The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

One in a Trillion

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The importance of focusing on nature and solitude to find balance amidst the overwhelming people-centric world.
  2. Questioning traditional spiritual and societal constructs, like the role of influential figures such as the Dalai Lama, and advocating for a more personal and family-centric approach to compassion and wisdom.
  3. Reflecting on the challenges of modern life, materialism, and the need to prioritize mindful living and genuine connections while navigating societal expectations.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #18

interintellect • 78 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Happiness research should focus on principles that reflect life instead of a unified theory.
  2. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito discuss the reality and frustrations of mortality.
  3. Many people see dictatorship as a valid form of government and authoritarian leaders can win through democratic processes.

Song Feature: Waverunner

Litverse • 119 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🎶 Music Philosophy
  1. Job Creators is a math rock band formed by two long-time friends with a unique musical journey that evolved over the years.
  2. Their music explores themes like consciousness, love, and the human experience in the digital age through their albums like 'Systems Online' and 'Dream Harvest'.
  3. The single 'Waverunner' by Job Creators is a blend of upset optimism and features a sample from philosopher Alan Watts, capturing the essence of consciousness and living in the present moment.

This is How The World Ends. Not with a Bang, but a Smile.

OK Doomer • 126 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There's a growing trend of courses teaching people how to smile, reflecting a culture obsessed with appearing happy despite feeling otherwise. Many are pressured to smile even when they don't feel like it, which can be unhealthy.
  2. T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Hollow Men' speaks to the emptiness of society and resonates more today as we face crises and pressures to conform, like forcing smiles.
  3. Forcing yourself to smile can worsen mental health issues, and it's important to acknowledge how societal expectations around smiling can be harmful.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Addiction is complex and can't be understood through simple ideas like 'it's a disease' or 'a moral failing.' The book presents how different approaches to addiction have changed over time.
  2. Historical connections show that societal issues like alcohol abuse and drug addiction were often linked to exploitation and broader social problems, not just personal choices.
  3. The transition from ancient to modern worldviews reveals how beliefs about power and divinity shifted, influencing everything from politics to personal struggles with addiction.

Engineers and the New Technocracy

Breaking Smart • 110 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The writer is focusing on engineering ideas and themes in their writing. They believe this reflects their true interests and the world we live in.
  2. They argue that everyone has an engineer inside them. It's not about being an expert, but about engaging with the engineering aspects of human nature.
  3. The writer finds the general concept of technology uninspiring, while they feel strongly about embracing engineering behaviors and identities in everyone.

On Thornton Wilder's Town and Moments in Eternity

Vremya • 59 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Thornton Wilder's play _Our Town_ shows everyday life in a small town, focusing on universal themes like love, death, and the passage of time. It's a unique look at how special everyday moments can be.
  2. The play highlights how people often miss the beauty of life while they are living it. Characters in the story find it hard to appreciate their lives until it's too late.
  3. Wilder suggests that artists, like saints and poets, can capture and share the meaning of life. Their work helps us pause and reflect on life's significance, making it easier to appreciate our experiences.

Are All Vacations Evil?

Litverse • 179 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A vacation allows us to break from our routine and explore different aspects of ourselves.
  2. Escapism through vacations is healthy and necessary to prevent losing touch with our multitudes.
  3. In a modern age dominated by technology, it's essential to disconnect, go on vacation, and pay attention to our present self to avoid the 'Great Smushing' of our identities.

What to Do?

Story Club with George Saunders • 117 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Finding peace in difficult times can come from focusing on positive systems and relationships in your life. It's important to connect with people and activities that align with your values.
  2. Art and writing can be a powerful way to express feelings and connect with others. Creative work can serve as a positive outlet and a source of meaning.
  3. Even when overwhelmed, small acts of kindness, like writing, can make a big impact. Taking little steps each day can help bring happiness and presence into your life.

What's Happening at Natal-Con 2025

Bet On It • 85 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Natal-Con 2025 is happening in Austin, featuring many speakers who support having more children. It's a great chance to engage with influential thinkers on this topic.
  2. The cost to attend is high, but it allows for personal interaction with the speakers. This can lead to valuable discussions and connections.
  3. Low birthrates are seen as a lost chance for both economic growth and the richness of life. More births could lead to a more meaningful existence for many people.

Intellectual promiscuity

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 42 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's great to explore different ideas from everywhere, no matter the source. You can learn something new from a comic book, a tweet, or even a TikTok video.
  2. Being open to new thoughts doesn't mean you have to agree with them. You can take what you like and leave the rest.
  3. Collecting ideas is like a fun hobby. The more you engage with different perspectives, the richer your own understanding can become.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, December

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There's an event called Patch in Dublin for young entrepreneurs to start new projects. It's a good chance for 16 to 21-year-olds in Europe to get involved.
  2. A world champion Scrabble player recently won championships in French and Spanish without knowing the languages. This shows just how unique and skilled he is.
  3. You can now compare multiple chatbot responses at once to see which is best. This helps understand how different AI models work.

sunday americapool

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. America is a complex idea that can be hard to define, but people often recognize it when they see it. It's about feelings and experiences rather than just facts.
  2. The idea of America can be very different for different people, shaped by their backgrounds and beliefs. Understanding this can help us see things from various perspectives.
  3. Navigating the concept of America can require diving deep into history and culture. It's important to explore these layers to better understand what it truly means.

Listen, Memory

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 559 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The abundance of information in our technological world can lead to doubts about the authenticity of our desires and experiences.
  2. Even with purposeful living, we are still bombarded by a constant stream of information which can blur the line between personal desires and external influences.
  3. The overwhelming flow of information challenges our ability to create a coherent narrative, leading to uncertainty about the origin of our thoughts and feelings.

This Machine Rages Back: An Interview With Ewan Morrison

American Dreaming • 46 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The novel _For Emma_ uses a personal tragedy to explore deep themes like grief and the search for meaning. It shows how a father's desperate quest for answers leads him into chaos.
  2. It raises questions about modern society where technology and corporate power drown out personal truths. The story warns about the dangers of losing free expression in a world governed by authoritarian tech.
  3. The characters face existential crises, reflecting our struggles with belief and purpose in a confusing world. This illustrates how the search for meaning can drive individuals to radical actions.

What Would Jesus Really Do?

Nonsense on Stilts • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Many religious philosophers don't agree on moral issues like the trolley problem. It shows that moral clarity may not be as strong in religion as some claim.
  2. Interestingly, atheistic philosophers seem to have a clearer stance on the trolley problem compared to theistic ones.
  3. Overall, this raises questions about whether religion truly resolves moral dilemmas or if it creates more confusion.

Hanson-Caplan Dialogue on Cultural Drift

Bet On It • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Cultural drift is a concerning issue that can affect society in various negative ways. It means that cultural values and ideas can change quickly and not always for the better.
  2. The topic has been a point of discussion and worry for some, indicating a need to address these changes in a healthy manner. It's important to reflect on what behaviors and ideas we want to keep or discard.
  3. Conversations about cultural drift can help raise awareness and encourage people to think critically about the influence of modern technology and trends on our culture. Talking about these issues is the first step toward understanding and possibly addressing them.

Live your life on your own terms

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
💼 Business Philosophy
  1. Live your life based on what makes you happy, not what society expects. Success should be determined by your own values, not just money or status.
  2. When building a company, stay true to your vision and don’t let outside pressures change your path. Make decisions based on what you believe is right for your business.
  3. It's important to reject social pressure and focus on what brings you peace. Everyone has a unique way of enjoying life, and that's perfectly okay.

Conclave and the Antichrist

Kvetch • 84 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. One possible twist in the story is seeing the humble Cardinal become the ruthless manipulator behind the scenes, raising questions about the hidden ambitions of those in power.
  2. The election of Cardinal Benitez can be viewed as a moment of peace, but it symbolizes a deeper danger, suggesting that even peace can be used to mask destructive intentions.
  3. The film highlights a divided Church, where leaders are more focused on personal ambitions rather than uniting against external threats, showcasing how a lack of common ground can lead to vulnerability.

History, Pedagogy & Revolution

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History Philosophy
  1. Understand historical figures like Lenin and Gramsci not for hero worship but for their ideas and methodology.
  2. The disenfranchisement growth in the past decade is related to the decay of the capitalistic system, leading to challenges and disingenuous influences.
  3. The debate continues on whether to follow a Gramsci approach of cultural hegemony or a Lenin approach of violent overthrow for societal change.

Who Birds Are: How Ornithologist J. Drew Lanham Unites Poetry and Science

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. J. Drew Lanham combines poetry and science to deepen our understanding of nature. He believes that science and poetry both come from the same curiosity about the world.
  2. Lanham's poems invite us to feel connected to the animals he studies, showing that there's more to nature than just facts and observations. He encourages us to empathize with nature and see ourselves in it.
  3. He promotes a view of nature as a spiritual experience, where understanding life, death, and renewal can bring comfort and insight. His approach challenges us to engage with the natural world fully.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #121

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Domicide is the destruction of homes and communities, not just physical spaces. This term helps us understand the deeper impact of displacement caused by different crises.
  2. The role of executives in modern business is changing. Many are more focused on appearances rather than actual work, which can create a sense of meaninglessness in the workplace.
  3. Choosing meaningful struggles can lead to personal growth. Instead of avoiding challenges, embracing them can bring fulfillment and purpose in life.

Why Realism

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Realism in art and literature is often neglected in favor of more stylized or formal innovations. Many artists overlook the beauty of capturing everyday life and genuine experiences in their work.
  2. Annie Baker is a key example of how realism can be powerful and relevant. Her approach to writing feels natural and connects deeply with the audience, showing that simplicity can provoke strong emotions.
  3. There's a lost opportunity for artists to create work that reflects reality and connects to people's lives. Instead of chasing trends, focusing on honest storytelling can make a lasting impact.

Good Luck / episode eight

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. In 1975, Brian Eno started recording his album with no ideas but a unique approach to creativity.
  2. He used a set of cards called Oblique Strategies to inspire his creative process.
  3. This method emphasized thinking outside the box and trying new things in the studio.

Faith vs Reason

David Friedman’s Substack • 305 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The existence of a god does not automatically determine what is right or wrong.
  2. There are solutions to moral questions that do not rely on the existence of a god.
  3. In the early history of Islamic philosophy, there was a debate between schools of thought regarding human reason and moral judgments.

Train Stations Early in the Morning—Dazai and Dostoevsky on Mood

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Train stations in the early morning have a quiet, sad vibe. People seem tired and reluctant to be there, just going through the motions.
  2. When we feel unhappy, we tend to notice the sadness of others more. It's like our own feelings become sharper and more focused.
  3. In contrast, when people are happy, they might overlook the struggles around them. Our mood can really influence how we see the world and others.

Links for 2024-01-14

Axis of Ordinary • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Andrew Ng praises Direct Preference Optimization research paper.
  2. Training deceptive LLMs revealed surprising results in AI risk.
  3. German greenhouse-gas emissions dropped due to a collapse in energy-intensive manufacturing.

The Third Anniversary Post

Comment is Freed • 96 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The substack started as a fun project between a father and son. They didn't expect it to become such an important part of their lives.
  2. They didn't have a clear plan when they began. Over time, they developed a philosophy about what they wanted to do.
  3. The experience has been surprising and rewarding as they've connected with many people through their writing.

Musical Heresies (Part 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 429 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎶 Music Philosophy
  1. Recorded music can have harmful psychological effects, suggesting music should be performed live and reserved for special occasions.
  2. Ancient cultures viewed music as a powerful force for transformation and knowledge, with musicians being revered as heroes.
  3. The historical significance of music extends beyond entertainment, as it played a crucial role in shaping societal worldviews and countercultures.

Hobbits – Part 3

Living Fossils • 6 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Denmark tried to protect a group of small humanoid creatures called småfolk, believing in kindness and coexistence. However, this led to trouble, and the population of småfolk grew rapidly, creating problems for the human residents.
  2. As fear and panic spread among the citizens, Denmark struggled to maintain order, ultimately leading to the collapse of its government. This resulted in a mass evacuation of humans to Norway, where they sought safety.
  3. In contrast, Japan successfully managed its own småfolk population by containing them on an island and using careful control measures. This approach became a model for other countries and changed the conversation about how to deal with such beings.

renewals

let them eat cake • 179 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🍲 Food & Drink Philosophy
  1. Baking involves a mix of physical skills, organization, timing, and care rituals.
  2. Trusting yourself in cooking is crucial for the cook's joy and success.
  3. The feeling of knowing and trusting yourself is essential in baking and cooking.

You're not Simon Sarris.

Castles in the Sky • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Trying to copy someone else's lifestyle, like Simon Sarris's, might actually take you further away from the unique life you want. It's better to reflect on your own values and create a life that feels true to you.
  2. Success comes from understanding the process behind someone's choices rather than just imitating their outcomes. True fulfillment happens when you take deliberate actions based on your own beliefs and desires.
  3. Looking up to someone can be inspiring, but it's important to realize that you are not them. Being aware of who you truly are can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Announcing Aristotle in Your Pocket

What Is Called Thinking? • 29 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. There's a new digital library that has over 4,000 great books all in one place. It makes reading and learning easier and more enjoyable.
  2. This library connects different books, letting readers explore ideas and themes across various texts.
  3. The goal is to help people discover the joy of learning and make classic literature accessible to everyone.

Vicki Victae

Fisted by Foucault • 236 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Philosophy
  1. The Seventh Seal is a timeless movie loved for its themes of good and evil, faith and reason, and more, making it a perfect film.
  2. Death in The Seventh Seal is portrayed as a character that awaits no one, honest in his fatalistic inevitability.
  3. Victoria Nuland, a serious figure, symbolizes a US Empire focus on a Trotskyite jihad against Russia throughout her career.

The Illusion of Security and Safety

Resilient Cyber • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Our physical security measures are often weaker than we think. For instance, common locks can be picked easily, which shows that our sense of security might be just an illusion.
  2. Safety relies on societal agreements, not just on laws or security measures. People generally choose to respect each other's property, which is why we don't face crime constantly.
  3. Our cybersecurity is similarly vulnerable. Current defenses work against normal cyber crime, but if serious attacks from nation-states happen, our systems may not hold up at all.

Does RFK Jr have a guiding philosophy or is he just spitballing?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 112 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Philosophy
  1. RFK Jr. has a distinct philosophy focused on skepticism towards corporations and promoting body autonomy. He is against vaccine mandates and supports personal choice in health decisions.
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy believes in reducing FDA regulations to make it easier for drug companies to operate, but he emphasizes the need for safety studies without enforcing unrealistic efficacy requirements.
  3. The current FDA leaders, like Scott Gottlieb and Bob Califf, prioritize corporate interests and maintain high drug prices. Many feel they don't push for the best evidence and often end up working for pharmaceutical companies after leaving government.