The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Confucius Didn't Say That...

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Misattributed quotes can distort the ideas of historical figures and mislead the public.
  2. We should actively engage with quotes and ideas, questioning their meaning and relevance.
  3. Relying on famous names for quotes can hinder critical thinking and true understanding.

Searching for Forgotten Thinkers

Never Met a Science • 61 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The history of ideas can be complex and dynamic, defying simple narratives.
  2. The influence of thinkers can rise and fall dramatically over time, often influenced by societal trends.
  3. Proper nouns provide a fixed point for tracking intellectual history, but data analysis has its limitations.

"Woke" Is Not The New Reformation

Reactionary Feminist • 24 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Wokeness shouldn't be seen as a new movement but rather as an outdated belief system. It's stuck in the past and isn't really helping people today.
  2. A genuine new Reformation is on the way that will challenge wokeness and bring back useful truths, both scientific and spiritual. This shift aims to improve society instead of causing division.
  3. Several recent books highlight these ideas and show that many smart thinkers agree that a significant change in thought is coming soon.
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Infinite concretude

Internal exile • 57 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Philosophy involves inventing concepts, like the constant creation of terms on TikTok; it's about forming and fabricating ideas.
  2. TikTok term-coining turns concept-making into product-making, where events are seen as product launches, reflecting the fast-paced trend cycles of social media.
  3. Creating and adopting trendy microaesthetics reflects a commitment to perpetual becoming and fashion, emphasizing the exhaustion and exhilaration of keeping up with trends.

(Ad-free Video) Origins Podcast: The War on Science Interviews: Day 1, Richard Dawkins

Critical Mass • 7 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. A series of 20 interviews will be released, featuring various authors discussing their perspectives on the challenges facing science today. This is to promote understanding of how current issues affect scientific progress.
  2. The discussions will cover a range of topics like academic free speech, the impact of social justice on research, and the need for sound scientific principles in universities. The goal is to spark important conversations about these challenges.
  3. The project aims to unify voices in academia to combat what is seen as an attack on science and scholarship. This effort is crucial for restoring trust and integrity in scientific inquiry.

An Interview about the Origins Project Foundation

Critical Mass • 9 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The Origins Project Foundation is focused on science and education, aiming to inspire curiosity and understanding. It's important for our society to engage with scientific ideas.
  2. The Science Book Club is supporting the foundation through fundraising efforts, which can help promote more educational initiatives. Supporting such causes helps spread knowledge to a wider audience.
  3. Interviews and discussions about science can shed light on complex topics. Conversations like the one from the Science Book Club help make science more accessible.

What Are People For?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People often feel disconnected from nature and each other, and it's important to think about how to reconnect with our roots and the Earth. Discovering what it means to belong can help us find our way back home.
  2. There's a big debate about whether humanity's drive to dominate nature is good or bad. Some believe this struggle is part of our evolution and drives creativity and progress, while others warn it leads to destruction.
  3. Understanding the current political landscape is crucial, as many people may not grasp what's happening. Recent changes show a potential breakdown of democratic norms, and it’s important to think about the implications for the future.

Letter #13: How Newsfasting Sharpens my Hearing

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Taking a break from news helps clear your mind and allows you to focus on other important things. It can be a good way to reset your mental state.
  2. The constant noise from the news can make it hard to hear what really matters. By tuning it out, you open yourself up to new perspectives.
  3. Fasting from news reminds you that there are different ways to understand the world beyond what is presented in the headlines. It helps deepen your awareness and listening skills.

🙏 Thank You

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The author is really thankful for new subscribers and their kind notes. It's nice to feel appreciated and to hear positive feedback from others.
  2. There’s an ongoing sale for subscriptions that they encourage people to check out. A good deal can be a great reason to join.
  3. The author is motivated by the support of their subscribers and is committed to delivering high-quality content. They want to make sure subscribers feel valued and satisfied.

Habemus Papam!

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 10 implied HN points • 15 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV surprised many, showing a blend of progressive and conservative views. He focuses on climate change and immigration but holds traditional views on gender issues.
  2. The Catholic Church represents universal values, but it faces internal disagreements on social issues like LGBT rights and economic policies. Its position appears to be shifting towards more left-leaning economics to regain lost followers.
  3. Right-wing politics seem to increasingly distrust social institutions, while left-leaning politics embrace universal moral values. This shift has the potential to further align organized religion with left-wing ideals in the future.

Welcome to the Blunderdome

Donkeyspace • 9 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Philosophy
  1. Sports have rules that are not just obstacles but shape the essence of the game. These rules create a space for optimal performance and define what the sport is.
  2. Introducing steroids into sports complicates things because it blurs the lines of fair competition. Athletes might feel pressured to use them just to keep up with others.
  3. Winning in sports should be about passion and effort, not about using substances to gain an edge. The joy of playing and the challenge of competition should be what drives athletes.

Tolkien on Machines, Power, Language, Love, War, and Everything Else

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Tolkien believed that technology and machines can create more problems than they solve, leading to endless labor and new evils. He saw a deep connection between power and the fall of humanity.
  2. The themes of love and relationships in Tolkien's writings reveal the complexities and challenges in human connections, especially concerning sexuality and friendship. He emphasized that true love requires self-denial and understanding.
  3. Tolkien wanted to create epic stories that reflected deeper truths about life, death, and morality, including the idea that all stories revolve around a fall, highlighting human struggles and the search for meaning.

I, Token

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Tokens are like bits of language that help us express thoughts and feelings. They connect our emotions and experiences across time and space.
  2. The story of survival, like the mother warning her child about the snake, shows how important communication is for human beings. They have always used sounds and symbols to protect and connect with each other.
  3. Now, we create tokens using machines, but they still need human creativity. While technology can produce many tokens, the unique insights and connections come from people.

People will call any poetry terrible

Philosophy bear • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Poetry is inherently pretentious as it elevates the commonplace in a stilted way.
  2. Public perception often leads to criticism of even the greatest poetry if not known beforehand.
  3. In a world where all poetry is criticized, it's important to accept and acknowledge mediocrity to allow for the growth of new great poets.

The Cosmic Cadence

Worthy Patterns • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The universe is seen as eternal, suggesting a connection to a supreme entity or force that binds everything together.
  2. Our souls are eternal and continue to exist beyond a single lifetime, meaning we are more than just our physical bodies.
  3. Actions have consequences, which is the idea of karma. What we do in life affects our future, and there are repeating cycles in the universe that we can learn from.

The Power of Recognition in Engineering Leaders: A Deep Dive into the Philosophy and Practice

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
💼 Business Philosophy
  1. Recognition is more than just giving rewards; it's about appreciating each person's contributions. A simple thank you can boost team morale and motivation.
  2. Philosophers like Hegel and Honneth highlight that recognition helps people feel valued and fosters teamwork. When team members feel respected, they work better together.
  3. Leaders should be careful to recognize everyone fairly and genuinely. It's important not to overlook quieter team members and to give meaningful recognition without overwhelming the team.

Sartre's Stratagem

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Sartre provocatively claimed people were most free during German occupation
  2. Sartre challenges conventional thoughts on freedom and authenticity
  3. Consider revisiting Sartre's works for his profound, innovative perspectives and unique style

Artificial Worlds and Natural Worlds

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. There is a big difference between the artificial world we create and the natural world around us. Real happiness comes from connecting with nature instead of relying on man-made things.
  2. Using tools and technology has been part of being human, but if we only focus on artificial creations, we risk losing touch with the essential parts of life that nature provides.
  3. As we develop advanced technologies like AI, we must be careful. If we don't keep it in check, it could cause serious problems, but it also has the potential to help us create a better future.

The Joy in Not Taking the Photo

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 25 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The best moments in life often come from spontaneity and cannot be fully captured or preserved by taking photos.
  2. Living in the moment and being fully present can bring a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment than trying to possess and capture every experience through photos.
  3. Photographs can serve as reminders of past experiences, but the truest joy comes from immersing oneself in the present moment and cultivating a love for spontaneity.

On creativity and language models

Philosophy bear • 50 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Creativity involves putting things together in a new way, whether it's useful, thoughtful, beautiful, or admirable. It's all about recombining existing elements.
  2. The level of creativity depends on how new and good something is. Any new sentence can be seen as somewhat creative, but the degree varies.
  3. There doesn't seem to be a definite line between different levels of creativity; they all involve rearrangements of existing elements. It's a spectrum of newness and usefulness.

Manic Pixie Dream Girl Nightmare

Reactionary Feminist • 17 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The story highlights the complicated relationships and power dynamics in the lives of Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer. It shows how people's charisma can sometimes mask deeper issues of control and vulnerability.
  2. The concept of the 'High Priestess' is explored through Amanda Palmer, suggesting that her idealistic approach to relationships may overlook real power imbalances.
  3. Neil Gaiman's background in a high-ranking Scientology family may have shaped his understanding of moral and spiritual authority, potentially leading to manipulative behavior in his relationships.

Revisited: Weep for the Half-Life Warboys

Theofuturism • 23 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. People often fight for ideas without understanding the real reasons behind the conflict. It's easier to keep them angry and moving than to let them think deeply.
  2. Young people, or 'Warboys', sacrifice a lot for leaders who promise them salvation but often end up feeling abandoned and broken. They give their all but receive little in return.
  3. Society tends to ignore the struggles of these young fighters, pushing them aside rather than empathizing with their pain. It's important to recognize their humanity and help them find a meaningful way to live.

Toward Sympoietic Mycomusicology

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 22
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Mushrooms play a significant role in transforming materials to support life, showcasing a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
  2. The coordination and information exchange within mushroom bodies and networks can be likened to circuit boards, showing potential for capturing digital information.
  3. Exploring the connection between mushrooms and synthesizers delves into the concept of sympoiesis, highlighting the collaborative production and distribution of control and information.

Revisited: The Unbearable Weakness of Reality

Theofuturism • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Life is fragile and can change in an instant. We should appreciate the moments we have because everything can feel unstable and temporary.
  2. What seems real often has cracks beneath the surface. Many things we trust are just appearances, and we might need to question what we consider genuine.
  3. We all have faith in something, but that faith can guide us through uncertainty. Instead of fearing what we don’t know, we should embrace the journey of discovering new truths.

Capitalism and Schizophrenia

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Technology can have dark sides that lead to feelings of alienation and violence. Instead of making life better for everyone, it sometimes creates more problems.
  2. Some people believe that extreme actions, like violence, are the only way to deal with the damage being done to our planet and society. This shows how desperate some individuals feel about addressing big issues.
  3. There are mysterious reports of 'alien drones' in the sky, but no one knows where they come from. This makes us question what’s really happening around us and how much control we have.

Uneasy Riders, Continued

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The psychedelic movement appears to be growing, with more interest and acceptance in society, but there's a concern that it might not be addressing deeper issues. It's not just about enjoying the experience or healing; it's also about how those experiences impact people's actions in the long run.
  2. Many people may face negative effects from psychedelics even if they are not obvious. The author suggests we need to be careful, as psychedelics can lead to risks that aren't always talked about, like dissociation or underlying trauma.
  3. The future of the psychedelic movement might benefit from focusing on spiritual and esoteric development. Instead of just improving individual mental health, there could be a greater goal of exploring deeper consciousness and our potential as humans.

myths and truth

Midnight Musings • 39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Myths and stories help us understand our own experiences better. They give us examples to relate to and can change how we see our challenges.
  2. Greatness often comes with challenges and vulnerabilities. Even heroes like Balder and Achilles had their downfalls because of their unique flaws or circumstances.
  3. The way we interpret our achievements matters. Like the dog who wanted to be a dragon, our view of success can affect our happiness. It's important to find value in our unique journey.

The Nature of Chickens

Reactionary Feminist • 8 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Deep work is important for creativity and reflection, but we need to be aware of what we focus on and why it matters.
  2. The balance between hard work and the simpler understanding of knowledge is crucial; we shouldn't just value effort but also acknowledge the insights that come easily.
  3. Animals show us how to work in harmony with our nature, reminding us that we should find joy and ease in being ourselves while still being productive.

New essay: The King And The Swarm

Reactionary Feminist • 6 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The digital revolution was expected to be a positive change, similar to the printing press, but it may actually be harmful. Instead of promoting freedom and democracy, it can hinder them.
  2. It's suggested that the move away from print culture is breaking down important ideas like facts and individual value. This shift could lead to a confusing landscape where common beliefs are challenged.
  3. The digital age might not increase political participation but instead create divisions. This could result in a society that faces political issues similar to those of the past but in a reversed manner.

Imago DEI

Reactionary Feminist • 17 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Conservatives often accept new technology but must recognize its potential to undermine traditional values. It's tricky because embracing innovation can clash with the idea of conserving what is meaningful.
  2. There's a concern that technology is erasing the essence of what it means to be human. Some people think we need to improve humanity through tech, but this risks losing our fundamental nature.
  3. Instead of fearing technology, the focus should be on using it in ways that support our human nature. A balanced approach can lead to progress without sacrificing who we are.

Eschatology through the Ages

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Niall Ferguson's book 'Doom' explores the history of disasters, showcasing how politics play a crucial role in exacerbating calamities.
  2. Ferguson questions the predictability of disasters and discusses different types, like 'gray rhinos,' 'black swans,' and 'dragon kings,' highlighting the impact of network dynamics on disaster scales.
  3. The author suggests that institutions should aim for greater resilience and antifragility to prepare for inevitable disasters and grow stronger in times of crisis.