The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Future Belongs to the Machines. The Irrational Belongs to Us.

Brave New Teams • 8 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. As we use more machines and automation, we lose the messy, unpredictable parts of life that give it meaning. It's not the efficiency that's valuable, but the friction and challenges we face together.
  2. In today's world, where everything is optimized and personalized, people are craving experiences that break the mold. Football stands out as an experience that unites people and creates a sense of hope and belonging.
  3. The age of technology won't mean the end of deep emotions or beliefs. Instead, people will find new ways to connect and seek meaning through irrational experiences, like sports, which bring us together in ways machines can't.

tyranasoraus recs

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes we face losses that feel tough, like not winning an election. It's important to keep going and learn from the experience.
  2. Every day, we have the chance to be new and different from who we were yesterday. Our thoughts and feelings can change, even if our routines stay the same.
  3. When it comes to big events, like elections or competitions, what happens in the past can really shape the outcome. Success doesn’t just come from one moment; it’s built over time.

Links to Consider, 2/6

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Mark Mills raises concerns about the environmental impact of electric vehicles.
  2. Zvi Mowshowitz advocates for grade skipping in education for better outcomes.
  3. Peter Gray argues for reducing the role of coercive schooling to promote children's passionate interests.
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Diary #5

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Work can sometimes become overwhelming with long hours, interruptions, and constant screen time
  2. Creativity may require external stimulation, leading to a struggle between generating ideas and transcribing them
  3. Characters and individuals are shaped by circumstances, moments, and external forces, rather than being static entities

Kitty's Bordello #1

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Steadman is a reporter who works undercover and finds a place called Salon Kitty. It piques his interest because of the unique insights it offers.
  2. As Steadman investigates further, he encounters more questions about what really happened to Madame Kitty.
  3. The story hints at intrigue and mystery, inviting readers to think about the deeper implications of his discoveries.

The COB vision

The Century of Biology • 408 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The newsletter focuses on cutting-edge biotech research
  2. The author is dedicated to accelerating the biotechnological revolution
  3. Newsletter content includes data/research, companies/strategy/analysis, and philosophy

Plan for The Oswald Spengler Project

The Oswald Spengler Project • 179 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Oswald Spengler Project consists of notes, essays, and translations about Oswald Spengler's works.
  2. The project will cover Spengler's published works and delve into historical, cultural, and philosophical topics.
  3. Initial focus will be on notes on Spengler's major works, with plans to later provide translations of his unpublished works.

Happy New Year 2024

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. New Year offers a chance to re-enchant ourselves and embrace opportunities for growth.
  2. Consolidating efforts into one space can build momentum, enhance visibility, and reduce logistical inefficiencies.
  3. Creative projects can benefit from being housed together under different categories for increased focus and impact.

Magnus Carlsen, David Deutsch and the "Fun Criterion"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Magnus Carlsen, a top chess player, emphasizes that enjoying the game is key to his success. He believes that treating chess as a fun hobby rather than a job helps him perform better.
  2. David Deutsch's 'fun criterion' suggests that feeling enjoyment during an activity can be a powerful guide for decision-making and problem-solving. It's about aligning your conscious and unconscious ideas to find what truly matters.
  3. Choosing paths based on fun can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. Many people, including successful figures, often overlook enjoyment in their choices, which can lead to dissatisfaction.

My Humanities Journey

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. The dominant schooling system has been criticized by various great thinkers for failing to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and democratic values, highlighting the importance of reevaluating traditional education methods.
  2. Mark Twain and Jack London, despite being school dropouts, emphasized the distinction between 'schooling' and 'education,' emphasizing the role of life experiences and concentrated study in their intellectual development.
  3. Formal education is not the only path to learning, as illustrated by Dr. Nall's journey from a high school dropout to earning a doctorate, highlighting the value of informal learning, exploration, and deep critical thinking in one's educational journey.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #126

Creative Destruction • 28 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Things might seem worse due to perceived obsolescence, where products are designed to feel outdated even if they still work well. This affects our identity as consumers and leads to lower quality of life.
  2. We're entering a post-reality era where people's feelings shape what's considered real, influenced heavily by AI and social media. This creates echo chambers and challenges our grasp on shared truths.
  3. Instead of just trying to scale quickly, we should focus on building deeper relationships and connections. Real impact comes from understanding and caring about the communities we serve.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Literary prizes can distract from an artist's true growth and craft. They often create a focus on external validation rather than personal development in art.
  2. Critics have strayed from their true role, becoming more about filtering works for the public than truly engaging with and interpreting art. Real criticism should be a creative dialogue alongside artists.
  3. Science is not as objective as people think. Its methods and findings can change with cultural beliefs, and it's important to recognize that it operates within a social context just like any other belief system.

Against Confession

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Memoirs often focus on personal trauma and overcoming adversity, making them popular in today's culture. People seem to find inspiration in these true stories.
  2. There's a growing preference for memoirs over fiction because readers relate to real experiences more than imagined ones. Many feel fiction lacks the 'realness' they crave.
  3. Imagination in storytelling is being lost as people focus more on personal confessions instead of creating new worlds through fiction. It's important to remember the value of creativity and make-believe.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 233 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. January storms led to a power outage, revealing the joy of unplugging and simplifying.
  2. The coming of electricity changed our relation with reality negatively, according to a philosopher.
  3. The Monthly Salon encourages discussions on various topics, from literature to current events.

READING: Alan Ryan on Isaiah Berlin on Karl Marx

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Isaiah Berlin's take on Karl Marx focused not just on Marx's life but also on his intellectual environment and impact on history.
  2. Berlin's writing style brought historical figures like Marx to life, balancing psychology and intellectual analysis skillfully.
  3. Marxism, as presented by Berlin, challenges the idea that ideas solely drive history, highlighting the complex relationship between individuals, their environment, and social change.

Short Thoughts on Purgatory

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. In Dante's Purgatorio, each terrace is structured to purify a vice from the souls, paired with its opposite virtue, progressing upward in a cleansing manner.
  2. The formulation of each terrace in Purgatory aims to break the soul's habit found on that terrace, allowing the soul to move towards freedom.
  3. The terrace of Sloth in Dante's Purgatorio reflects an insufficiency of love, leading to profound discussions on love and poetry.

Still-Life (Talking)

Critic at Large • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The painting 'Still Life With a Gilt Cup' by Willem Claesz Heda presents a subtle message warning against the dangers of wealth and excess.
  2. The details in the painting, such as the luxurious items on the table, symbolize the seductive nature of material goods and the transitory nature of life.
  3. The painting reflects a Calvinist-inspired moral reminder about the consequences of greed and the importance of not being consumed by worldly pleasures.

The shadow of the valley

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏝 Travel Philosophy
  1. Camping trips can lead to altered states of consciousness by breaking away from daily routines and distractions like the internet, allowing us to explore different aspects of ourselves.
  2. Human capability to adapt and change is highlighted by observing the ever-evolving nature of deserts like Death Valley over time.
  3. Nudity serves as a unique symbol of human adaptability and creativity, showcasing our ability to mold and interact with the world around us in distinctive ways.

The Illusion of Shared Power and the Elite-eat-Elite World

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. The book 'The Machiavellians' explores a unique political tradition that dissects politics pragmatically, focusing on power and manipulation.
  2. Democratic elitism, discussed by figures like Gaetano Mosca, argues all societies are ruled by a minority elite, manipulating the masses through various means.
  3. The idea of the 'iron law of oligarchy' by Robert Michels emphasizes how organizations tend to become oligarchic over time, exploring the dynamics of leadership and power.

Stories from the Yules of My Life

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The author shares fictional Christmas card messages and stories, reflecting on past memories and personal experiences.
  2. The author delves into genealogy and discusses the Scottish Earls, emphasizing the complexity and potential of family histories.
  3. The author shares a detailed, introspective piece on self-reflection, writing, and the pursuit of creativity despite challenges and societal norms.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Native American history is often told as a story of victimization, but a new perspective sees it as a narrative of struggle and resilience. This shift acknowledges that Native Americans are still here and actively shaping their own stories.
  2. The question of whether Jews are considered 'white' reveals larger issues of identity and power. It's not just about skin color; it's about understanding the complexities and variations within ethnic groups and recognizing that identities can be mixed and multifaceted.
  3. Casanova's writings offer a vivid snapshot of 18th-century life, but his personal morals are complex. Instead of judging him by today's standards, we should appreciate how his perspective sheds light on the social dynamics of his time.

Crystallised Authenticity

the shimmering void • 69 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The role of an artist is to express their feelings and engage with what they observe. It's important to stay true to oneself and reflect on the world honestly.
  2. Creativity isn't just about making flashy things; it takes effort and genuine emotion to create work that resonates with people. Shallow, trendy stuff often lacks real connection.
  3. Art helps people understand their feelings and the world around them better. Artists should aim for authenticity in their work, connecting deeply with their audience through meaningful expression.

The Transgender Question

Black Lodges • 58 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There is no genuine discussion needed about the transgender question.
  2. Trans rights are human rights and individuals deserve respect and dignity.
  3. Debates around transgender issues often serve as distractions from deeper societal issues.

Compensation for Startups: Implementing and “Defending” Your Compensation System

Lessons • 58 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
💼 Business Philosophy
  1. When implementing a compensation system for startups, focus on simplicity to ensure sustainability.
  2. Establish centralized control to maintain the integrity of the system and avoid potential errors.
  3. Key steps for initial implementation include creating/updating leveling system, designing compensation philosophy, and mapping employees to new levels and bands.

Beyond the Machine: Technology and Posthuman Freedom

Extropic Thoughts • 58 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Humans are composed of mechanical parts, but that doesn't mean we are only machines.
  2. Technology can help us increase human freedom through advanced tools like genetic engineering and brain implants.
  3. Understanding our mechanistic origins can lead to self-improvement and increased self-definition, moving us towards a posthuman condition of self-creation.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto Bolaño offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

Gonna have fun fun fun!

Silicon Reckoner • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The discussion is about the expectation of fun and enjoyment in mathematics, especially concerning formal proofs and proof assistants.
  2. There is an exploration of the interaction between formalization, mathematical communication, and technology, emphasizing the potential impact on author-reader dynamics.
  3. The text questions the philosophical implications of automatic translation between different forms of mathematical proofs, highlighting the nuances and potential losses in communication and understanding.

What I've Been Reading | July 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa explores the dynamics of power and dictatorship
  2. The Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey emphasizes objective observation and self-trust for improvement
  3. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis delves into themes of choices, realities, and rejecting the good

Us vs. Them

Black Lodges • 58 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. An Australian property developer made controversial statements about the working class and employers.
  2. Capitalism is based on exploitation and is inherent in economic relationships.
  3. The need for change to the core of capitalism to alleviate exploitation and unethical practices.

[71] The Opepen Meta

Life in Color • 58 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Opepen project combines Web3, AI, and art to create a community-driven meta protocol.
  2. Opepen blurs the line between substance and form in art, encouraging remixes and derivatives.
  3. The use of AI in Opepen challenges traditional ideas of scarcity and abundance in creation and curation.

The World Modernity Ended

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The author appreciates the freedom that comes from stepping away from social media, leading to more time for focused reading and thought.
  2. Books discussed explore how modernity has changed our relationship with nature and spirituality, questioning if the benefits of modern life are worth the losses we’ve experienced.
  3. There is a sense that modernity might be ending with the rise of digital communication, prompting a need to reflect on how we engage with technology and what we might reclaim from the past.

A Walk In The Park

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Walking can help clear your mind and inspire new ideas. Many great writers are also big walkers because it allows them to think and create.
  2. A good essay is like a walk without a strict path. You explore, get distracted, and discover new things along the way.
  3. Taking a moment to breathe and enjoy nature lets you see things differently. It's a reminder that we all need time to pause and reflect.