The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Anti-Communism and 20th-century Economics

In My Tribe • 865 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Great economists of the 20th century were motivated by the conflict between capitalism and communism.
  2. There was a trade-off between freedom and economic pain, with differing views on how to handle it.
  3. The focus of 21st century intellectuals has shifted to issues like climate change and terrorism, moving away from the economic debates of the past.

The 80-20 Rule and the Trickster Archetype

Daoist Methodologies • 216 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The Trickster Archetype is a quasi-universal figure known for being amoral, oafish, and ultimately successful despite failures.
  2. In the Stratagems, Qin Shihuang is portrayed as a trickster god figure, providing insightful assessments and charm in his actions.
  3. Individuals who take high-risk, trial-and-error approaches in chaotic situations may appear as 'serene bumblers' but strategically use repeated failures to achieve success.

Berkeley Events: Deconstructing the Tarot & Pierce the Valley

Tarot Offerings • 216 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Jessica Dore will be offering two events on Earth Day in Berkeley, Deconstructing the Tarot and Pierce the Valley.
  2. The Deconstructing the Tarot workshop will explore new meanings in Tarot cards through philosophical ideas like deconstruction and poststructuralism.
  3. Pierce the Valley event will involve storytelling of the Grail Legend and practicing 'doubly-listening' to open up to new meanings.

Modern Magnificenza

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 133 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Our society is very focused on logical thinking, but we also need creativity and emotional understanding. It's important to balance both sides of our brains to have a fulfilling life.
  2. We are experiencing big shifts in power and wealth today, similar to what happened before the Renaissance. Wealthy individuals can lead to positive changes by funding beautiful, meaningful projects in their communities.
  3. Working on meaningful and beautiful projects can provide not just personal satisfaction but also benefit the community. This approach can help those feeling lost in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Postmodernism Is Good, Actually

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1226 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The novel 'J R' explores the corrupting influence of money on our pursuit of creating things of beauty.
  2. The current cultural trend of identity-mongering tied to neoliberal capitalism reflects themes seen in 'J R' from fifty years ago.
  3. Art should maintain autonomy and challenge norms, as seen through examples from the avant-garde and critical analysis of current artistic trends.
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The Tears of Strangers are only water

Wrong Side of History • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Empathy has its limits; we often feel sad for others but can't fully connect to their pain. It's normal to care about distant events, but we might not be able to change them.
  2. Sometimes, people who are deeply empathetic can get overwhelmed by the suffering they see in the world. This can lead to sadness, just like in the story of Simone Weil.
  3. Understanding the feelings of others is important, but we need to balance it with our own well-being. It's okay to feel for others without taking on their pain.

My Dog Isn't An Atheist (But I Am): What Christopher Hitchens Should Have Said to William Lane Craig

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 279 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The post discusses missed opportunities in a debate between Christopher Hitchens and William Lane Craig regarding the existence of God.
  2. There will be a podcast discussing the essay with Stefan Bertram-Lee on This is Revolution.
  3. To access the full post, subscriptions are required for paid subscribers.

The Orbis Tertius Society

Secretum Secretorum • 378 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. The Orbis Tertius Society is described as a secret group that aims to explore new ideas and thoughts. It's seen as a mix of a fun experiment and a serious quest for understanding.
  2. Andrew Rose is offering a space for this society at Fractal University in NYC, which focuses on community education. People can apply to join and be part of this unique initiative.
  3. The society blends the concepts of a hidden community with positive intentions, promoting collaboration and thoughtful discussions among its members.

Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 723 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.

Long Questions/Short Answers

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 243 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Asking the right questions can change how you see the world. Questions can guide our thoughts and experiences more than the answers themselves.
  2. When you focus on a big question in your life, it can shape your goals and actions. This question becomes your mission, driving you toward new discoveries.
  3. Curiosity is key to learning and growth. The questions we ask help us filter out irrelevant information and find what matters to us.

The Romantic Era Never Ended

Bet On It • 296 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Romantic Era of music isn't over; it lives on in modern soundtracks. Many new compositions carry the spirit of famous Romantic composers.
  2. While some may think of soundtracks as simple background music, many actually hold high artistic value, comparable to classical masterpieces.
  3. It's important to appreciate and celebrate modern composers who continue the legacy of the Romantic tradition, rather than just mourn for the past.

The Paradox Of Spirituality

Weekly Wisdom • 238 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Spirituality is a complex, elusive concept that defies easy definition, with a focus on ethics and virtue.
  2. Spirituality often involves a path of introspection and transcendence, which can include practices like meditation and prayer.
  3. Spirituality provides a framework for exploring meaning, prosocial behavior, and interconnectedness in both personal and societal contexts.

God, Michael Huemer, and String Theory

Bentham's Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Mental states may not always have a necessary pairing, allowing for randomness in our thoughts and reactions to stimuli.
  2. Accepting metaphysical weirdness in scientific theories like string theory or time-bending can help explain data, just like it does for theism.
  3. The existence of multiple possible worlds and individuals is possible without imposing unexplained limits on modality, implying the presence of numerous souls.

Woe Should We Do?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1063 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Philosophy
  1. The author wants feedback on what motivates readers to engage with the blog.
  2. Various deep topics have been explored in the blog, including book reviews, epistemology, economics, and more.
  3. The blog has provided valuable content, but the author seeks input on potential new topics to cover.

The Story Of China

Learning Machine • 117 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. China's name comes from Sanskrit word 'Cheen' and its history is full dynastic cycles of rise and fall.
  2. Chinese culture is deeply influenced by philosophy, including Confucianism and Legalism.
  3. China's unity, technological advancements like gunpowder and naval expeditions have played significant roles in its history.

Immortality and its Discontents

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. There's a growing interest in immortality and how technology, like AI, could help us live longer. Some people believe that embracing these advancements is the key to a better future.
  2. Not everyone agrees with how some tech entrepreneurs are promoting longevity. Critics say their methods and products are often unproven and may not lead to the promised health benefits.
  3. Studies show that bad behavior learned in one area can spread to other areas, especially with AI. Just like in humans, training AI on negative examples can lead to undesirable outcomes in different contexts.

What Owning Nothing is Like

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Ownership and identity are intertwined - renting can affect how we see ourselves and where we belong.
  2. The history of Ireland reveals a stark division between those who own land and those who do not, leading to dire consequences.
  3. Shared beliefs and a common future are crucial to building a society, especially when class divisions are deep and trust is lacking.

The Black Island

Becoming Noble • 199 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Black Island project is focused on building power, resources, family, and security as society declines.
  2. The goal is to create a stable foundation like an island citadel in the face of societal instability.
  3. Premium subscription for The Black Island offers exclusive, advanced, and esoteric content for subscribers, with plans for supporting art and research.

Destroying the World is a Difficult Problem

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 255 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. There's a big difference between theorists and experimentalists in science. Theorists think a lot about ideas, while experimentalists deal with the real-world messiness of experiments.
  2. Many fears about AI being super dangerous come from theorists who underestimate the practical challenges. Even super smart AIs will face real-life problems that slow them down.
  3. Destroying the world is actually hard and takes time. Even if an AI is super intelligent, making big changes in reality is complicated and can't happen instantly.

What I've Been Reading | October 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Education is essential for living well, and continuous learning is important for a liberal life
  2. When parenting, communicate directly with kids and set clear boundaries in a firm yet friendly way
  3. Some books provide reasoned critiques of societal norms, like traditional sexual morality

Stolen plants always grow

Austin Kleon • 919 implied HN points • 22 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Plants taken from their original spot can still grow and thrive. This shows that sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something positive.
  2. Many myths exist around publishing and what it takes to succeed. It's important to separate fact from fiction in the industry.
  3. Life after fame can be challenging for pop stars. Some find that the attention they craved comes with heavy burdens and unexpected changes.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 99 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Uncertainty and anxiety can torment us, but training the mind to let go of attachments can lead to inner peace.
  2. The Zenoist philosophy advocates for tolerating both good and evil to reach a state of tranquility, but few can fully embrace this way of life.
  3. Choosing to offer forgiveness and support to others, even in the face of suffering and despair, can bring unexpected connections and opportunities for redemption.

Notes on Dance

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Dance encompasses a broad range of cultural practices involving choreography beyond traditional performances like ballet.
  2. The avant-garde in art history emerged in the late 19th century and declined by the 1980s due to societal shifts towards norm-enforcement in artistic expression.
  3. Art, like dance, serves as a powerful form of representation that taps into deep human experiences and emotions beyond language.

Leaving behind the history written in letters of blood

Wrong Side of History • 275 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. European society changed a lot after World War II, and old ideas of guilt and hospitality mixed with a new horror from the war. This shift influenced how people thought about nationalism and morality.
  2. People became very afraid of nationalism after the war, often going too far in pushing it away, which made them overlook other important values like order and liberty.
  3. There is a strong belief among European elites that immigration is always a good thing, even if the reasons they give can be confusing. This ideology has become common in their discussions.

Digital Shamanism

the shimmering void • 93 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Using imagination is crucial for understanding different perspectives. It helps us think about how others see the world and creates new ideas.
  2. Digital tools like AI can enhance group discussions and creativity. They allow people to connect in meaningful ways during collective activities.
  3. To use AI thoughtfully, we need skilled facilitators who can guide interactions and prevent negative outcomes. This approach can keep discussions focused and purposeful.

Birdsong

The Commonplace • 1120 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Take time to observe the beauty around you, like birdsongs and nature, instead of being consumed by technology.
  2. There is enchantment in the everyday environment if we open ourselves to see and hear it.
  3. Utilize technology, like bird identification apps, to learn more about the world around you and the beauty of nature.

Review: Laura J. Snyder on William James

Book Post • 98 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. William James was an important thinker who developed a new philosophy and introduced psychology to America.
  2. James was considered a genius and had a significant impact on the fields of logic, philosophy, and science.
  3. To learn more about William James, you can access the full post through a 7-day free trial on Book Post.

Some Austrian Answers

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. The author's views on Austrian economics have not changed much over the years, but they've become more open to certain ideas, particularly regarding human behavior in economics.
  2. They believe that Austrian economists should focus more on using empirical psychology and less on philosophical debates to better understand economic behaviors.
  3. The author finds that reading Austrian economists has inspired new libertarian policy ideas and encourages others to do the same for creative thinking.

Coming Soon! Science & Scientism

Fields & Energy • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The discussion will explore the differences between science and scientism, which refers to an excessive reliance on scientific methods or claims.
  2. Francis Bacon is a key historical figure in the development of modern science, particularly with his influence on the Royal Society.
  3. A livestream event featuring experts will dive deeper into these topics, highlighting the philosophical aspects of science.

More Men Made of Miscellaneous Materials

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 661 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Different types of argument representations exist, like straw man, steel man, and gold man, each serving unique purposes in discussions.
  2. Beyond the classic argument representations, there are variations such as glass man, diamond man, and pyrite man, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.
  3. Some argument representations, like lead man, uranium man, and wax man, may have negative effects on discussions by either polluting the debate or ascribing malicious intent to the opponent.

Walk like a man, stand like a tree.

Neckar’s Notes • 120 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to connect with nature, especially trees. Spending time with them can bring peace and insight into life.
  2. Trees symbolize strength and trust. They teach us to be grounded and embrace life's changes with grace.
  3. Walking through life involves movement and exploration, but we can learn a lot by simply being still and listening to the world around us.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's easy to think that the world is a scary place. Many people feel this way sometimes.
  2. Often, the negativity we see around us is caused by our own attitudes and perspectives.
  3. Changing how we think can help us see things more positively and reduce fear.

Links for June

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to understand how trade agreements really work because they involve many details beyond just tariffs. Knowing the ins and outs can help you talk smarter about trade.
  2. Dublin's water infrastructure has been poorly managed for decades, with no new sources being built since 1940. This shows a serious need for investment and improvement.
  3. Exercise can help you feel more connected to your body and improve your mental health. Many people overlook the importance of physical activity and its positive effects on life.

Hormesis

Becoming Noble • 179 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. In order for a civilization to thrive, there must be a strong connection between the environment, the people, and the individual, leading to the creation of exceptional individuals who can shape the culture and environment.
  2. Living in a harsh environment can breed strength, discipline, and resilience, as seen in the example of the Avar people who thrived in the challenging Caucasus mountains.
  3. The Avars, through their culture and upbringing, developed a community of warriors who could endure suffering and hardship, using their pain as a tool for personal growth and societal strength.

Parfit, by David Edmonds

The Common Reader • 1169 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Derek Parfit is a highly influential philosopher in moral philosophy, but relatively unknown outside academic circles.
  2. Parfit's life and philosophy are intertwined, with his actions reflecting his beliefs in altruism and empathy.
  3. Parfit's approach to personal identity and philosophy, as depicted in a new biography by David Edmonds, raises thought-provoking questions about selflessness and dedication.

Strange Lives

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Marriage in the past often involved complicated discussions about money and family, just like today. The way partners handle these issues can lead to tensions.
  2. People in earlier times were concerned about remarriage and family dynamics, especially due to high mortality rates. They thought about how relationships would impact their children in the future.
  3. Age played a significant role in marriage decisions. For example, marrying young was less common by the Elizabethan period, showing changing views on when to start a family.