The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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How to Make Slavery work for YOU!

apxhard • 76 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Modern systems of control often manipulate people's emotions, making them feel powerless and unable to change their own circumstances. This keeps them stuck and compliant.
  2. Media feeds can shape our thoughts and feelings, leading us to focus on anger and superiority rather than on real, personal problems. This can create a cycle of discontent and dependency.
  3. Promoting humility and self-awareness is crucial for breaking free from these manipulative systems, but many people may resist this kind of change because it challenges their current beliefs.

Good Luck / Block

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes noise and chaos can block our creativity. It's important to find quiet moments to think clearly.
  2. Writers can struggle with finding things to say, especially during tough times. It's okay to feel stuck, but we can always work through it.
  3. Our environment affects how we write. A good or bad environment can change our mood and productivity.

Meet William Godwin, the 18th-century philosopher who was right about everything

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. William Godwin was an 18th-century philosopher known for his influential political and moral philosophy, as well as his pioneering work in creating engaging fiction like the page-turner 'The Adventures of Caleb Williams'.
  2. Godwin's legacy includes his complicated relationships with his daughter Mary Shelley and his controversial views on topics like parenting, which influenced Mary Shelley's writing of 'Frankenstein'.
  3. Godwin's critiques of pseudosciences like phrenology and astronomy highlight his skepticism of simply accepting scientific claims, while emphasizing the enduring value of humanity and the importance of self-complacency.

Compound AI is AGI

Generating Conversation • 233 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The debate about whether we've achieved AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is ongoing. Many people don't agree on what AGI really means, making it hard to know if we've reached it.
  2. The argument is that current AI models can work together to perform tasks at a human-like level. This teamwork, or 'compound AI,' could be seen as a form of general intelligence, even if it's not from a single AI model.
  3. Not all forms of intelligence are the same, and AI systems can do things that humans can’t, but that doesn't mean they can't be considered intelligent. The future potential of AI isn't just about mimicking human intellect; it may also involve different types of skills and knowledge.

The Illusion of Solitude

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Wilderness is often seen as a pure and untouched place, but this idea is mostly a cultural invention. Many people view wild areas as spots to escape civilization, even though they are still part of a broader landscape filled with human activities.
  2. The divide between untouched nature and developed land can make us feel separate from the natural world. In reality, we are always connected to nature, and wildness can be found in many kinds of places, like city parks or urban environments.
  3. Seeking solitude in nature is a common desire, but real wildness exists everywhere, not just in isolated spots. Just as Thoreau found value in Walden Pond, we can also find moments of connection to nature in crowded places.
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Letter from November

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. We need to accept that we can't always predict the future, but that shouldn't stop us from trying to create solutions. Even if our ideas might not work out, taking action is important.
  2. Building things is messy and uncertain, and we should be real about that. It’s okay to acknowledge that what we're creating may not be what’s needed, but we still need to keep building.
  3. Collaboration matters a lot. Working with people who share our understanding and goals can make a difference in how effective our efforts are, even in unpredictable circumstances.

Thinking outside "outside the box"

escape the algorithm • 159 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Moving past traditional definitions of creativity allows everyone to grow and flourish in unique ways.
  2. Creativity can extend to maintaining and preserving things, not just inventing or designing them.
  3. Redefining creativity as a collective effort, nurturing life, and embracing destruction can lead to diverse and impactful creative outcomes.

Leisure

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Leisure is important for a happy life. It's not just about doing nothing; it's a skill that can be learned and appreciated.
  2. Working for a living isn't the only way to find fulfillment. Many people would prefer to spend their time on hobbies and creative projects.
  3. Understanding and mastering leisure can help us slow down and enjoy life more intentionally, just like people in ancient times did.

The Living Computer

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Scientists are working on computers that use biological systems instead of traditional silicon. This means they want tech to think and learn like living creatures.
  2. Many researchers believe that understanding consciousness is key to creating intelligent machines. They're not just focused on making machines smarter, but on exploring what being conscious really means.
  3. There's a push to connect technology with nature, focusing on how living systems interact with each other. This could change our approach to artificial intelligence and its relationship with the world.

Brilliant Simplicity

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Brilliant individuals can contribute to knowledge in two main ways: through challenging, complex work and by highlighting simple ideas that others may overlook. Simple ideas often seem obvious once recognized.
  2. Examples like the median voter theorem and Coase's theories show how simple concepts can explain complex phenomena, such as election outcomes or the functioning of firms, making them essential in economics.
  3. Even in biology, like Darwin's theory of evolution, simple ideas can lead to significant insights, changing how we understand life and its development over time.

Weapons and Words

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 194 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Two brothers used violence to silence freedom of expression, showing the extreme conflict between ideas and brutality. This tragic event highlights how important it is to protect free speech, even when it offends.
  2. The piece discusses how humor and irony can express deep truths, which can often be misunderstood. Satire allows us to examine serious subjects without resorting to violence.
  3. Philippe Lançon's experience after the attack shows the struggle to understand trauma through art and literature. It reminds us that even in the face of horror, we can find ways to make sense of our lives and the world around us.

How 'Paradise Lost' Revolutionized the World (w/ Orlando Reade) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 92 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. John Milton’s 'Paradise Lost' has influenced many revolutionary thinkers throughout history, showing the poem's themes are still relevant today. Writers and leaders like Thomas Jefferson and Malcolm X found inspiration in its critique of authority.
  2. The character of Satan in 'Paradise Lost' reflects Milton’s own experiences as a failed revolutionary, which raises questions about power, rebellion, and the nature of good and evil.
  3. Milton’s work emphasizes the importance of small, humble acts over grand revolutions, suggesting that real change often comes from quiet, everyday actions rather than violent upheaval.

The Sweet Spot Between Doomscrolling and Hopium Smoking

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People feel alone when they realize how serious our problems are. They want to talk and connect with others who share their worries.
  2. Many distractions in our culture, like politics, pull attention away from the real issues at hand. They can feel like a way to ignore the reality of difficult times ahead.
  3. It's important to acknowledge that doom and uncertainty won't disappear. Finding a balance between awareness and hope can help navigate these feelings better.

The Art of Regret

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Regret is a part of life that teaches us lessons and keeps us grounded in humanity.
  2. Nostalgia, while holding good memories, can also bring pain and a yearning for the past.
  3. Learning to navigate and express regret can lead to self-discovery and growth, showing that embracing one's past can be a path to wisdom.

One-Paragraph Book Reviews

Going Awol • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. One-paragraph book reviews can provide insightful summaries of multiple books in a concise format.
  2. Different authors and philosophers offer unique perspectives on value theory, justice systems, and historical analysis.
  3. Book reviews can offer recommendations, insights, and critical analysis to help readers make informed decisions about what to read next.

That Sense of Impending Doom: Could Anything Shock The World?

OK Doomer • 206 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Some people feel a sense of dread about the future, thinking something big could shock the world soon. This feeling seems to be more common these days.
  2. Past stories, like those in _Watchmen_ and _The Ministry for The Future_, show how big tragedies can lead to change or peace. People wonder if something similar could happen again.
  3. Sometimes, it seems like those who predict doom actually want such events to happen, almost wishing for a reason to change things. It raises questions about our thoughts and feelings regarding disasters.

The Fieriest Problem for Eternal Hell

Going Awol • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Some people believe in the concept of eternal hell, where individuals are retributively punished for their earthly wrongdoings and can never leave.
  2. The 'Strong View of Hell' argues that sins against a being of infinite dignity, like God, deserve infinite punishment, leading to the belief that even small sins warrant infinite consequences.
  3. Critics of the Strong View of Hell point out logical inconsistencies, such as the problem of infinitely punishing individuals for finite wrongs and the moral implications of such eternal retribution.

Post-Failure Activism

Activist Futurism • 139 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Social movements are built on a New Tactic, Contagious Mood, and the Right Time - only the last one is out of activists' control.
  2. Unlike past activism focused on averting catastrophe, today's post-failure activism is after the failure has occurred - this impacts strategies and targets.
  3. New era activism will emphasize social mobilization, rely on cryptocurrencies and AI, and target meta-political issues like space exploration and redefining existence.

Riffing On The Cosmic Joke

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Understanding the various theories of humor like superiority theory, relief theory, incongruity theory, and benign violation theory illuminates why we laugh and its significance in human experiences.
  2. Humor serves as a tool for expressing joy, bringing levity to life's heaviness, and addressing serious topics while promoting social bonding and self-reflection.
  3. Exploring the concept of the cosmic joke reveals profound insights about human limitations, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the paradoxical nature of existence.

The Psychedelic Bookshelf: 27 Must-Reads for the Psychedelic-Inspired

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Reading books provides a unique learning experience that goes beyond quick answers found online, guiding you to consider questions you may not have thought of.
  2. Text-based reading has been shown to result in better information retention compared to video or audio-based learning, making books valuable for deep understanding.
  3. Books on psychedelics offer a diverse range of insights, from scientific analysis to personal experiences, making them essential for anyone interested in the topic.

McLuhan's Narcissus Trance

Banana Peel Pirouette • 138 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Marshall McLuhan's concept of 'the medium is the message' emphasizes that the format of media is more important than the content.
  2. McLuhan discusses the process of 'outering' and 'interiorization' of technology, where tools become externalized human capacities and then integrated into everyday life.
  3. The current digital culture is shaping human interactions and identity by blurring the line between technology and humanity, ultimately leading to a potential future where humanity and technology merge.

12. Why You Should Read Fiction

Insight Axis • 138 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Fiction helps extract meaningful experiences and can often be more 'true' than reality.
  2. Reading fiction improves skills like remembering characters and history, which are valuable in non-fiction and technical writing.
  3. Language evolved for storytelling, making fiction a crucial part of human communication and creativity.

The Best Rabbit Holes of 2025

Creative Destruction • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Digital technology and AI are changing how we think and relate to information, often flattening ideas, breaking links between sources, and leaving people feeling mentally dulled or detached from reality.
  2. The coming period will reward friction, resilience, and alternative systems — build community-first, regenerative, and care-focused practices to escape surveillance and extractive power.
  3. Creative reframings and metaphors (like magic realism, communal dreaming, or the ‘everything becomes crab’ idea) give new ways to understand our situation and inspire imaginative, humane paths forward.

Against Decolonisation

CIEO • 137 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Decolonisation movements may inadvertently promote the idea that Africans lack agency.
  2. Western philosophy should not be dismissed as alien to Africans; it is part of a shared global heritage.
  3. Rejecting modernity in the name of decolonisation may hinder progress and social justice in African societies.

A Scared Firefighter up in the Bucket, part one

Sundman figures it out! • 137 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The author shares a personal story of being a scared firefighter in a bucket during a fire incident.
  2. The essay touches on the author's experience as a firefighter, encounters with AI technologies, and memories of philosophical discussions.
  3. The narrative combines elements of fear, existential pondering, and the author's personal reflections on life and mortality.

Core dump

Thicket Forte • 1 HN point • 16 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Language can feel increasingly insincere or artificial, making it hard to express true thoughts. Many conversations seem superficial or filled with 'bullshit' rather than genuine meaning.
  2. When interacting with language models (LLMs), it can be tricky to distinguish between human and machine-generated text. This can lead to a sense of confusion or 'linguistic vertigo.'
  3. There are different ways to generate language, like using your heart or gut instead of just your head. Words from deeper emotional or primal places can feel more authentic and meaningful.

Did Kurt Vonnegut Hate Technology?

Litverse • 299 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Some researchers fear the consequences of their work yet continue to push forward, showing an ambivalent attitude toward technology.
  2. Kurt Vonnegut had a deep fascination with the inner workings of technology but also harbored a strong luddite sentiment towards its potential impact on humanity.
  3. Vonnegut's work and beliefs highlight the delicate balance between the advancements of technology and the preservation of human values and purpose.

The Monthly Salon: December

The Abbey of Misrule • 196 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The author is sharing their last post of the year, expressing gratitude for their readers' support. It's a time of reflection as the year ends.
  2. There are several exciting updates, including a new lecture and podcast that can be accessed through various platforms. This is a chance for readers to engage with fresh content.
  3. The author encourages readers to consider gifting subscriptions to their publication, making it an easy option for last-minute Christmas presents.

kitten corner: dr strangekitten

bad cattitude • 213 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People often feel happier when they focus on their families and friends instead of politics. Building personal connections seems to bring joy.
  2. Wanting to live life without too much government influence is common, and it can feel good to embrace that idea.
  3. Sometimes, recognizing that a change in perspective can improve your feelings about life is important. It's interesting how love and beliefs can mix in surprising ways.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #5

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The newsletter discusses reading 'Discipline Is Destiny' and '5000 Words Per Hour' to increase productivity and writing output.
  2. Listening recommendations include 'Building A Second Brain' and insights from author David Deida on masculinity and femininity.
  3. The newsletter delves into philosophical discussions from podcasts and videos, and reflects on the themes of wisdom and personal growth.

The Banality of Jeffrey Epstein

Unpopular Front • 64 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Some people believe Jeffrey Epstein likely committed suicide due to the shame and guilt he faced while in prison. He had always lived a life of luxury and vice, and isolation may have driven him to despair.
  2. The philosopher Aristotle noted that bad people struggle with self-reflection and tend to feel regret. Epstein, having to confront his actions alone, may have found that state unbearable.
  3. Epstein's past behavior and his level of greed suggest he was deeply troubled. Feeling trapped and without support, he might have seen suicide as a way out of his situation.

Pylons

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Pylons have left a significant mark on the modern world and landscape.
  2. The countryside before pylons represented a timelessness and deep continuity that has been altered by progress.
  3. There is a complexity in the impact of technological advancements, with every step forward carrying consequences.

Religion as Psychotherapy

Polymathic Being • 51 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Religion can provide a sense of community and support, which helps people feel less alone and more connected. This is important for mental health.
  2. Many people find comfort and purpose in the structure that religion offers, helping them cope with life's challenges. It gives them guidelines and a higher aim to strive for.
  3. Engaging in religious practices, like prayer and meditation, can have therapeutic benefits similar to those found in modern psychotherapy, promoting emotional well-being.

Peggy's Process

Ladyparts • 239 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Peggy Orenstein decided to change her life by shearing a sheep, which led her to confront new challenges and thoroughly enjoy the process.
  2. The story highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome.
  3. The concept of 'the sandwich generation' refers to individuals with both elderly parents and young children, navigating the complexities and responsibilities of caregiving.

Links for July

By Reason Alone • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Having a flip phone can help you focus more on life without constant phone distractions. It's a cool way to stay reachable in emergencies without being glued to your smartphone.
  2. Brick architecture has a rich history and interesting properties. Learning about it can change the way you appreciate the buildings around you.
  3. More people are staying married, while fewer are actually getting married nowadays. This shows changing social trends around relationships.