The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Wit's Guide to Procrastination

Get Wit Quick • 334 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Procrastination can be a way to avoid work you're supposed to be doing at the moment.
  2. Don't believe in the 'Eat That Frog' concept of doing the worst thing first to get it over with.
  3. Procrastinators can accomplish many things, but struggle with facing certain tasks unless they find something worse to avoid.

America's Novus Ordo Seclorum

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 334 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Different political communities shape distinct ways of life based on principles, values, and customs unique to them.
  2. Constitutions and forms of government play a central role in determining a society's way of life and cultural mores.
  3. The American Revolution and Founding transformed American society, promoting principles of individualism, meritocracy, and freedom.

A Return to Teaching: The Spring 2023 Edition

Musings on Markets • 859 implied HN points • 21 Dec 22
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Preparation is crucial for teaching. Being ready for class helps make the learning experience better for everyone.
  2. Respect and empathy towards students are important. Treating students as capable individuals fosters a positive learning environment.
  3. Classes should be engaging and fun. Enjoying the teaching process makes learning more meaningful and impactful for students.
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Rough Draft 2024, Part Two: Reflecting on a decade of work

polymathematics • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Embrace uncertainty in life, as unexpected experiences can lead to the best outcomes. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed; it's part of the journey.
  2. Finding the right balance in work and personal projects is important. It's essential to focus on what truly matters and avoid feeling like you have to compromise.
  3. Setting clear goals can help you stay organized and motivated. Aim to create specific projects that bring you joy, and don’t be afraid to reassess your direction along the way.

RTF Lecture invitation: Of Minds and Men- ON UNIVERSAL HISTORY & THE CREATION OF ARISTOCRATIC MEN (Feb. 11 at 2pm ET)

Matt Ehret's Insights • 157 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Plato and Confucius emphasized the importance of true education for the development of a culture with sovereign citizens.
  2. Historically, society's cyclic corruption hindered humanity's progress, highlighting the need for a culture promoting moral, spiritual, and intellectual excellence.
  3. The aim is to establish educational systems that cultivate the best attributes in individuals, fostering sovereign citizens without regard to social status or breeding.

On The Art of Dying

Castalia • 439 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Death can be seen as an art and part of the journey of life. Just like a movie’s climax, it shapes our experiences and how we live.
  2. In the West, many people tend to deny or fear death, leading to a busy life without confronting real issues. This 'active laziness' stops them from truly understanding life.
  3. Reflecting on death can lead to a deeper appreciation of life. Saying goodbye and being grateful for experiences can help us live more fully and peacefully.

The Evidence For And Against Theism

Bentham's Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The evidence for theism includes physical existence, useful interactions, finely tuned constants, and psychophysical laws.
  2. The evidence against theism consists of factors like the presence of evils, divine hiddenness, lack of clear miracles, and potentially inconsistent divine attributes.
  3. The problem of evil is highlighted as a significant argument favoring theism.

How Does "Reasoning" Work?

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Reasoning in AI often involves finding and using analogies to solve problems. Just like a chess program cuts down on bad moves, AI looks for the best comparisons to answer a question.
  2. Human thought relies heavily on metaphors, which are used to understand new ideas. These metaphors can be good or bad depending on how well they fit the situation.
  3. Both humans and AI have strengths and weaknesses in reasoning. AI can be quicker but may miss the deeper meaning in a question, while humans can make creative leaps but might take longer.

The Limits of Science: Why Einstein Believed Science Needs the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 319 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Einstein believed that a holistic education balancing science and humanities is essential for cultivating fundamental human values and morality.
  2. He emphasized that over-specialization and narrowly technical competencies can lead to lopsided thought and hinder human development.
  3. Einstein highlighted the importance of ethical values guiding scientific knowledge to maintain a healthy and humane society.

⬜ Studio Ghibli vibes vs. history

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The film The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli offers a fantastical, immersive experience for viewers of all ages.
  2. The movie carries historical depth, drawing inspiration from a 1937 novel addressed to counter militant nationalism in Japan.
  3. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, encapsulates profound themes through abstract storytelling and dreamlike elements, challenging conventional standards of ambition in art.

Maybe Your Opinion Is Just a Feeling About a Story

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Opinions can often be influenced by emotions rather than facts. It's important to recognize when your feelings about a story shape your views.
  2. The debate around the Elgin Marbles shows that we can change our minds when we learn more and see different perspectives about a historical issue.
  3. Identifying and understanding the narratives around controversial topics can help us make more informed decisions and avoid biases based on tribal feelings.

Georgia's Defensive Philosophy

MatchQuarters • 314 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Philosophy
  1. Georgia's defensive philosophy focuses on controlling the line of scrimmage with elite talent and coaching.
  2. Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, Georgia's defense remained strong and dominant in the 2022 season.
  3. Smart's defensive strategy emphasizes stopping the run with minimal defenders to achieve efficiency and success on the field.

The Death of Socrates

Symposium • 314 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Illiberalism includes both government action and a cultural acceptance of shutting down differing opinions.
  2. Academia can stifle debate by enforcing conformity and discouraging alternative views.
  3. Attempts at policing speech and ideology, whether from the left or right, risk unintended consequences and backlash.

vol. 54. dispatch from India

Wellness Wisdom by Patricia Mou • 314 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Philosophy
  1. The author traveled across India for 3 weeks and explored deep philosophical and spiritual concepts.
  2. The author shared detailed itineraries for India and Italy, highlighting cultural, spiritual, and culinary experiences.
  3. Specific must-do recommendations were shared for cities like Delhi, Rishikesh, and Varanasi, including places to visit and experiences to try.

We find what we look for

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 31 May 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. We notice things based on what we are looking for. If we're not paying attention to something, we might miss it even if it's right in front of us.
  2. Our experiences are shaped by what we choose to focus on. What we find in the world depends on where we direct our attention.
  3. Different perspectives can lead to different interpretations of the same event. How we see things can change based on our interests and experiences.

The Probability of God

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The existence of God is debated, especially around traditional views of a perfect being like an all-knowing, all-powerful entity. Many people question if such a being can even exist at all.
  2. There are arguments that challenge the idea of an all-powerful God, like how can someone be truly powerful if they can’t do everything or know everything. This raises doubts about the traditional definition of God.
  3. Determining how likely it is that God exists is tricky. People often struggle to assign initial probabilities to such beliefs before looking at evidence.

An Apostate Against the Machine-God

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Modern technological civilization acts like an autonomous 'Machine' that prizes calculative reason, uproots people from place and tradition, and treats nature and humans as interchangeable resources, causing ecological collapse and spiritual alienation.
  2. The answer proposed is to re-root life in local communities, traditions, and meaningful practices—rebuilding moral economies, family, farming, and craft—and to practice technological askesis, a disciplined refusal of dehumanizing technologies.
  3. The political reality is messy: both market-liberal progressive forces and a rising reactionary tech elite can enable the Machine, while accelerationist strains even celebrate humanity's replacement, so simple left‑right fixes are inadequate.

Social Learning Links, 12/7/2024

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. We often form our beliefs based on who we trust rather than just the facts. It's easy to fall into thinking everyone else is wrong if they disagree with us.
  2. People have a bias where they see good things happening to their group as a result of their strengths, while bad things are blamed on outside factors. This leads to unfair judgments about others.
  3. Understanding and acknowledging our own mistakes is tough but important. It helps us to think clearly and make better decisions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Do You See What I See?

The Better Letter • 235 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Our brains actively construct reality, leading to different perceptions of the same thing.
  2. People tend to hold steadfast beliefs about the world, even when faced with uncertainty.
  3. Christmas represents the idea of God coming to Earth in vulnerability to redeem a broken world.

LED candles are everything that's wrong with society

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. LED candles are convenient but lack the magic and unpredictability of real fire. Nothing beats the warmth and charm that comes from a real flame.
  2. Society tends to favor efficiency over quality, but that makes life feel dull and lifeless. Embracing challenges and imperfections brings more richness to our experiences.
  3. Screens dominate our daily lives, and we often forget to engage with the real world. It's important to seek out genuine connections and experiences instead of just tuning into pixels.

Was Carl Jung Antisemitic?

The Living Philosophy • 176 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There are accusations of Carl Jung being antisemitic due to his entanglements with Nazi Germany, but he also had Jewish friends and later explored Jewish mystical philosophy like Kabballah.
  2. Jung's involvement with organizations that had Nazi affiliations, such as promoting 'Mein Kampf' as required reading for psychotherapists, raised questions about his leanings.
  3. Some of Jung's comments, like comparing Jewish people to 'weak like women' or having a 'lower potential psyche,' have been viewed as potentially antisemitic, but context suggests a nuanced evaluation is needed.

Dark Forest Cosmology

Fake Noûs • 112 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The Dark Forest Theory suggests that intelligent civilizations hide in the universe to avoid being destroyed by others. It's based on the idea that revealing one's location could lead to danger.
  2. This theory tries to explain why we haven't found evidence of other intelligent life, saying that advanced civilizations choose to stay silent instead.
  3. However, there are problems with the theory, like the assumption that civilizations can't find each other easily, despite having advanced technology. If they can destroy each other, they could likely also find each other's locations.

Beyond Busyness (audio)

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The post discusses the concept of busyness as a dubious status claim and why time feels to pass quicker as one ages.
  2. There is a reflection on how two Harry Potter films led to thinking about Gaza, along with a positive outlook on the Perspectiva antidebate.
  3. The post includes a reading of 'Beannacht' by John O'Donohue as an antidote to late January blues.

dissolution

bookbear express • 396 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes using psilocybin can make familiar concepts, like marriage or work, feel strange and less meaningful. It's a feeling of losing your sense of self for a bit.
  2. Social events can feel overwhelming, but letting go of expectations can help you enjoy the moment. Trying too hard to fit in can make things more stressful.
  3. Life is unpredictable and trying to control everything can create anxiety. Embracing uncertainty can lead to a lighter and more joyful existence.

#171: Other people’s sweatshirts

Maybe Baby • 1075 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many people envy the sweatshirts of others, admiring qualities like softness, color, and fit.
  2. Coveting other people's sweatshirts is more of a philosophical conundrum than a rational desire.
  3. The sweatshirt represents comfort and security, highlighting the human tendency to seek these qualities externally.

Two Short Movie Reviews

Maximum Progress • 196 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Poor Things is a visually stunning movie with explicit philosophical themes.
  2. Godzilla Minus One explores the contrast between wartime and post-war Japan.
  3. Both movies provide interesting cultural commentary and raise important questions.

Best Housekeeping Yet!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There are big plans for 2025 at The Hinternet, including new features, a call for submissions with a good pay rate, and looking for new contributors and voice actors.
  2. A new publication called The Oort Cloud Review is set to launch soon, and it’s expected to make a significant impact.
  3. The Hinternet is trying to distance itself from low-investment free subscribers and is focusing on fostering genuine engagement from dedicated readers.

Curator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Liberalism is seen by some as losing energy and direction. There are calls for change, but people are unsure what will come next.
  2. Generation X reflects on their cultural identity and feelings of betrayal regarding the societal changes after the idealism of the 1960s. They struggle with the disillusionment of unmet hopes.
  3. Writers like Don DeLillo express concerns about how modern life has altered identities, making people feel more disconnected, while still hoping to capture the essence of shared human experiences.

Embrace bewilderment

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
  2. Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
  3. Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

if not, Paris • 294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.