The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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Defending the Trinity

What Is Called Thinking? • 56 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Memory, imagination, and identity shape how we experience time. They show us that our past influences our present actions and future hopes.
  2. Understanding ourselves and the world is a journey through our relationships and experiences. We are like bridges between our inherited meanings and our future choices.
  3. Philosophers like Augustine and Heidegger teach us that our identity is not fixed. It evolves as we navigate time and interpret our lives, making each moment meaningful.

Imagining a World Beyond Consumerism

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Going beyond consumerism is challenging because it is deeply ingrained in our societal norms and behaviors.
  2. Consumerism is not just about consumption or capitalism; it is a cultural and economic way of life that influences our sense of normality.
  3. To move beyond consumerism, we need to understand and address the emotional, social, economic, technological, legal, political, and spiritual logics that drive it, while also reimagining our societal norms and narratives.

Words and Ideas Can Change the World

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 118 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Words and ideas have the power to change the world - they can spark movements and awaken people to important truths.
  2. Expressing gratitude and sharing knowledge can lead to a collective will for freedom and a better future for society.
  3. Encouraging conversations and shedding light on important issues through words and ideas are crucial steps towards a more enlightened and free world.

Every Story is a Degrowth Story!

Breaking Smart • 101 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There are three main forces affecting our world: internet nomads, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Each of these will impact our lives in different ways over the next 10 to 15 years.
  2. Internet nomads, like political groups using social media, are likely to peak first and create short-term chaos, but may not last long-term due to their inability to build stable systems.
  3. AI will evolve quickly as technology improves and becomes more common, which might lead to bigger changes in society, while climate change will pose significant challenges, affecting everyday life in profound ways.

Chat with Humanities in Revolt

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The introduction of a new feature called Humanities in Revolt subscriber chat provides a more private and creative space for subscribers to have informal conversations.
  2. The chat allows for exploration of ideas and perspectives in a relaxed manner, where subscribers can engage with the content creator and each other in a more spontaneous way.
  3. To join the chat, subscribers need to download the Substack app, as the chats will be sent through the app with push notifications enabled to stay updated on conversations.
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Pickup Lines

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 133 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Rudeness in daily interactions can lead to interesting conversations about empathy and kindness. When someone behaves poorly, it often sparks curiosity about their reasons and intentions.
  2. Technological progress is clear, but it's important to consider whether we've become more thoughtful and caring as a society. Just knowing more doesn't always mean we are better to each other.
  3. Our understanding of the past can change with new information. Life is about continually learning and revisiting what we thought we knew, which helps shape our connections with others.

Links for February

By Reason Alone • 101 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. PhD programs are not taking as long to finish as people think. Many students are completing their degrees faster than before.
  2. Curiosity is an important trait for learning and exploration. It helps us understand complex topics and makes us better listeners.
  3. Reading widely, especially foundational texts like the Bible or works by important figures like Shakespeare, can greatly enhance our understanding of literature and culture.

What comes after?

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The future might hold a biosphere of minds interconnected like a rainforest.
  2. Imagining what comes after minds can challenge our current understanding.
  3. Exploring 'What comes after...' questions can push the limits of our imagination.

Defending Revelation

What Is Called Thinking? • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Religion offers a way for people to find meaning and morality, even if they aren't fully rational thinkers. It's not just about science or pure reason; it's about learning and growing through community and traditions.
  2. Philosophers who think reason alone can guide humanity miss that we all need help in understanding ethics and morality. Revelation helps guide us and keeps society connected.
  3. Even if science could come back without religion, the deep insights from revelation are essential for being truly human. It's not just about knowledge; it's about fostering humanity's good qualities.

Beethoven vs. Baby Shark

Fake Noûs • 377 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Baby Shark has brought more total enjoyment and viewership compared to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
  2. The quality of aesthetic pleasure produced by art can be a factor in determining its value.
  3. The purpose and definition of art play a significant role in determining its artistic value.

The Price of Liberalism: The Fertility Problem

Fake Noûs • 365 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The world is experiencing a decline in fertility rates, particularly in more prosperous nations.
  2. Liberalism, with its focus on individual freedom and prosperity, may contribute to the decline in fertility due to factors like career options and personal pursuits.
  3. Possible solutions to the fertility problem include promoting the idea that having children is valuable, advancing technology like artificial wombs, and providing incentives for people to have more children.

Human in an AI Age: Roots & Wings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 44 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Having roots is important because they give us stability and a sense of history. They shape who we are through our past experiences and relationships.
  2. Wings represent our dreams and the ability to reach new heights. They encourage us to explore new paths and embrace change.
  3. To succeed, we need a balance of roots and wings. Too much focus on the past can hold us back, while not having enough can make us unstable.

The appreciation of rocks

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Rocks can tell us a lot about how things are built and how they should look. A stable pile of rocks feels solid, while a poorly built wall can look off or unstable.
  2. When things seem inconsistent between their appearance and their structure, it creates a feeling that's hard to ignore. This can happen in many areas, like furniture or buildings.
  3. Understanding the different types of not-knowing helps us make better decisions. Just like with rocks, recognizing when something feels off invites us to learn and improve how we build or create.

What Is Love?

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Love has many different meanings and can be interpreted in various ways across different cultures and languages.
  2. The song 'What Is Love' by Haddaway delves into the complexities of love and relationships, hinting at themes of vulnerability and repeating patterns of hurt.
  3. Love can be seen as a mode of being rather than just an emotion, encompassing a wide range of feelings within the context of relationships.

Guns, Germs, Steel, Coal, Slavery, Seaborne Empires, Peninsulas, Mountain Ranges, Rainfall, & Chance: Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs, & Steel" After Twenty-Five Years

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 522 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Critics of Jared Diamond often lack basic discourse ethics, skip reading, or misinterpret his work.
  2. Diamond's book 'Guns, Germs, & Steel' excels in explaining historical advantages of Eurasian powers over others.
  3. The roots of Western-Eurasian exceptionalism might lie in cultural unity and political fragmentation, but there are gaps in Diamond's explanations.

Five Links for June 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Modern life may seem easy, but it can actually make us feel emotionally tired because we lack real struggles. It's important to find meaningful challenges.
  2. Innovations in the defense industry are coming back after a decline since the Cold War. This shows that there is still room for improvement and change.
  3. Some parents are choosing to live near their friends to support each other in raising kids, showing the importance of community over just living near family.

I Cordially Invite You to Unsubscribe

Orbis Tertius • 402 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The author invites readers to unsubscribe from their newsletter, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what captures your attention.
  2. The author shares their transition from science and technology to literature and philosophy, influenced by mindfulness and meditation.
  3. The author aims to create unique and unconventional content, focusing on writing that challenges norms and embraces individual expression.

Avoiding the demise of intention

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 1 HN point • 09 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Generative A.I. can create content, but it often lacks the personal touch and intention that human creators bring. It's important for creators to maintain a hands-on approach in their work.
  2. Using software and A.I. tools should enhance creativity, not replace the unique input of individuals. Always customize and refine automated outputs to keep them personal.
  3. A.I. may lower our expectations for creativity and meaningful content, which can be dehumanizing. It's essential to consider how we want to engage with technology in our creative processes.

Stop Reading Harari!

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Yuval Harari's books are popular because they simplify complex ideas about history into easy-to-understand stories. This appeals to many readers who want to grasp big concepts without much effort.
  2. Although his ideas are widely accepted, some people feel they miss important nuances about history and human behavior. Not everything in history follows a clear path of progress; sometimes, societies regress or choose different directions.
  3. Harari's view of ideas as 'viral' can be dangerous. It suggests that people have no control over their beliefs, but history shows us we can resist harmful movements and make choices that defy conformity.

Science Could Use More Magical Thinking

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Magical thinking can lead to scientific discoveries. Sometimes, you don't need to know everything; you just need to explore and see what happens.
  2. Seeing something unusual can spark curiosity and experimentation. Just like someone might try burning strange rocks, we should be willing to experiment with the unknown.
  3. Both video games and religion encourage us to find meaning in the world. They create a sense of purpose, making it easier to explore and try new things.

CxD #273: Back on the Physics + Bobby 😭 + I'm on Fire redux

CxD Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Reading about white holes, quantum theory, and the nature of time can help understand reality with greater clarity and reduce unnecessary suffering
  2. Re-reading impactful books can change perspectives and lead to seeing things differently
  3. Watching shows like 'Queer Eye' can be a simpler pleasure to unwind after diving deep into complex topics like physics

On Chess, AI, Creativity

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The introduction of AI in chess has changed how players analyze games, making it less fun. Players no longer engage in lively discussions after games but rely on computers to point out mistakes.
  2. While AI can improve game performance, it can also lead to cheating issues and undermine the spirit of play. The traditional enjoyment of chess is getting overshadowed by a focus on 'playing better'.
  3. In creative fields like music and writing, AI-generated works may be technically good but lack the human touch. The true value of art comes from personal expression, not just technical excellence.

Fumbling Toward Truth and Beauty in Used Bookstores

Castles in the Sky • 38 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Browsing used bookstores can be a fun and random experience. Sometimes, you find great books by just looking around without a specific plan.
  2. Books can help us explore deep questions about truth and beauty. They can inspire us and lead to unexpected discoveries.
  3. Many people love used bookstores for their unique charm, just like people enjoy exploring new restaurants. It's all about the adventure of finding something special.

We're making the same mistake as Game of Thrones

Win-Win • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The ending of Game of Thrones missed the chance to highlight the real enemy: bigger threats like climate change or pandemics. Instead, it fell back into a focus on character dramas.
  2. We are currently caught up in cultural fights that distract us from serious issues we need to address, just like the characters in Game of Thrones got sidetracked.
  3. Many people are starting to realize that our biggest challenges are not each other, but existential threats that require us to unite rather than divide.

Malaparte vs. de Beauvoir; Idi Amin and the Mamdanis' Antifascism

Unpopular Front • 40 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Fascism is complicated and often came from people who were artistic or bohemian but used their creativity for power. Malaparte, a fascist writer, shows how conflicting ideas can exist in one person's life.
  2. Simone de Beauvoir described an 'adventurer' type who pursues personal glory without caring about others. This fits Malaparte, who was selfish and couldn't appreciate the value of human connection.
  3. The background of Uganda's Asian population during British colonization highlights how racial divisions shaped society. Idi Amin's expulsion of this group was influenced by historical class and race dynamics.

The Dance Of Duality

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Partner dancing can exemplify the archetypal principles of masculine and feminine, like the concepts of yin and yang in Taoist philosophy or Shiva and Shakti in Hindu tradition.
  2. Dancing can illustrate the polarities between masculine and feminine principles, including presence, claim, invitation, surrender, expression, and penetration.
  3. In partner dancing, the dance becomes a shared experience where two individuals unify and create a spontaneous language of movement together.

The United States Of You

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. States of consciousness include waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, each corresponding to different aspects of the self.
  2. Emotional states can be categorized based on valence and physiological arousal, affecting decision-making and interactions.
  3. Align your physiological, emotional, and motivational states for optimal performance and well-being.

One Paragraph Book Reviews, Part 2

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Truckers face increased surveillance with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track and log their activities, affecting their freedom and safety
  2. God and the Atom by Ronald Knox provides unique theological insights on the atomic bomb post-Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  3. Rossian Ethics explores non-consequentialist moral theory, focusing on _prima facie_ duties and ethical dilemmas

10. On Emergence

Insight Axis • 79 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Emergence occurs when an entity has properties that its individual parts do not possess, displaying behaviors that only emerge in interaction.
  2. Simple computational or geometric rules can lead to unpredictable and complex outputs, showcasing the beauty of emergence.
  3. Emergence, as seen in cybernetics with Braitenberg's Vehicles, demonstrates how simple structures can give rise to emergent, complex behavior, hinting at the potential for understanding the universe through simple rules.

A Fascination With Fighting

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Philosophy
  1. Fighting has been a prominent aspect of human history, with combat, martial arts, and warfare sparking a lifelong interest in many individuals.
  2. Early exposure to martial arts, such as through movies like Bloodsport, can ignite a passion and skill set that can last a lifetime.
  3. Practicing martial arts, like judo and kung fu, offers not just physical training but also a deeper understanding of body mechanics, balance, and the principles of competition and cooperation.

And I know that love will take us away from here

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Love has the power to change our situation and take us to new places. It can help us escape tough times.
  2. Supporting each other through love is important for personal growth and happiness. Together, we can face challenges better.
  3. Communicating openly about feelings can strengthen relationships. Sharing thoughts and emotions creates deeper connections.

From Riffs to You

Euro Desk Paris • 59 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Middle Ages are misunderstood and had valuable aspects like devotion, handmade goods, and communal life.
  2. Historical era designations like 'Dark Ages' should be reconsidered as they might not accurately reflect the time period.
  3. Saturnalia historically suspended rules and masters served servants, and embracing similar traditions can be intriguing.

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a messiah.

Let's Get Psychophysical ! • 78 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The author reflects on their desire to be a messiah since childhood, acknowledging the impact of this belief on their life.
  2. The author urges readers to focus on mastering their craft and making a positive impact on a smaller scale rather than trying to save the world.
  3. The concept of a messiah complex is explored as a common phenomenon, impacting how people approach their work and goals.

Unwritten Books

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Slang provides a unique perspective on language, often delving into taboo subjects and incorporating dirty words.
  2. The word 'shit' holds a significant place in slang, with approximately 650 slang terms related to defecation in English.
  3. The slang term 'shit' is versatile, appearing in a wide range of phrases and expressions, both literal and figurative.

Become Transparent

Meaning-Making • 78 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Being transparent allows light to pass through you, illuminating what lies before you
  2. Becoming transparent involves understanding yourself and letting go of shadows
  3. By letting your own light shine, you give others permission to do the same

AI Might Not Need Experience to "Understand"

AI and Experience Design • 78 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. AI systems might access a Platonic realm of pure ideas without needing consciousness.
  2. There are three interacting worlds proposed by Roger Penrose: world of forms, material world, and mental world.
  3. Accessing the noetic realm through math and reasoning training could lead AI systems to new insights and enhance creativity.

What I've Been Reading | September 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners is a clear and practice-focused introduction to secular Buddhism
  2. The Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger offers a descriptive perspective on war without much introspection on its futility
  3. On The Marble Cliffs by Ernst Jünger explores ways to respond to tyranny and decay through notable character examples