The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Gnosticism: Origins

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 631 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Gnosticism emphasizes knowledge ('gnosis') as the key to understanding the universe, viewing it as flawed and created by a lesser god.
  2. Gnostics believe our true essence is divine, and our task is to reconnect with this lost origin and escape the physical world's traps.
  3. The belief system is seen as a reaction to the oppressive religious and political contexts of the time, offering a radical alternative to traditional spirituality.

Anna GΓ‘t: What to Read This Weekend #50

interintellect β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Music and joy are closely linked in both Classical and contemporary Chinese, represented by the character 樂.
  2. The formation of elite groups often involves high levels of talent and success in various fields.
  3. The rise of social media has coincided with a decline in trust in experts and objective knowledge.

Hidden Open Thread 384.5

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This is a post meant for paid subscribers only. It includes content that isn't accessible to everyone.
  2. The post features an open thread, allowing subscribers to engage in discussion and share their thoughts.
  3. There are visual elements like images, which may be part of the discussion or simply to enhance the post's appeal.

2.4 The Copernican Revolution & the β€œHorror Vacui”

Fields & Energy β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Philosophy
  1. Nicolaus Copernicus suggested that the Earth orbits the sun, which was a big change from the earlier belief that everything revolves around the Earth. This idea helped set the stage for modern astronomy.
  2. Competing theories like heliocentrism and geocentrism can both be useful in explaining observations. Sometimes even incorrect models are used because they make calculations easier.
  3. Galileo and other scientists built on Copernicus' ideas, leading to a deeper understanding of motion, gravity, and the nature of vacuums. This helped shift thinking from old beliefs to observations and experiments.
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Thinking Under Fascism

Dada Drummer Almanach β€’ 505 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Thinking creatively during tough times can help us hold onto our reality. It's important to find a personal truth even when the world feels distorted.
  2. Art can be a powerful tool against oppressive forces, as shown by Chaplin's famous speech in 'The Great Dictator.' Speaking out against injustice can attract both support and backlash.
  3. History shows us that silencing voices of opposition is a strategy used by fascists. We must stay connected and support one another to resist these challenges in the present.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden β€’ 576 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

Watching Football with Friends

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Expressing complex thoughts or feelings can be challenging, especially when others may not understand.
  2. Articulating your viewpoints through writing can help clarify your ideas and potentially facilitate better communication with others.
  3. Seeking to convey deeper meanings behind your beliefs or emotions, even if not fully reciprocated, can lead to a sense of connection and understanding.

Camus and Dostoevsky on Filthy Lucre, Happiness, and Freedom

Vremya β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. Both Camus and Dostoevsky explored how money is tied to happiness and freedom. They show that being rich can bring time and opportunities for true happiness.
  2. Work often limits our freedom and potential. Many people don't enjoy their jobs, as they are forced to work for survival rather than passion.
  3. Having money doesn’t guarantee happiness. It’s important to find purpose and create meaning in life, even when you're free from financial worries.

Introducing The Elysian (and my new job)

The Novelleist β€’ 2432 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of having literary thinkers over journalists for societal progress.
  2. The author discusses the nostalgia for the Enlightenment period and the need to revive philosophical and utopian thinking.
  3. The author introduces The Elysian as a platform for stimulating discussions around envisioning a better future through essays, literature, and discourse.

Maximum Progress on Progressivism

Bet On It β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Michael Huemer's book, Progressive Myths, offers a clear look at popular beliefs around social issues. He tackles topics like racism and sexism with an emphasis on understanding facts over ideology.
  2. The book encourages readers to question politically charged information and be more skeptical of what they hear. It stresses the importance of looking for objective truths instead of simply aligning with one side of the debate.
  3. Huemer concludes that understanding the truth about complex issues is crucial for avoiding myths that can arise in society. His approach aims to help readers think critically about controversial topics, helping them navigate media bias.

RKUL: Time Well Spent, 07/14/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning β€’ 183 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Your time is limited, and it's easy to waste it on your phone and the internet. Instead, consider using that time to read good books and learn something valuable.
  2. Reading offers you a chance to experience decades of knowledge and insights from various subjects. Books like 'From Dawn to Decadence' enrich your understanding of culture and creativity.
  3. Intellectual discussions can sometimes focus too much on power dynamics rather than the beauty and creativity of human thought. It's important to balance critiques with appreciation for the genius of human culture.

An Update to the Essay "Intimations of a New Worldview"

Intimations of a New Worldview β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 22 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. Changes and additions to the essay 'Intimations of a New Worldview' were made, including a figure illustrating the 'journey of the revolutionary hero'.
  2. The author is working on a post exploring the significance of 'meaning in life' from an evolutionary psychology perspective.
  3. The substack has experienced growth with over 1,400 subscribers after nine months, showing progress despite the author's initial anonymity.

The Big Announcement Post

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 659 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 22
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Ben Burgis is starting a philosophy Substack and is excited to share philosophical content with his audience on a regular basis.
  2. He aims to continue his political writing while also incorporating more popular-level philosophy content into his work.
  3. The Substack, named 'Philosophy for the People,' will offer free essays initially, with an option to support and access all content later.

212. Books to Read and Gift (2023)

Hardcore Software β€’ 297 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. The post highlights a list of books recommended for reading and gifting in 2023.
  2. The books cover various topics including history, economics, technology, and social issues.
  3. The author provides personal opinions and insights on each book, making it a curated collection.

Reality: A Lesson on Love from John Muir

Meaning || Matter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. John Muir believed that to truly love nature, you have to understand it deeply. It's not just about enjoying beautiful views, but learning about the details and the science behind them.
  2. Muir's connection to Yosemite went beyond a short visit; it was a lifelong love. He spent years studying and exploring, showing that genuine love for something requires commitment and care.
  3. Sharing your passion for nature with others can inspire them to appreciate it too. Muir used his writing to invite more people to see and love the natural world around them.

Misquoting Darwin

Going Awol β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. Charles Darwin expressed doubts about the reliability of human cognitive faculties, specifically in forming abstruse metaphysical and theological beliefs.
  2. Darwin's doubt should be understood in the context of his concerns about certain philosophical and religious convictions, rather than everyday beliefs.
  3. Apologists quoting Darwin out of context have misunderstood his doubts, leading to misconceptions about the scope of his concerns.

2.7 Summary and Conclusions

Fields & Energy β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Philosophy
  1. Scientists should consider multiple models to explain natural phenomena and not cling to a single theory. Even if an old idea isn't widely accepted anymore, it could still hold value.
  2. Inductive reasoning, based on observations, and deductive reasoning, based on theories, are both vital in scientific discovery. They work together to help us understand the world better.
  3. Our understanding of science evolves over time, with new ideas replacing or revisiting old ones. It's essential to stay open-minded and not assume today's beliefs are the ultimate truth.

Musings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past β€’ 34 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Appreciating what we have can be done by imagining its loss. Think about what life would be like if you never had that thing or person in your life anymore.
  2. Joy comes from connections with others and being in a state of flow. When we build relationships and engage deeply in activities, we often find happiness.
  3. Vagabonding is about choosing experiences over possessions. It’s about taking time off from everyday life to travel and enjoy new perspectives.

Jordan Peterson Thinks Atheists "Unconsciously" Worship Pan (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Despite Peterson's critiques of atheism, his own religious beliefs are unclear and seem to blend pragmatism with ambiguity.
  2. Peterson's views on truth suggest that he struggles to fully commit to asserting traditional Christian beliefs with certainty, indicating a disconnect between his philosophical beliefs and personal convictions.
  3. Struggling with defining his beliefs, Peterson's rhetoric on God appears more as a mix of naturalistic pantheism and ambiguous theological language rather than a clear-cut adherence to traditional religious doctrines.

Soul-Burning

Less Foolish β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Suffering can lead to spiritual development through soul-making.
  2. Soul-burning can be a result of following one's deepest calling.
  3. Expecting challenges and hardships is essential for growth and fulfillment.

Deejaying on the hedonic treadmill

Austin Kleon β€’ 1358 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Using DJ tricks like volume and sequencing can help us balance our feelings and experiences on the hedonic treadmill. It's all about finding the right mix in life.
  2. Reading can sometimes be frustrating if a book is too long, but it can still be engaging. It's a journey of wanting to know more while feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Recent shows and music can bring joy and surprise. It's fun to discover new artists or enjoy those earlier seasons of beloved TV shows.

Amusing Ourselves To Death

Austin Kleon β€’ 1258 implied HN points β€’ 16 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Neil Postman believed that our society, influenced by technology, is more about entertainment than meaningful communication. This shift can lead us to be less critical thinkers.
  2. He compared the dangers of losing ourselves to a world full of distractions to the warnings in classic literature, arguing that we might love technology too much, which can hinder our growth.
  3. Postman felt that we're living in a 'peek-a-boo world,' where information appears and disappears quickly, leaving us without a strong sense of coherence or connection to deeper ideas.

Doctrine encrusting the lava of rebellion

Wrong Side of History β€’ 223 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Society has gone through a big change in values over the last several decades. What was once considered moral has shifted to a new set of beliefs.
  2. This shift can feel like more freedom or tolerance, but it's really about replacing one moral order with another. It's a change not just in laws but in what people believe is right or wrong.
  3. Just like in ancient Rome when Christianity took over, our current times show how one belief system can dominate and change the views of the elite as well.

Levellers

Life and Letters β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Economic inequality has been an ongoing issue, and mass death is seen as a way to create equality. Big events like wars or pandemics can reduce the gap between the rich and poor.
  2. Throughout history, societies tend to grow more unequal over time, and only major disasters can disrupt this trend. Events like wars or plagues change social dynamics and create new opportunities for survival.
  3. Literature has often reflected these themes of social hierarchy and equality, especially during times of crisis like the Black Death. Writers were influenced by the social changes and questions of equality during these periods.

Essay Club: Myth, History, and Pagan Origins by John Michael Greer

Mind & Mythos β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Myths help people understand who they are and how the world works. They are not just stories, but reflect deeper truths and beliefs.
  2. Modern views often separate myth and history into 'true' and 'untrue' but this limits how we see the importance of myths. Myths can shape our behaviors and beliefs even if they can't be proven.
  3. Many cultural conflicts stem from enduring myths like the struggle between good and evil. Rethinking these myths might help us find new ways to relate and resolve conflicts.

Optimistic Reports on God and the Soul

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The discussion on consciousness has shifted towards panpsychism as a middle ground between materialism and dualism.
  2. There is a resurgence in interest in dualism and theism as explanatory options for minds and the cosmos.
  3. Recent works defend substance dualism and point to the ongoing decline of interest in physicalism, emphasizing the importance of souls and God in understanding consciousness and the universe.

Evola's Preface Continued

The Oswald Spengler Project β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Evola discusses Caesarism, 20th-century fascism, Nazism, and technical vocabulary in Spengler's work.
  2. Spengler's theory of Caesarism centers on the struggle between economic power and pure politics, emphasizing the reign of machinery and finance.
  3. The historical role of Caesarism, its impact on figures like Mussolini, and Spengler's views on various civilizations and phases are analyzed.

Immediatism

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 580 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Immediatism focuses on creating genuine connections and experiences with others, rather than getting lost in the busyness of modern life. Meeting face-to-face with a group can already be considered a revolutionary act.
  2. Art and creativity should be less about selling or commodifying, and more about shared experiences and direct engagement. Real art can happen in private, away from market pressures.
  3. The struggle against societal norms and alienation involves recognizing that true fulfillment comes from relationships and creativity, rather than work and consumption. We should prioritize making a life, not just a living.

Chaos

Venture Prose β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Chaos can bring beauty, freedom, and risk, offering a different perspective and new ideas.
  2. Embrace chaos in action by allowing room for diversity, creativity, and rebellion in your organization.
  3. While chaos can be inspiring, be cautious of letting it cloud your thoughts - aim for clarity and coherence.

K is for Kundera

Castalia β€’ 399 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy
  1. Milan Kundera's works often explore deep philosophical ideas through fiction, making complex themes feel accessible. His famous novel, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' mixes romance with existential questions that resonate with readers at different life stages.
  2. Kundera believed that literature should reflect the human experience and critique societal norms, including both communism and western materialism. He valued individuality over conformity, showcasing characters who often wrestle with personal freedom and moral choices.
  3. Despite being associated with lightness and simplicity, Kundera's writing is rich with depth and challenge. He aimed to fuse serious ideas with a light narrative style, creating a unique blend that invites introspection while keeping readers engaged.