The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Two perspectives on the liberal arts and the humanities

Heterodox STEM • 199 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Liberal arts education in the US may serve different purposes for elites and non-elites, with disparities in expectations and outcomes.
  2. Humanities education is seen as vital for a well-rounded education and understanding fundamental human questions and experiences.
  3. Reading classic literature may play a role in shaping perspectives and values, potentially reducing susceptibility to certain societal trends like 'wokeness'.

Ways of Seeing—On Bernhard's Old Masters

Vremya • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Everything in art, as in life, has flaws. When we look closely, we’ll often find faults, even in the greatest masterpieces.
  2. Our personal experiences shape how we see the world. Sometimes, our pain or feelings can color our view of things, making us more critical or negative.
  3. Losing someone we love changes everything. It can make us see things differently, and sometimes, we may feel that nothing else holds the same meaning or value.

An Atheist Grief Observed

Skeptic • 65 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Loss can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes it can lead to devastating consequences like suicide. The experience of losing a home and a loved one at the same time can multiply the grief.
  2. Being an atheist can change how one processes grief. Without a belief in a higher power, there can be less internal conflict and blame, allowing for a more straightforward acceptance of loss.
  3. Compassion and support from friends and family can help during difficult times. Even in the face of tragedy, the kindness of others can soften the experience of loss.

The Sense of an Ending.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 77 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Our memories can differ from what actually happened. We often remember things differently than how we lived them.
  2. Time feels different depending on our emotions. A happy moment can make time fly, while a sad moment can make it crawl.
  3. As we age, we tend to view the past differently. We create stories about our lives that shape how we see ourselves and others.

Launching 'Inner Life'

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. A new collaborative Substack called 'Inner Life' is being launched, aiming to create a community-focused space for sharing thoughtful writing.
  2. The founders believe that discussing deep questions about the human condition can unite people across different times and experiences.
  3. The Substack will feature two posts a week, blending their own works with contributions from other writers, encouraging an ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
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Absent London

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. London's true identity lies in its absence, as depicted by Patrick Keiller in 1992.
  2. Living in London helps you gradually distance yourself from its overwhelming influence.
  3. Many who are drawn to a city's center often face disappointment and the realization of life's inherent futility.

As Above, So Garage

Breaking Smart • 83 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Hermeticism blends mysticism with practical engineering. It encourages creativity and experimentation, much like how tinkerers and inventors think today.
  2. Modern technology can sometimes feel dull and overly cautious compared to the adventurous spirit of past inventors. The best innovations often come from taking risks and trusting your gut.
  3. The ideal of the 'garage hacker' symbolizes a deeper, more soul-driven approach to innovation, focusing on passion rather than just profits or strict theories.

2024: My Year in Books

American Dreaming • 77 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Reading fiction can be just as valuable as reading nonfiction. It helps you learn and understand different perspectives.
  2. The processed food industry has a significant impact on our eating habits and health choices. It's important to be aware of how these companies operate.
  3. Books can cover a wide range of topics, from personal stories to social issues. They can inspire, inform, and challenge our thinking.

Riskophilia

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 262 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The shift from risk loving to risk averse behavior over the past decades has impacted individuals, companies, and nations.
  2. The precautionary principle, aimed at minimizing risks, can lead to unintended consequences and hinder progress.
  3. Embracing risk is essential for building resilience, adaptability, and progress in various aspects of life.

Biology is not Bigotry

Critical Mass • 77 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Biological sex is generally defined by the type of reproductive cells, making it binary in nature. This means there are typically only two sexes: male and female.
  2. Self-identity does not change biological sex; feelings and gender roles are different from biological facts. Someone can express their gender in various ways, but that does not alter their biological sex.
  3. Discussions around sex and gender should not overshadow the primary mission of organizations focused on free thought and secularism. It's important to separate scientific understanding from ideology.

I sent some texts on the good life

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Having good friends shapes our kids' lives in ways we might not see. It’s important to have a supportive community.
  2. We need to keep growing and changing as people. Life is about discovering who we are and evolving.
  3. It’s crucial to appreciate what we have right now. Instead of wishing for a perfect future, we should focus on enjoying the present.

Five books Sam Altman recommends

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Reading deeply changes what a person can become by sharpening judgment, deepening empathy, and helping make sense of big forces like AI.
  2. A small set of books can act as an operating manual: find meaning, spot cognitive biases, build genuinely new things, believe in progress, and learn how to scale fast.
  3. Treat reading as a deliberate practice—give yourself time to read, think, and reflect so you can choose better work and make bolder, clearer decisions.

Wolves At The Gates

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Evil is often seen as something natural and powerful, like a force in nature. In shows like Fargo and Twin Peaks, characters see evil as something they must endure rather than defeat.
  2. Power can corrupt and is often linked to greed. Many stories illustrate how leaders can manipulate their positions without moral consideration, much like the characters in recent TV shows.
  3. There's a shift in how people view political systems. Instead of seeing evil as a result of misguided ideas, some now believe evil exists inherently in people and systems, making it a part of life.

Towards An Artistic Middle Class

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Art should be seen as a steady job, like any other career, instead of a do-or-die gamble. The idea is to encourage hard work over chasing fame.
  2. An artistic middle class is beginning to form, with more middle-level jobs and support for artists. This includes university programs and new ways to earn money through digital platforms.
  3. For artists to thrive together, they need to value creativity over status. They should support each other and focus on producing good work instead of competing for attention.

Manifesto

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The internet was once seen as a place where everyone could freely express themselves, but it has mostly become a platform for groupthink and marketing.
  2. People now often self-censor and create content just for attention, making genuine expression rare and tough to find.
  3. True art and expression should focus on honesty and individual experiences, rather than trying to be the best or gain social status.

Sam Tanenhaus's Buckley; Marcel Ophuls; More on MacIntyre; DOGE's price in blood

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sam Tanenhaus's biography of William F. Buckley is considered a must-read. It offers a deep look at a key figure in American conservatism with engaging writing.
  2. Marcel Ophuls's documentary 'The Sorrow and the Pity' changed how France views its history during World War II. It reveals that many collaborated with the Nazis instead of resisting.
  3. A recent critique of MacIntyre's views argues that moral progress is possible through conversation and shared values, rather than just searching for a single goal in life.

The Philosophy of Murder Ballads

Going Awol • 10 HN points • 12 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Murder ballads create emotional and cognitive dissonance in listeners by pairing violent lyrics with upbeat music, prompting listeners to primarily focus on the music over the lyrics.
  2. Listeners can resolve the tension caused by murder ballads by either ignoring the lyrics and focusing on the music, vice versa, or by finding a way to make sense of the emotional clash between the two.
  3. Enjoying murder ballads in a detached manner - appreciating the music and storytelling without endorsing the violent acts portrayed - can be a way to engage with the genre ethically.

Beyond the Grade: Uvalde, Satan and the Problem of Evil

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The problem of evil questions how an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God allows unnecessary suffering and evil in the world.
  2. The existence of Satan presents a challenge to the perception of God's omnipotence and goodness.
  3. Philosophical discussions around the problem of evil suggest various explanations, such as the free-will defense, to reconcile God's qualities with the presence of evil.

The Monthly Salon: February

The Abbey of Misrule • 177 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The author reflects on the changing beliefs and values in society, questioning if it's them, the culture or both that have changed.
  2. Through writing, the author processes conflicting emotions and ideas, especially as the culture shifts rapidly around them.
  3. The author invites readers to think about what they have changed their minds about in recent years, whether personal, political, cultural, or spiritual.

Sanity Project 2026

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Sanity Project 2026 will publish frequent videos exploring how sense, meaning, and identity are unraveling, and it aims to encourage a collective awakening from divisive narratives. It emphasizes acknowledging reality fully by bringing forward overlooked facts, stories, and paradoxes.
  2. An online community (NAAS) will host discussion forums and monthly live calls so people can engage beyond passive listening. Membership is by monthly donation, with free access offered to those who can’t afford it and safeguards in place to keep out bots.
  3. Several in-person events are planned, including a June retreat at Ferry Beach, a late-August weekend at the Omega Institute, and a local talk in January. Related content will continue via a Halfmoon Podcast and regular Substack posts.

Spring is Nigh

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Spring brings joy and beauty to everyone, no matter where they live. It's a time when nature reawakens, reminding us of simple pleasures and hope.
  2. Connecting with nature can boost happiness and help create a better future. Embracing the world around us can be a powerful antidote to life's challenges.
  3. In spring, we notice new life all around us, like colorful flowers and singing birds. These signs remind us to appreciate the small wonders in our everyday lives.

Hexagram 36

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The I Ching can provide guidance during tough times, especially when the future feels uncertain. It has been used historically by many to find hope and clarity amidst challenges.
  2. Hexagram 36, known as 'the darkening of the light,' suggests a way to live in difficult circumstances. It encourages curiosity and perseverance even when things seem bleak.
  3. The I Ching's structure has been linked to the genetic code, which hints at a deeper connection between life and these ancient teachings. This connection may reveal insights about growth and change in all living systems.

Are We Entering a Psychic Future?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Philosophy
  1. Academic and cultural attitudes toward psychic phenomena are shifting, with growing interest in rigorous research and a possible paradigm shift toward models like dual-aspect monism that integrate consciousness with physical reality.
  2. Telepathy, synchronicity, magic, and UFO experiences challenge strict materialism and call for coordinated scientific and humanities study. Belief, methodology, and social context affect outcomes, and suppression of these phenomena can make things worse.
  3. Emerging technologies and cultural changes could blur the psychic–physical boundary and create both ethical risks and transformative possibilities. Thoughtful research, disclosure, and governance are needed to steer these changes toward positive social outcomes.

The Glass Plantation

Transmissions from the floor • 24 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Clairvius Narcisse's story involves a supposed 'death' by doctors, only to return alive years later, claiming he was turned into a zombie by a Vodou witch doctor and forced to work as a slave.
  2. In Vodou belief, a person's soul is divided into two parts, and the process of becoming a zombie involves suppressing one part to control the person like a puppet.
  3. The text highlights modern distractions like social media and screens, illustrating how they can trap us in a cycle, making it difficult to focus or remember our original intentions.

Lockdowns & Deep Impact

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Establishing traditions that reinforce positive themes, like masculinity, with your children can be significant.
  2. Disaster movies often portray common themes like philosopher-king leadership and lockdowns, reflecting on real-world events and responses.
  3. The concept of a philosopher-king taking decisive actions in times of crisis, as shown in movies and real-life scenarios, can impact our perceptions and reactions to disasters.

Sartre Dossier 2

Euro Desk Paris • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sartre reflects on the concept of freedom during the German occupation of France.
  2. Sartre envisions a democracy of equal risk and responsibility within the Resistance.
  3. France's political history is characterized by different republics and evolving power dynamics.

5D Money (Part 1)

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 226 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
💰 Finance Philosophy
  1. The world is primarily driven by emotions, politics, and economic situations rather than just intellectual ideas.
  2. Under large-scale capitalism, some assumptions about money are presented as self-evident and unquestioned.
  3. Money is ingrained in our minds from a young age, leading to dissociation and acceptance of certain monetary models.

The Age of Assholes

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Our beliefs about the world, like money equating to value or status equating to worth, can often make us act in hurtful ways towards others. We need to question these assumptions.
  2. Cultural narratives, like those seen in shows like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Succession', illustrate the harsh, competitive structures of society and challenge us to think about different paths forward.
  3. A shift in mindset is necessary; instead of blindly accepting harsh realities, we should focus on not participating in systems that perpetuate harm and inequality.

Good taste

10x your mind • 39 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Having good taste and judgment is essential in an AI-driven world, as it is a skill shaped by knowledge and experience.
  2. The existence of good taste is evident in various fields like art, writing, and coding, where individuals can make better judgments than AI.
  3. Developing good taste involves staying curious, paying attention to details, challenging preferences, and learning from experts to enhance judgment.

Applying Socratic Wisdom to Engineering Management

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
💼 Business Philosophy
  1. Humility is important in engineering. Recognizing that you don’t know everything helps create a culture where everyone feels valued and can share ideas.
  2. Being a leader means being a lifelong learner. It’s vital to keep learning about your team and technology to support them effectively.
  3. Taking time to reflect on actions and decisions can lead to better results. Regular team retrospectives can help improve processes and boost team morale.

On Shifts In Status

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Status in life is always changing. It's important to accept that both good times and bad times will come and go.
  2. Many people think winning or losing is permanent, but that's not true. Life is more about ups and downs than fixed positions.
  3. Understanding that status isn't always linked to worth can help us see things more clearly. Real value often comes from our experiences, not just our achievements.

Amaroo

the rohn report • 99 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Simplicity and clarity are fundamental to a happy life, often underrated, yet vital for focusing on what's truly important.
  2. The world can be like a circus, with people acting like clowns and engaging in strange behaviors, but sometimes enjoying the show is the best approach.
  3. Prioritizing existence itself and adjusting what we find most important can bring a new perspective to life and help appreciate its beauty.

Curator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Mass shootings have become a regular part of American life, making it hard to ignore in discussions about culture and news. It's tough for writers to tackle this topic because it feels overwhelming and often leads to a sense of despair.
  2. There is a debate on whether art and literature should confront the reality of mass shootings or avoid it due to its horrific nature. Some believe that delving into such dark themes can produce important conversations, while others think certain subjects are too disturbing for art.
  3. The idea that we are inherently 'evil' or 'good' can be misleading. Understanding human nature and morality is more about how we respond to social pressures and personal choices rather than fitting into simple categories.

Be of good cheer

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 27 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Stay positive and hopeful during challenging times. It helps improve your outlook on life.
  2. Take time off for yourself to recharge and reflect. It's essential for maintaining your well-being.
  3. Focus on enjoying life and the company of others. Happiness and connections matter.

What Is An Intellectual?

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Intellectuals can be misunderstood and have often faced persecution from powerful regimes. It's surprising that people who seem harmless can be targeted by those in power.
  2. Many intellectuals, while examining ideas, have ended up supporting terrible regimes. This shows that intelligence doesn't always equal good ethics.
  3. Being an intellectual today means taking a stand for one's beliefs, even when it's unpopular. Courage is necessary to challenge the status quo and defend freedom of expression.

Hidden History and Sacred Sites: An Interview with Freddy Silva

What's Important? • 26 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There are ancient sites and technologies that may have been designed to enhance human consciousness, using energy from the Earth.
  2. Historically, this wisdom was suppressed by power structures, but it is being rediscovered today. Access to this knowledge requires caution.
  3. Exploring these ideas can be fun and rewarding. Building a beautiful life can inspire others to do the same.

Interpreting Yonder

Orbis Tertius • 172 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Julio Cortázar's novel Hopscotch has an unconventional structure with different reading options
  2. The novel explores the limits of explanation for understanding reality and life, touching on perspectivism and subjective interpretation
  3. Science and quantum mechanics highlight the subjective nature of interpretation and the limitations of objective reality

Critics Of Capitalism Misunderstand Economic Success

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 25 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
💼 Business Philosophy
  1. Economic success reflects how well someone serves others, not just a personal gain. When people succeed in business, it usually means they are meeting needs in society.
  2. Critics often see successful entrepreneurs as oppressors, but this view misunderstands the nature of profit. Profit can actually indicate cooperation and mutual benefit, not exploitation.
  3. Admiring economic success can inspire others to improve and create value, instead of fostering a sense of victimhood or grievance. A culture that values hard work and success can lead to positive outcomes for everyone.

Culture and Humans Living Forever

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Advancements in science may soon allow humans to live for hundreds of years, leading to complex cultural adaptations.
  2. The concept of living forever raises ethical and societal questions, such as equal access to longevity treatments and redefining traditional milestones like retirement.
  3. The shift towards longer lifespans will challenge our current economic and cultural systems, impacting everything from wealth accumulation to family structures.