The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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What does it mean to be a muse?

Sissiphys’s Adventures • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Social opening occurs when we break free from social norms and roles, inviting others to do the same.
  2. Humor arises from benign violations of social norms, creating a space for exploration and play.
  3. Proactive artists act as healers, inspiring individuals to embrace creativity and break free from societal constraints.

Commentary on Orage's "HOW TO LEARN TO THINK"

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The essay 'How to Learn to Think' by Orage focuses on developing concentration and 'thought-power' rather than giving instructions on thinking techniques.
  2. Orage emphasizes the importance of efficiently using mental energy through short concentration exercises, even for just a few minutes at a time.
  3. Rest from active mentation is crucial for mental relaxation and accumulating different kinds of energy, as explained by Gurdjieff and reflected in Orage's teachings.

The Fifth and Sixth Step of the Transformation of Food, and the Question of Exioëhary

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Visualizing and imagination are linked to the 'cerebellum' in Gurdjieff's teachings, with interpretations aligning with his writings.
  2. The substances of the cerebellum are described as 'the energy of imagination' and 'the true substance of visualization' that can have real effects.
  3. Centre #4 is seen to hold the potential for fully developed Formal Logic, associated with 'mentation by form' and 'reasoning by ideas'.
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Confabulous Mister Memory

The Elbow • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Our personal narratives are often based on false or distorted explanations known as confabulations.
  2. Our experiences and history shape us, but we may not always fully understand the true impact.
  3. While we narrate our past to make sense of it, projecting false coherence into the future can lead to misguided beliefs about control.

Linda Pastan (1932-2023)

The Golden Notebooks • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Linda Pastan was a poet known for her philosophically bold and unpretentious writing.
  2. Pastan's poetry explores the theme of aging, offering rich layers of different life stages and perspectives.
  3. Pastan's work reflects on the idea of being a dutiful student and the pressure to measure up in different aspects of life.

Not Being Absurd

Living Fossils • 11 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Philosophy
  1. The world can be really absurd and confusing, and this makes it hard to find sanity. Sometimes, people act weird not because they are silly, but because they're trying to make sense of a strange situation.
  2. Therapists are supposed to help people understand their feelings and lives, but sometimes they make things more complicated by sticking to fixed ideas or styles of therapy. It's important for them to be open and honest instead of pretending to have all the answers.
  3. In an increasingly complex world, what many people really want is someone who can relate to their struggles and help them feel less crazy. Therapists should aim to connect on a personal level, rather than just find solutions based on rigid methods.

Review of "Why Fish Don't Exist"

De Novo • 121 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Categories can be re-interpreted to suit different needs in different contexts.
  2. The book 'Why Fish Don't Exist' explores the flaws of categorization and how it can define us.
  3. Giving up the idea of 'fish' as a category can lead to insights and a better understanding of complexity.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #96

Creative Destruction • 34 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Accountability sinks make it hard to hold people responsible for their decisions. This can lead to a loss of trust in organizations and institutions.
  2. Kama muta is a feeling of being moved by love, which often happens at significant life events. This feeling can strengthen our relationships and motivate us to be kinder.
  3. Productive inefficiency means getting things done without feeling rushed. Slowing down can actually help improve our overall well-being and relationships.

The Superhuman Is Here

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Academia could explore the paranormal and mystical experiences. This would help reshape our understanding of knowledge and human experiences.
  2. New ideas from thinkers like Jeffrey Kripal challenge the traditional views in humanities. His book promotes the idea of 'superhumanities' which embraces extraordinary experiences.
  3. There's a possibility that humanity is evolving to unlock latent psychic abilities. This could change how we perceive reality and ourselves.

Healing Fire - 1

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The post 'Healing Fire - 1' is available for paid subscribers only.
  2. There are related posts titled 'Summary for 'Healing Fire 1'', 'Burning', and 'The Fire of Consciousness'.
  3. The image shared in the post features a salamander unharmed in the fire, dating back to 1350.

To own a colour

On Looking • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The concept of owning colors through NFTs has sparked controversy and raised questions about the value and ownership of colors in art and society.
  2. Colors are a complex interplay of history, scarcity, and cultural significance, dating back to the Middle Ages and continuing through to modern controversies like Vantablack and International Klein Blue.
  3. The discussion extends to the philosophical and cognitive realms, where the idea of selling colors as NFTs challenges the immaterial nature of colors and the relationships between types and tokens.

Curator

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Technical disaster movies highlight how human mistakes can lead to disastrous situations. They show the gap between experts and the public and how technical problems often arise from neglect or poor management.
  2. Friedrich Hayek argued that central planning by a few people can't effectively manage complex markets. He believed that knowledge is dispersed and that no single authority can understand or control the economy completely.
  3. Gnosticism is compared to technocracy, seen as a challenge to rational thought. There's a belief that while technocrats think they have everything figured out, human searches for meaning and truth are still important and should not be ignored.

compulsions

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People often have changing interests, sometimes very intense but temporary. It's normal and can be part of different styles of thinking, like ADHD.
  2. Observing young children can reveal a lot about human consciousness and how we learn. They show us who we are before social rules shape behavior.
  3. It's important to accept that compulsions and interests exist. Instead of wishing they were different, acknowledging them can help reduce stress and confusion.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #98

Creative Destruction • 30 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People today really want authentic experiences and connections because everything often feels fake. We are drawn to true human interactions more than ever.
  2. Sustainability and beauty should go hand in hand. When something is beautiful, people care for it better, and true beauty reflects love and harmony in nature.
  3. We're starting to see a shift from rigid communication styles like lectures to more engaging conversations. People prefer friendly chats that feel genuine over formal speeches.

On The Loaded Word Spiral

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The word 'spiral' often has a negative vibe, suggesting someone is struggling or facing setbacks. But it might be more human to recognize that these tough moments can be part of life.
  2. Success is often celebrated, but there's value in reflecting on the past and being absorbed by our interests. This kind of deep thinking can lead to real growth.
  3. While many focus on happiness and success, there's beauty in the struggle and in the process of 'spiraling.' It's important to acknowledge that suffering can have meaning and purpose too.

March Came in Like a Lion Again This Year

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 06 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. March is mentioned as a reflective and somber time to ponder human nature and societal issues, particularly around violence and power dynamics.
  2. The text discusses societal divisions and the impact of propaganda, consumerism, and tribalism on American society, questioning the true enemies in the system.
  3. There's a call for accountability, highlighting the need to address issues like inequality and the role of the powerful elite in shaping societal norms and policies.

Let's All Feel Good

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many popular songs and movements in the past believed that singing and protesting could change the world. People thought they could make a real difference just by expressing their feelings.
  2. The idea of moral duty often drives people's actions, sometimes ignoring the complex reasons behind conflicts. This can lead to oversimplified views about right and wrong in world issues.
  3. Western foreign policy has struggled to find a clear direction lately. With changing ideologies, leaders often seem confused about their goals and how to tackle global challenges.

Why effective accelerationism matters

Monomythical • 66 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Effective accelerationism is a reaction to the negative trends in Silicon Valley over the past decade.
  2. E/acc aims to rediscover cultural values and preserve the tradition of technology in the face of doom and gloom.
  3. The movement is not just a meme or a deep philosophy, but a response to the changing perspectives within the tech industry.

Oops!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A missing video link was acknowledged and the link was added afterward.
  2. A profile image, a name, and a date appear with the post to show who is associated and when it was published.
  3. The page includes sharing and navigation elements like 'Share' and 'Previous/Next', indicating it's part of a web-post interface.

Reading, Watching 11.17.24

Unpopular Front • 28 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There's a split in how people view the middle class in America. Some see it as people who work hard for what they earn, while others think it should be about helping each other and building community.
  2. Many Trump voters still hold middle-class values, even if they feel left out. They believe having a job is important and look down on those who need government help.
  3. Hegel's ideas show a contrast between being self-centered (bourgeois) and being focused on the greater good (citoyen). It relates to how people balance their personal needs with their responsibilities to society.

Who moved your cheese?

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The book is short and simple but offers deep insights that can change as you grow in life. It's a quick read that can really make you think about your situation.
  2. It teaches that we often blame others for our problems, but we should really look at ourselves first. Taking responsibility is key to finding solutions.
  3. The main message is to stop waiting for others to help and to start taking action yourself. It's up to you to find what makes you happy and fulfilled.

Chomp

Infinitely More • 20 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The game Chomp involves two players taking turns biting from a chocolate bar, and the goal is to avoid being the one to take the last bite. Players remove chocolate squares from the lower-left, taking away everything above and to the right of their chosen square.
  2. Winning strategies in Chomp can depend on whether you're going first or second, especially based on the size of the chocolate bar. Players need to think carefully about their moves to ensure they don't end up losing.
  3. Chomp is not just a fun game; it also teaches lessons about strategy and decision-making in game theory. Understanding how to analyze your options can give you an edge in winning.

Curation Over Creation

What Is Called Thinking? • 101 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. In a world where AI can generate content, the value is in curating and arranging information.
  2. The importance of arrangement and curation in art, history, and literature is highlighted.
  3. Creating a meaningful life is about curating experiences and arranging them into an anthology.

Opening to Experience

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Laying oneself open to experience involves being receptive and vulnerable to new impressions.
  2. The concept of the 'Imaginary I' disrupts our true self-awareness and must be overcome to observe ourselves accurately.
  3. Opening to experience requires embracing discomfort, facing truths, and not losing sight of self-awareness.

At the Edge of History

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. We are at a crucial point in history where we face big challenges like climate change and technological threats. It's important to think about how we can create a better future together.
  2. The current era might feel like a shift from rational thinking to more dream-like consciousness. This change can make it hard for us to understand what's real and what isn't.
  3. There's a need to reconnect with ancient wisdom and spiritual ideas as we deal with today's issues. By doing this, we may find new ways to address the problems we're facing.

Lists of 5

Midnight Musings • 79 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Reading and imagination are super important for creativity. Even adults can benefit from fantasy stories to keep their minds open to new ideas.
  2. Growth often comes from what we choose to say no to. It helps us build character and stay true to ourselves, even when it's tough.
  3. Our experiences shape how we see the world. What feels real to us can be very different from someone else’s view, and that’s okay.

Your limited edition copy of Nearly Perfect is ready

subtract • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. 'Nearly Perfect' is a limited edition book that aims to feel handcrafted and personal. It's designed to be special and unique.
  2. The book is short at 118 pages but contains deep and meaningful content. It’s meant to be thought-provoking and encourages readers to reflect on its ideas.
  3. It's written in a conversational style, making it accessible to founders, designers, and investors. The author wants you to engage deeply with the text and enjoy the journey.

"Totalitarian Jesus" and the New Obscurantism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Some people feel really stressed about current politics and the future. It's making them think deeply about what's happening in the world.
  2. There are concerns that culture and spirituality are in danger from negative forces in society. Many believe we need to pay attention to these threats.
  3. Dreaming about worse scenarios, like concentration camps, shows how intense and fearful these feelings about the future can be.

Meaning-making makes us human (for now).

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Humans create meaning, and that's what makes us unique. Unlike machines, which can mimic behavior, true understanding of meaning is still a human skill.
  2. As technology advances, our definition of what it means to be human may change. When machines can make meaning, we might need to rethink our ideas of human-ness.
  3. Engaging in discussions about uncertainty can help us explore our thoughts and beliefs. It's important to challenge ideas and learn from different perspectives.

Long Live the Gene

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. There is a heated debate between the importance of genetics and environment in shaping human behavior with stark divisions between political ideologies.
  2. The debate often oversimplifies complexities, with genetics and environmental factors both playing significant roles, despite the polarized views.
  3. Kampourakis' book, 'Understanding Genes,' critiques genetic essentialism but lacks depth in explaining the significance and impact of genetic science, presenting a one-sided view.

Box #3

What Is Called Thinking? • 24 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Many students at top colleges struggle to read whole books, which raises questions about education standards. This seems surprising since getting into these schools is harder than ever.
  2. Happiness often comes from focusing on relationships instead of chasing it directly. Helping others and being there for them can lead to your own happiness.
  3. Understanding complex topics, like philosophy or ethics, requires deep thinking over many years. The journey can be challenging, but it offers a chance to make insightful contributions.

D is for Daumal

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Réné Daumal was a curious thinker who explored life and consciousness through unique experiments, seeking to understand deeper truths. He believed there was more to existence beyond everyday life, similar to experiences reported by those who have near-death experiences.
  2. Daumal had a strong connection with Eastern philosophies and sought knowledge from various spiritual teachings. His dedication led him to create and engage in groups that focused on exploring consciousness and self-discovery.
  3. His book, _Mount Analogue_, symbolizes a journey towards understanding higher truths. It mixes reality with imaginative adventures, showing his belief that through exploration, both physical and spiritual, we can find meaning in life.

I Should Do A Ph.D. About Whisky

Cosy Moments • 25 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Philosophy
  1. Some people reacted harshly to a Ph.D. thesis about the politics of smell, showing how opinions about academic topics can lead to controversy. It highlights the tensions in academia around what is considered valuable research.
  2. The relationship between our body and the world is important; eating and drinking connect us to our experiences and surroundings. In today's fast-paced life, people often forget this connection.
  3. Whisky can offer comfort and reflection during difficult times, and it represents a deeper connection between emotions, history, and enjoyment. It's seen as a drink for those who seek more profound experiences.

Turtles All The Way Down

Polymathic Being • 54 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. In science, we often reach a point where we must make a statement of faith or accept an axiom to progress, similar to the concept of 'Turtles All the Way Down.'
  2. The idea of infinite regress, like 'Turtles All the Way Down,' highlights the need for statements of faith in science to avoid getting lost in an endless loop of explanations.
  3. Recognizing and accepting statements of faith, axioms, or first principles is crucial for progress in our complex world, as long as we prevent them from turning into rigid religious beliefs.

The Endearing Irascibility of Neo-Luddism and Its Ambiguous Place on America's Current Political Compass

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Neil Postman was a technology skeptic with a unique mix of progressive and conservative ideas.
  2. Postman's book _Technopoly_ critiques the surrender of human culture to technology without providing extensive data.
  3. Postman's analysis of technological and scientific influences on society continues to provoke critical thinking and raises questions about the role of humanities in governing decisions.