The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Art has shifted from being a personal expression to being seen as a tool for social justice. This change can often make it feel like art is less valuable on its own.
  2. The idea of mental health and crime might need a new perspective. Instead of seeing criminals as purely bad or insane, we should consider how their behavior is shaped by their circumstances.
  3. People are increasingly viewing life through a 'gaming' lens, where winning is the main goal. This approach can lead to a lack of compassion and fulfillment, showing that there might be a need to seek a deeper meaning beyond games and stories.

Occam’s Shaving Cream

Breaking Smart • 18 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Writing should feel fun and engaging; if it doesn't, it may need a fresh touch.
  2. It's important to keep your own standards in mind when creating content, aiming for joy rather than just quality.
  3. Sometimes a simple idea or concept can spark the creativity needed to write something meaningful.

The Ruffian's Greatest Hits 2023

The Ruffian • 165 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Stories can hinder critical thinking by creating a comforting narrative.
  2. Historical narratives can overshadow truth and harm the discipline of history.
  3. Discussing complex and controversial topics like gender identity requires nuanced understanding and thoughtful discourse.
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On Ibsen's Enemy of the People—Or How to Face Public Outrage

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 09 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Public outrage has always existed, but it’s more concentrated now on social media. It’s common for people with new or uncomfortable ideas to be met with resistance.
  2. Ibsen's play 'An Enemy of the People' shows the struggle of speaking uncomfortable truths. The main character faces anger and backlash when he reveals that the town's spa is contaminated.
  3. The play highlights the challenges of changing people's minds about moral beliefs. It can be tough to share important ideas, especially when they go against what many believe to be true.

Charting Your Course: The Journey of Self-Discovery

Wayne's Earth • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Embrace Seneca's philosophy: 'Find a path or make one.' This is a call to action to take charge of your journey, either by discovering existing paths or creating new ones.
  2. Explore existing paths before deciding. Just like reading reviews before trying a new restaurant, knowing what's out there can help you make informed choices.
  3. Equip yourself with the right tools for your journey. Whether gaining skills, seeking knowledge, or finding mentors, preparation is key to navigating life's challenges.

An Evening with John Vervaeke: Live in London

The Bigger Picture • 179 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. John Vervaeke uses his research to bridge Western philosophy, Eastern wisdom practices, and cognitive science.
  2. Vervaeke aims to create a framework for navigating the crisis of truth, alienation, and lack of wisdom in today's culture.
  3. The live event in London will offer an intimate salon-style setting with dialogos practice, Q&A, and socializing.

Dealing With The Russian Right

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Philosophy
  1. Understanding Russian right-wing thinkers like Limonov and Dugin can help explain the mindset behind Putin's actions. This ideology combines fascist elements with a deep-rooted belief in Russia's historical and spiritual superiority.
  2. Putin's view of liberalism and the West is not merely political; it’s seen as a mystical struggle against a perceived enemy. This perspective shapes the narrative that justifies Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine.
  3. Engaging with these ideas is crucial, as they highlight a coherent worldview that challenges Western values. Recognizing this helps in forming a stronger response to the ideologies driving Russia's political strategies.

The one and the many

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The poem explores the concepts of unity and diversity through discussions about music and movies.
  2. It showcases the idea of unity-in-diversity in relationships, where individuals with different tastes can still find common ground.
  3. The piece emphasizes how art can bring people together and create unity, even in the midst of differing opinions and preferences.

Ribbonfarm Studio --> Contraptions

Breaking Smart • 67 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The newsletter is changing its name from Ribbonfarm Studio to Contraptions. This will help give it a clear identity that reflects the topics it covers.
  2. The writer is currently on a break but plans to resume regular writing soon. They are excited about exploring new themes and ideas under the new name.
  3. During the break, the writer is focused on building physical contraptions and enjoying their time off. They want the newsletter to feel fresh and different when they come back.

Monsters and Mediocrity

Breaking Smart • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Monsters often need a vital or life-like element to exist, just like Frankenstein's monster needed a 'spark of life' to be animated.
  2. Contraptions and monsters share a relationship where both may lack design integrity and are often unnamed, highlighting their unfinished or imperfect nature.
  3. True monsters are typically derived from living beings, reflecting a recognizable perversion of something familiar, like a giant cockroach.

Death and Life

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 48 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Death is a common theme in our language, showing up in many phrases and everyday conversations. This reflects how deeply the idea of death influences our thoughts and expressions.
  2. Words related to life, such as 'vital' and 'vivacious,' are also frequently used in discussions to convey a sense of energy and positivity. These words connect to our experiences and perceptions of being alive.
  3. Both death and life are rich topics in literature, often explored through powerful quotes and themes. They reveal our struggles and feelings about existence, making them relatable and poignant.

Nine life lessons from comedian Tim Minchin

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. You don't need a big dream to succeed. Just follow your curiosity and set small goals you can achieve.
  2. Happiness can't be chased. Instead, focus on doing things for others, and happiness will come naturally.
  3. Life is often about luck. Appreciate what you have and stay humble about your achievements.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #102

Creative Destruction • 49 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The idea of a 'post-capitalist self' suggests that people should shift their career goals away from traditional corporate paths, which may no longer offer meaningful rewards.
  2. Modern technology is making people feel more lonely even when they are surrounded by others, as constant connectivity can create a barrier to genuine social interaction.
  3. Focusing on helping others rather than just on self-improvement can bring more happiness and meaning to life, highlighting the importance of social connections.

Enough: The Forgotten Lesson of Ben Graham's Life

Neckar’s Notes • 264 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
💰 Finance Philosophy
  1. Ben Graham's success was largely due to his investment in GEICO, not just deep value stocks.
  2. Graham's approach to investing was more focused on teaching basic principles accessible to all, rather than on seeking out the best companies like GEICO.
  3. Buffett, unlike Graham, dedicated himself to the pursuit of amassing wealth through compounding capital, while Graham saw investing as just one of many interests in his life.

LLM links, 2/4

In My Tribe • 136 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Children learn by sensing and manipulating objects, which is expected to influence AI development.
  2. AI alignment issues are compared to human alignment issues, showing the importance of getting along in society.
  3. There are hard resource constraints that may limit extreme AI-driven growth, highlighting the importance of understanding these limits.

Harris Rosenblum: Algorithmic Alienation and Transcendence

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. People on the internet are turning to magical belief structures due to a vacuum of meaning in their lives and worsening material conditions.
  2. Marx's theory of alienation in capitalism highlights separation from labor, nature, others, and self, leading to a lack of meaning and productive agency.
  3. Algorithm-driven alienation leads individuals into online communities that generate new ideologies, identities, and political narratives, ultimately challenging existing hegemonic norms.

You need to be wholesome-maxxing.

Castles in the Sky • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being wholesome means doing happy, simple things that bring joy. It can be as easy as taking fun photos or enjoying a favorite drink.
  2. Avoiding clichés or common interests doesn’t lead to happiness; embracing them can actually make life better. Trying things that seem cheesy can be freeing and rewarding.
  3. Wholesome-maxxing is about being true to yourself and not worrying about others' judgments. It's okay to enjoy what you love, even if it seems mainstream or silly.

Curator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Literary criticism helps reflect the health of a society through its culture. Critics believe that poor artistic standards can lead to societal decay and a decline in political morals.
  2. Longtermism, a philosophical idea focused on the importance of the future, can oversimplify ethics by assuming we can predict and control outcomes for future generations. It's more complicated than that.
  3. The debate over sex positivity versus prudishness highlights how different views on sexuality impact women. It's important for women to have the freedom to define their own experiences without societal pressure or shame.

Joe Piscopo, Frank Sinatra, Phil Hartman, and Nick Land

Fisted by Foucault • 136 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Joe Piscopo was a significant figure in the early 80s SNL era but faced challenges with changing cast and producers.
  2. Phil Hartman's portrayal of Frank Sinatra on SNL was iconic, portraying him in a comedic light and causing controversy.
  3. Humorous exchanges and misinterpretations from the SNL sketch 'The Sinatra Group' have left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing the power of memory and humor.

Things Hidden at Novitate 2023

How the Hell • 165 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Peter Thiel discussed the Apocalypse, Antichrist, and the importance of going to church at Novitate 2023.
  2. Darryl Cooper highlighted similarities in the lives of Dostoevsky and Nietzsche at the conference.
  3. The argument that technology, specifically AI, will cause the Apocalypse was presented by Byrne Hobart and Tobias Huber.

The Art of Stupid

The Palindrome • 5 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. It's okay to feel confused when learning something new. Embracing that feeling can actually help you learn better.
  2. Asking simple or 'stupid' questions is important for understanding. Don't be afraid to seek clarity on things you don't get.
  3. Worrying about how you look to others can hold you back. Focus on gaining knowledge instead of keeping up appearances.

Revisiting 2024: Favorite Posts and Quotes

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Reflecting on past experiences helps us see how much we've accomplished, even when we feel lost. It's important to keep moving forward despite challenges.
  2. Money is more than just currency; it influences our lives in deep ways. Understanding our feelings about money can lead to meaningful insights.
  3. Mentorship plays a key role in personal growth. Being open to learning and seeking guidance can help us achieve our goals.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #124

Creative Destruction • 17 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being responsive online is seen as a sign of care and friendship, but it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed. People often feel pressure to reply quickly, making it hard to set boundaries and take care of themselves.
  2. A shift towards digital tools is making people feel 'handless' because it limits their ability to take action in the physical world. This change leads to a disconnect from doing meaningful tasks and interacting with tangible things.
  3. There's a growing concern that society is evolving in ways that make us more like crabs, as we adapt to technology and capitalism. This change can lead to a loss of our traditional human traits and a more mechanized way of living.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Origins of Fascism in the Modern Pace of Econo-Social Creative Destruction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 123 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. In the past, social networks largely determined who you were, but in modern times, you have the power to choose your own social network and reinvent yourself.
  2. With the rise of modern economic growth after 1870, the pace of change accelerated, leading to the disappearance of many traditional social roles and the need for individuals to adapt and choose new paths.
  3. Loneliness and totalitarianism can arise from the disconnection and lack of common experience in modern societies, with anger and desperation fueling negative solidarity, leading to negative consequences.

The Case For Centrism

The Ruffian • 227 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Political identification can limit our ability to think freely.
  2. Centrism values compromise and seeking a middle ground in negotiation.
  3. Centrists sometimes lack a strong philosophical foundation and rely on pragmatic or leader-based decision-making.

I'm Going Paid

Strange Wonder • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The author is transitioning their publication to a paid subscription model.
  2. They plan to offer one free post a month and three paid posts.
  3. The shift is to support their career change and family, while also providing more in-depth content.

The After-Afterparty

Skunk Ledger • 215 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The protagonist wins a forecasting tournament and celebrates extravagantly with cuddle therapists and predictions.
  2. A confrontation with an archnemesis leads to a discussion on modeling uncertainties and reaching a consensus.
  3. A black swan intervenes to teach the importance of collaboration and addressing assumptions in disagreements.

Two guides for a healthy biosphere

Technology, Environment, and Art • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Philosophy
  1. Human happiness and contentment is tied to the health of the biosphere, including all life forms, not just humans
  2. We need more thinkers who ask basic, general questions without relying on specialized knowledge, encouraging a return to fundamental philosophy
  3. We should move beyond prioritizing profit and measurable variables to embrace a new philosophy emphasizing harmony with the biosphere and a shift towards empathetic and wise thinking

On Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Pharaoh's character shows how someone can become too proud to admit they are wrong. Even when faced with power beyond his own, he refuses to truly accept it.
  2. God hardens Pharaoh's heart to illustrate the importance of justice and punishment for past wrongdoings. This story highlights that sometimes, consequences need to be faced fully.
  3. In the end, even a hard-hearted person can show vulnerability. Pharaoh's last request to Moses for a blessing shows a moment of human connection, despite his earlier choices.

Repairing Ourselves.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 53 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Poetry helps us connect with our deepest feelings and can aid in personal healing. It shows us that we can rebuild ourselves through words and creativity.
  2. Water symbolizes life and healing, teaching us the importance of being adaptable and working harmoniously with our environment.
  3. Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, reminding us that our scars and flaws can be beautiful and part of our unique story.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #125

Creative Destruction • 15 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Nihilistic thinking is common, with many feeling lost and questioning the meaning of their lives. This crisis of meaning is a big issue today and can lead to new ideas and values when we confront it.
  2. There is a growing fear of people scarcity as many young individuals are leaving their homes in search of opportunities. This might change the way migration is viewed and handled in wealthier countries.
  3. The financial world is becoming unpredictable, and understanding value is tougher than ever. It's important to read social dynamics in the market, as they play a significant role in outcomes.

Manifesto(es)

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Art raises tough questions about ethics. Some people think art should avoid causing harm, while others believe artists should have total freedom.
  2. The debate about morality in art often leads to controversies, like whether it's okay to write about real people without their consent, which can hurt them.
  3. Choosing to ignore ethical questions can make art feel cheap. Artists need to balance creativity with the potential impact their work may have on others.

This Blog Will Last a Lifetime

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Having a lifelong project, like a blog, can be very valuable. It gives you something to work on consistently throughout your life.
  2. Projects that last a long time can be more fulfilling than short-term ones. They allow you to grow and evolve along with your interests.
  3. Writing regularly helps you reflect and share your thoughts, which can be beneficial for personal growth and connection with others.