causality. This opposition influenced the development of quantum mechanics during that time.
  3. Many scientists who shaped quantum mechanics were caught between supporting the new ideas and adhering to older principles of causality, leading to mixed interpretations of their findings.

Word salad, with nettle leaves and rakes

The Lifeboat • 217 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Mistakes are an important part of learning. People often prefer to learn from their own experiences rather than just hearing about others' mistakes.
  2. Nettles symbolize difficult experiences that sting but also help us feel alive. We tend to avoid pain, but sometimes it’s those challenges that lead to growth.
  3. Even in tough situations, like feeling lost in a desert, we can seek out what we need, like comfort and understanding, which can lead to calmness.

Who's afraid of the present?

Erifili • 179 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The allure of romanticised stories has a real appeal to many, but it can sometimes lead us away from truly living in the present moment.
  2. The fear of the present stems from its fragility and imperfections, making us sometimes choose to lock beautiful experiences in a past moment.
  3. Balancing between living in the present and losing oneself in stories or fantasies can offer hope, a sense of control, and inspiration, each having its own merits and drawbacks.

Stop Making Sense

The Ruffian • 534 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Art doesn’t always need to make sense. Sometimes, it's okay to enjoy things that feel profound even if we can't explain them.
  2. We often prefer mysteries over puzzles. While puzzles have clear answers, mysteries make us think deeply and keep us engaged.
  3. Current culture pushes for clear and simple art because of instant gratification. However, artists like David Lynch and Bob Dylan show us the beauty in ambiguity and complexity.

Reading List for Chapter 2: Aristotle, Plato, and Newton

Fields & Energy • 179 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. Reading about early thinkers like Aristotle and Newton can help us understand science's history better. Their ideas shaped how we think about the world today.
  2. Several recommended books provide a deeper look into the origins of science. Reading these can give you a clearer view of how scientific ideas developed over time.
  3. Exploring different scholars and podcasts can broaden your perspective on science and its history. It helps to seek out various viewpoints for a more complete understanding.

a dialogue with myself concerning eliezer yudkowsky

Thicket Forte • 819 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. People are frustrated with the beliefs and ideas of Eliezer Yudkowsky. They feel overwhelmed by the impact his views have had on their lives. It's exhausting to navigate the complicated discussions around AI safety.
  2. Yudkowsky's warnings about AI risks seem to have attracted more interest in AI instead of preventing problems. Some believe his approach only made things worse, which feels ironic to his followers.
  3. There's a sense that relying on one person's ideas, like Yudkowsky's, isn't enough to solve complex issues. Collaboration and collective thinking are seen as necessary to address the challenges of AI effectively.

Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

Heroines talk to themselves in Jane Austen

The Austen Connection • 412 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Jane Austen's heroines frequently engage in conversations with themselves, providing self-insights, fortitude, comforts, and love.
  2. These internal dialogues foster self-reflection, soliloquies, and self-care, showcasing the protagonists' strength and resilience.
  3. By talking to themselves, the heroines navigate complex emotions, make tough decisions, and find joy, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and self-love in Austen's works.

More thoughts on creative tension

Austin Kleon • 1199 implied HN points • 08 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Creative tension can help generate new ideas and push creativity forward. It's about balancing different opposing thoughts or feelings.
  2. Negative capability means being okay with uncertainty and holding two opposing views at the same time. This can help people think more deeply and creatively.
  3. The unity of opposites is an ancient idea that suggests conflicting concepts can work together. Embracing this can lead to a richer understanding of creativity.

The Insidious Lie That We Can’t Understand Each Other

After Babel • 2074 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Identity trap ideologies suggest we can't understand each other, but it's important to challenge this notion.
  2. Standpoint theory emphasizes empathizing with oppressed groups, but it may not effectively guide political action.
  3. To argue against the identity trap, take concerns seriously, show why the ideology may fail, and propose a more noble path forward.