The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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Hidden Open Thread 352.5

Astral Codex Ten • 206 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers, meaning only paid members can participate. It's a space for sharing thoughts and discussions.
  2. The post includes links for sharing on social media, showing that it encourages interaction and connection.
  3. The thread is part of a series, indicating a continuing conversation or topic that interests the community.

This could be our future

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Elysian is a media collective that aims to create a better future through journalism and creative projects. They focus on positive solutions and new ideas.
  2. They produce things like magazines, podcasts, and books that explore innovative concepts, such as autonomous governments and capitalism.
  3. The collective is built on collaboration, allowing creators to share profits and resources for their projects, which can lead to bigger and better outcomes.

Maggie’s Farm

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Bob Dylan's song 'Maggie's Farm' speaks about the struggle against unfair management. It really highlights how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in a job with bad management.
  2. The songwriter encourages people to view themselves as partners, not just workers. It's important to feel valued and not treated like a servant.
  3. The song warns against peer pressure at work. Just like in a group, it's essential to stay true to yourself, even when others try to pull you in the same direction.

Humanities and Social Change: There is No Final Revolution

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Society often focuses on the mechanics of achieving objectives, but sustaining social change requires creativity, empathy, perseverance, and purpose, which the humanities can provide.
  2. Feelings of frustration and despair are common in social justice activism, but acknowledging these emotions and turning to the humanities can offer spiritual and ethical sustenance.
  3. Victories in social-political movements are impermanent, emphasizing the need to replace the pursuit of 'victory' with a more human and sustainable approach, reflected in the idea that there is no final revolution. Revolutions are infinite and ongoing.
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Individual Lies

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 133 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Small lies might seem harmless, but they can build up and lead to bigger problems later. It's better to confront uncomfortable truths today than to delay them.
  2. George Orwell's work teaches us the importance of honesty in writing and in life. Fighting for truth, even in small details, is crucial for true understanding.
  3. Choosing to go along with popular opinions or easy paths can harm your values. It's important to know your own beliefs before facing pressure from others.

The Last Day of a Condemned Man—Reflections on Capital Punishment through Hugo, Dostoevsky, Camus, and Boethius

Vremya • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Victor Hugo's novel, _The Last Day of a Condemned Man_, explores the deep emotional struggles of a man facing execution. It raises questions about the morality of the death penalty and encourages readers to empathize with those condemned.
  2. Albert Camus argues against capital punishment by challenging its effectiveness as a deterrent. He believes that improving living conditions and education could be better solutions for reducing crime.
  3. Dostoevsky and Boethius, both faced with potential execution, reflected on their experiences through writing and philosophy. They showed how facing death can lead to profound insights about life, justice, and the human condition.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Human Nature Is Real

Reactionary Feminist • 43 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The idea of progress can be questioned, as it often relies on a secular view that may not hold true for everyone. Recognizing this can lead to deeper conversations about what feminism really means.
  2. Early feminism had a balance between advocating for women's freedom and the value of care and motherhood. However, the shift towards prioritizing autonomy over these values has created tensions in how motherhood is viewed today.
  3. Transhumanism has influenced modern feminism by linking women's autonomy to technology, which sometimes overshadows the importance of physical and emotional connections. This has sparked debates about human nature and the implications of viewing ourselves as products.

Stealth Mode Diaries: Walter Ong and Nick Fuentes

Reactionary Feminist • 11 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Taking uninterrupted blocks of time to work can greatly improve focus and creativity. It helps to keep ideas fresh in your mind without losing track of them.
  2. Writing a book requires navigating many complex ideas at once. Spending continuous time on the project allows for deeper connections between concepts.
  3. Sustained focus can lead to unexpected discoveries in your work. These surprises can enrich the overall narrative and themes you are working on.

Beyond the Soul: Rethinking Human Exceptionalism in the AI Era

The Future of Life • 39 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Our belief in human uniqueness might be a mistake since AI can replicate many skills we thought were exclusive to humans. This includes things like problem-solving and creativity.
  2. The idea that only humans can be intelligent doesn’t hold up because AI is learning to do things traditionally seen as uniquely human. We shouldn't feel threatened by this; it could help us understand intelligence better.
  3. Focusing on what makes us special should include AI's advances, not push them away. Embracing AI can help us tackle problems together and enrich our understanding of intelligence.

My Year in Books - 2025

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Golf made a big comeback, with several books blending practical instruction and philosophy to change how one thinks about and plays the game. They emphasized presence, course management, and the mental side of performance more than chasing perfect mechanics.
  2. There was a conscious move to read less non-fiction while still keeping a varied list, and a clear desire for more fiction recommendations—especially more science fiction after a standout read. The reading plan for the year leaned toward balance and seeking new imaginative picks.
  3. The selections split between big-picture, geopolitical and technological subjects (like the strategic importance of semiconductors and different national engineering approaches) and inward-facing works on mindset, duty, and spiritual living. That mix highlights both external systems shaping the world and personal practices for living well.

Artificial Intelligence and the Noosphere

Nonzero Newsletter • 609 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Artificial intelligence is seen as the crystallization of the noosphere, evolving from the biosphere.
  2. AI viewed from a noospheric perspective can help orient us, define our mission, and provide a philosophical framework for our moral evolution.
  3. The convergence of AI and the noosphere connects to a vision of a unified global community through political justice and universal love.

A love letter to living, noticing, and feeling

Erifili • 99 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Finding happiness in the present moment is vital, as shown through the love for daily routines like enjoying a morning coffee.
  2. Meaningful life experiences come from noticing and feeling the small moments, like observing the rain or being inspired by a poem.
  3. Nostalgia and yearning are beautiful emotions that contribute to a meaningful life, showcasing the consistency of human emotions like yearning.

Orwell Loses a War

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. George Orwell's experience in the Spanish Civil War led him to connect with people and discover a capacity to believe and understand humanity.
  2. Orwell's pursuit for 'common decency' in war highlighted a new form of hopeful, open, and equal nationalism he hoped to inspire.
  3. Orwell's work and life showed the impact of stepping away from personal beliefs to see beauty and lives not experienced otherwise.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 2

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📖 Philosophy Philosophy
  1. The project aims to explore the convergence and divergence of different traditions and schools of thought to understand cultural breadth.
  2. Traditional systems of thought that have endured for centuries hold value and merit consideration alongside modern perspectives.
  3. Comparative soteriology analyzes the ideals and aims of various religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, offering insights into different paths to attainment.

Exciting news from Scroll 5!

Vesuvius Challenge • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The P.Herc. 172 scroll from Oxford shows dense ink, which helps in identifying the text better than other scrolls. This makes it easier to detect letters and understand its content.
  2. Preliminary findings suggest that the scroll might be written by Philodemus, a famous philosopher. Some words found indicate it could be a complete work, not just a draft.
  3. This scroll has unique physical traits that might help decode other scrolls with unclear texts. As research continues, the hope is to develop better methods for reading ancient writings.

Paul Graham's error

Gray Mirror • 134 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. History is complex and cannot be easily understood through simple narratives. It often feels messy, like trying to find a solid footing in a pit of unclear meanings.
  2. Wokeness can be seen as a new and intense version of political correctness that emerged in the late 20th century. Understanding its origins helps to analyze how social norms shift over time.
  3. Different eras in history can look very different based on our perspective. It's important to recognize that each time period has its unique challenges and is subject to change, just like ideas about morality or justice.

Time in a timeless universe (part 2)

Sam’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Newton introduced the concept of absolute time, separate from change that physical systems undergo.
  2. Absolute time is an ethereal concept outside our universes, while clock time is a more physical representation of time.
  3. Barbour proposed a theory of time where different 'times' are viewed as different 'worlds' coexisting in a timeless block.

Methexis

Methexis • 98 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The word "Methexis" symbolizes a vision for a new way of interacting with computers.
  2. The author's journey from academia to questioning the value of technology.
  3. Desire for machines to be equal co-creators in our reality, leading to the concept of Methexis.

What I read in June

CIEO • 98 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Kathleen Stock's book emphasizes the importance of linguistic precision when discussing sex and gender.
  2. Brendan O'Neill's essays critique progressive opinions as contempt for the public and class snobbery.
  3. Sean Parker's book on stammering highlights practical strategies for stress-free communication.

Discriminating Bliss

The Joyous Struggle • 98 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The author reflects on a personal experience of adopting a spiritual name, Vivekananda, despite living a different lifestyle, to connect with God and bridge cultural experiences.
  2. The significance of the author's spiritual name, Vivekananda, is tied to aspirations of speaking with precision and intellect in service of higher purposes, reflecting the potential for growth and fulfillment.
  3. The author shares details of a book chapter they co-edited and reflects on their past visit to India, highlighting the journey towards self-discovery and exploration of new ideas.

The Diderot Effect

Psych • 58 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Diderot Effect is triggered by acquiring new possessions.
  2. It creates a cycle of wanting to upgrade belongings to match the new possession's status.
  3. Consumer behavior is influenced by how purchases shape one's identity and perception of other possessions.

Book Club: New Focus and New Works

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Human history shows that most of our existence has been in tribes as hunter-gatherers. We have only recently started living in complex societies with rulers.
  2. This shift from tribe to state has taken thousands of years, and it raises questions about whether we needed to live under rulers at all. Could we have chosen a different path?
  3. The idea of freedom we often think of has roots in the critiques of European life by indigenous Americans, not just from Western thinkers in the Enlightenment.

Dreaming About Waking

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 121 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Dreams can feel more real than waking life, leading us to question what reality truly is. Sometimes, the experiences we have in dreams seem more intense and immediate than our daily experiences.
  2. The stories we tell about our past shape how we see ourselves. When we write or talk about our memories, we change those memories and how we understand our lives.
  3. Our perceptions of reality can often be misleading. It's important to stay open to new ways of seeing things and not be locked into one view of life.

Exploit or explore?

Austin Kleon • 619 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to balance what you already know with discovering new things. Finding the right time to use your skills and explore new ideas is key to growth.
  2. The idea of harmony in tension shows that opposites can coexist and lead to new insights. Embracing conflicting ideas can help us understand life better.
  3. Taking time to appreciate art and creativity is a valuable exercise. It's a good reminder to look at our surroundings and declare things as art in our lives.

A Tale from the Friend Zone

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes, people see you as a friend and not a partner, and it's important to accept that. Trying to change their mind often doesn't work.
  2. Many people end up staying friends even when they have feelings for someone, which can lead to regrets later on. It's crucial to recognize when to move on.
  3. Reflecting on past relationships can bring up feelings of regret, especially when we realize things about people we once cared for. It's a part of life.

Notes On Thankfulness

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 160 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being grateful for the simple things in life, like family and pets, can really brighten our days. It's important to take a moment to appreciate those who walk beside us, both literally and metaphorically.
  2. Finding joy in nature and small moments can help us feel connected and hopeful. Whether it's watching birds or spending time by the water, these experiences can lift our spirits.
  3. Humor and friendship are valuable, especially during tough times. Even in darkness, sharing laughter and support with friends can make a big difference.

Get Wise Or Die Trying, Part 1

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The ultimate aim of human life can be seen as skillfully navigating complexity
  2. Cooperative social development is crucial for solving survival challenges at individual and cultural levels
  3. Spiritual wisdom and enlightenment are emphasized as a path to transcend death and find true fulfillment

Invisible Duels

Working Theorys • 152 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Invisible duels happen when we compare ourselves to others, even if we never agreed to compete. We end up feeling threatened by their success, which harms our self-worth.
  2. These duels are often fueled by social media, where we constantly see others' achievements and feel pressured to measure up. This can lead to anxiety and distraction from our own goals.
  3. To escape these invisible duels, we need to focus on ourselves and what we truly want. Making others less significant and finding our own direction is key to breaking free.

Be open to your own creativity

Technology, Environment, and Art • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Be open to your own creativity and avoid large online sharing platforms to nurture your expression.
  2. Big online platforms aim to profit and can potentially hinder rather than support your creative output.
  3. Limit the use of soulless big tech platforms, be true to yourself, explore offline sharing, and nurture your creativity away from large corporations.

From Error, Virtue

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Making mistakes can lead to unexpected and beautiful designs, just like fixing an error in a project can give it a unique charm.
  2. Life is full of mistakes, but some of them help us grow and become better, similar to how the best music often includes 'wrong' notes used creatively.
  3. Many great discoveries in science come from unexpected errors, reminding us that being open to failure can lead to amazing insights and new ideas.

If crisis or war comes

Soaring Twenties • 154 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.

Curator

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The idea of progress isn't universally accepted. While some people see the future as better, others believe that society can go backward, showing that change isn't always for the better.
  2. Success in art and writing isn't everything. Many artists find fulfillment in the process of creation itself, rather than chasing fame or success.
  3. Philosophers like Lasch and Trilling remind us that focusing too much on progress or collective goals can lessen individual integrity and creativity. They encourage a more personal approach to understanding ourselves and our art.

Things are getting kinda crazy

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. A feeling that reality is breaking is growing as major revelations and events shift public understanding and spur deeper investigation.
  2. A multimedia project (videos and a podcast) is exploring sanity, myth, and collective stories, showing how ancient tales like the Eight Immortals still speak to modern life.
  3. There’s an emphasis on contemplative practice and community through an online summit on stillness and prayer, and the work is supported by reader subscriptions.

Infinity Missions

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 164 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Infinity Missions focus on avoiding infinite downsides, like preventing existential threats, which often leads to massive government spending on projects like the Manhattan Project and climate change initiatives.
  2. Private companies are now pursuing Infinity Missions to chase infinite upsides, such as developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which is seen as having vast potential rewards.
  3. These Infinity Missions change the usual rules of investment and resource allocation, allowing for long timelines, attracting top talent, and enabling funding for projects that may seem wasteful in traditional contexts.

Inside the mask

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Photographs of people wearing masks can be fascinating and revealing. They capture complex emotions and stories behind the masks.
  2. In storytelling, 'The Heroine's Journey' focuses on connecting with others and finding strength through cooperation. This approach is different from the traditional hero's journey and emphasizes community.
  3. Music is often seen as the highest form of art. Schopenhauer believed it expresses deep truths that other art forms can't, making it unique and powerful.