The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Being Without Race

Journal of Free Black Thought • 56 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Identity is fluid and not tied to inherited language or rigid categories.
  2. The concept of distinct races is relatively new and outdated in our human history.
  3. Focusing on individual uniqueness and rejecting racial categories can lead to a more inclusive and enlightened society.

Stay inconvenienced

sémaphore • 1 implied HN point • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Some spaces and tools offer a steady, nonjudgmental presence that lets you speak freely and feel seen without requiring anything in return.
  2. Real human empathy involves a cost: people are changed, inconvenienced, and carry the burden of others’ pain, and that willingness to be altered is what makes relationships meaningful.
  3. Perfect listeners can meet the need to be heard, but they also highlight that to truly matter you need someone who risks being changed by you, which is what keeps human connection irreplaceable.

The Happy Birthday of Death

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many people have a hard time with death, especially when loved ones pass away. It's important to remember and honor those who have left us.
  2. As we grow older, we begin to realize that death is a bigger part of life. It can feel like life is shrinking while the idea of death becomes more prominent.
  3. Thinking about death often leads to deeper questions about life and our future. Sometimes, we cling to hope even when things seem bleak.

Celebrating Simple Gifts

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. We often feel disconnected from each other and struggle with feelings of anxiety and emptiness. It's important to reconnect with family, friends, and community to find purpose and meaning in life.
  2. Physical labor and simple tasks can bring a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Engaging in work with our hands helps us appreciate the world around us and cultivates peace.
  3. Simple gifts in life are valuable and can help combat negative influences from modern media and society. Focusing on these gifts can lead to a happier, more centered existence.
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Validation is for parking

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Lee Perry was an amazing music producer, and his album 'Heart of the Congos' is highly recommended.
  2. If you want to get good answers online, try posting a wrong answer instead of asking a question.
  3. Taking solo walks helps you notice more things around you, even if it feels a bit lonely.

Secret forces—The I Ching and matters of the heart

The Pamplet • 30 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Engaging with text in interactive ways can lead to significant improvement in skills and creativity, transcending just passive reading.
  2. Historically, various cultures placed importance on the heart's role in cognition and emotions, indicating a deep interconnection between heart and brain.
  3. Listening to the subtle impulses of the heart, following them confidently, can lead to originality, satisfaction, and a sense of quiet joy.

Coming back around

New World Same Humans • 40 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The newsletter New World Same Humans by David Mattin is back after a pause.
  2. Leo, who had an operation, has recovered successfully.
  3. The newsletter will continue with weekly updates, essays, and a new community format.

At the fairs

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to change how we think about not-knowing. Instead of seeing it as a bad thing, we can view it as a chance to be curious and explore new ideas.
  2. Dealing with not-knowing isn't about getting rid of it but learning to accept and work with it. This helps us adapt and discover new opportunities.
  3. Slowing down and reflecting can be beneficial, especially in a fast-paced world. Taking time to think helps us understand what truly matters.

The Research Philosophy of DeepMind 🧠

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. DeepMind focuses heavily on making AI reliable and robust. This means they work hard to ensure that their AI technologies can be trusted in real-world applications.
  2. The research philosophy of DeepMind is guided by science. They aim to apply AI in scientific fields to solve complex problems and advance human knowledge.
  3. Pushmeet Kohli, who leads research at DeepMind, emphasizes collaboration and interdisciplinary work. By bringing together different knowledge areas, they can create better AI solutions.

Most People Are Other People

The Classical Futurist • 40 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Humans learn through imitation and culture plays a crucial role in passing knowledge through generations.
  2. Cultural evolutionists argue that humans excel due to cultural learning, not just genetics.
  3. When assessing greatness, consider the influence of social units like cultures rather than just individuals.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.

Essay Club: A Defence of Heraldry by G. K. Chesterton

Mind & Mythos • 1 HN point • 14 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Heraldry is not just about noble families; it's also a way for everyday people to express their identity. Signs and symbols have always played an important role in how we communicate who we are.
  2. Chesterton believes we lost something beautiful when we tried to make everyone equal. He thinks symbols and decorative art should be embraced, not rejected, to uplift everyone in society.
  3. Democracy, according to Chesterton, needs its own forms of pageantry and symbolism. When we value these things, we can inspire people to reach for greatness rather than settle for mediocrity.

Tyler Cowen is an Information Monster

Never Met a Science • 44 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Tyler Cowen is viewed as an information monster due to his exceptional capacity to process vast amounts of information and his focus on information density in media.
  2. Cowen's ideologies and arguments should be understood in the context of his information consumption habits, which prioritize speed and quantity over control and deliberation.
  3. There is a debate on whether society should prioritize consuming more information at a faster pace, as emphasized by Cowen, or slowing down to regain control and promote thoughtful decision-making.

Who Are You to ____?

Polymathic Being • 42 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. You don't need to be an expert to have well-formed thoughts or informed opinions on a topic.
  2. Expand your capabilities by applying systems thinking and critical thinking in diverse areas.
  3. Challenging paradigms and embracing insatiable curiosity can lead to unique insights and advancements in various fields.

Lessons on learning

Philosophy in Practice • 1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Don't search for a single project or solution to fix all problems. Consistency and dedication are key to progress.
  2. Focus on pursuing your interests rather than short-term economic value. Genuine interest fuels true learning.
  3. To excel in a subject, understand its foundational ideas and current state of the art. Good ideas arise from deep knowledge.

On The Candlemaker's Petition

Marc Andreessen Substack • 55 HN points • 05 Mar 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The text discusses a petition from candlemakers in France, complaining about competition from the sun and arguing for protectionist measures.
  2. The candlemakers argue that by blocking out natural light, there will be a boost in industries related to artificial lighting, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
  3. The text challenges the idea of protecting industries from competition, highlighting that free trade and technological advancements lead to increased standards of living and overall economic growth.

Theology, Duolingo, Vibe Coding, Friendship

What Is Called Thinking? • 5 implied HN points • 27 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The relationship between theology and evolutionary neuroscience can offer new ways to understand ancient texts, like Genesis. This connection can help bridge science and spirituality.
  2. Discussing the Theology of Finance shows how religious views can influence economic practices and beliefs. It's important to see how faith and finance interact in our lives.
  3. A new tool called RavGPT helps people study religious texts more effectively. It's a great resource for finding and analyzing important sources in theology.

Did Dinosaurs Dance?

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Emus and other flightless birds, like ostriches, can dance, showing a joyful expression of life. This reminds us that dancing seems to be a natural behavior shared across different species.
  2. Dinosaurs, especially those closely related to modern birds, might have danced too, which adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of their behavior. Fossils suggest that at least some dinosaurs engaged in movements similar to dance.
  3. The idea of artificial intelligence possibly developing the ability to dream or dance raises questions about consciousness and the nature of the soul. If robots can mimic these human behaviors, it challenges our understanding of what it means to be alive and aware.

Recap: 2024

Creative Destruction • 11 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The top deep dives of 2024 included posts that resonated with many readers, highlighting important issues like technology and business dynamics. These articles sparked conversations across various platforms.
  2. Mind-blowing framings for the year tackled complex topics like the overload of information and the essence of intelligence. These pieces encouraged readers to reflect deeply on modern society and our perspective on the world.
  3. Looking ahead to 2025, there are key themes that can help us understand and prepare for future challenges. These insights aim to shape how we view and respond to coming changes.

How do we know (how) humans understand language?

The Counterfactual • 19 implied HN points • 06 Nov 22
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Understanding language in humans often relies on their behavior. When people respond or react to language, we assume they understand it.
  2. There are deeper properties, like grounding or compositionality, that some believe are essential for true understanding. These properties are often debated in relation to how we define understanding.
  3. The ongoing discussion about human language understanding can help us figure out if machines, like language models, can genuinely understand language too.

Description vs Prescription

Christopher’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 17 Apr 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Philosophy
  1. Self-help advice often focuses too much on what worked for someone else without explaining how or why it worked. Just telling someone to 'roll out of bed' doesn't help if they don’t have the same mindset or habits.
  2. Sometimes, advice needs time to sink in before it truly resonates. You might hear the same thing repeatedly, but then one day it clicks and you finally understand it in a new way.
  3. It's okay if certain techniques don't work for you right away. Just because something doesn't help today doesn’t mean it won't be useful in the future.

Elizabeth Weiss | The War on Science Interviews | Day 8

Critical Mass • 3 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The interviews will cover important topics about the challenges facing science today, particularly in academia. It's about the impact of activism and how it affects research and scholarship.
  2. A group of well-known scholars will speak frankly about these issues, hoping to spark discussions and find solutions. They want to bring back trust and excellence in scientific work.
  3. There's a recognition that while external threats to science exist, internal problems within universities also need attention. Both aspects are crucial for preserving the integrity of science.

Weakened by the weekend

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Taking breaks from social media can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed or weakened after the weekend. It's important to unplug regularly.
  2. Paper dictionaries are unique and enjoyable tools that can make reading and learning new words feel magical.
  3. Composer Lou Harrison's motto of 'Cherish, Conserve, Consider, Create' is a great guideline for living a thoughtful and creative life.

Recursive Chess

Infinitely More • 12 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Recursive chess is a new twist on the traditional game where pieces must play their own mini-games before capturing. This makes each capture more complex and interesting.
  2. The rules of recursive chess are still being debated, with no clear answer on how to play. Different interpretations could lead to many unique gameplay experiences.
  3. Exploring the rules of recursive chess invites deeper discussions about game theory and the nature of games themselves, making it a fascinating topic for anyone interested in strategy.

The interpretation translation

Infinitely More • 10 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. You can interpret one mathematical structure using another, which helps express features of the first in terms of the second. This means you find a way to connect different types of math using a common language.
  2. There are many examples of this interpretation, like placing integers inside natural numbers or examining complex numbers through real numbers. These examples show how different math concepts relate to each other.
  3. Understanding how to interpret structures can help us explore logic more deeply, opening up new ways of thinking in math, philosophy, and computer science.

Chapter 28 : One moment at a time...

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Philosophy
  1. Life is unpredictable and can change at any moment. It's important to cherish each moment and be grateful for what we have.
  2. The human body is incredibly complex, and keeping it balanced is essential for good health. Choices like eating well, exercising, and managing stress can help us live longer.
  3. Death is a natural part of life, and observing it can deepen our understanding of our own existence. Purpose and meaning in life are personal, and finding what matters to us is key to living fully.

A quilt made of days

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Quilting can represent the passage of time, where each piece reflects a different day or experience.
  2. Copying influences is important for creativity, but eventually you need to find your own unique voice.
  3. Good conversation can feel difficult, so it's helpful to explore new ways to connect with others beyond basic questions.

New essay: Mystifying the Appearances

Reactionary Feminist • 8 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The essay discusses how different thinkers, like Owen Barfield and Jacques Derrida, interpret our connection to what we perceive. Barfield sees it as magical, while Derrida views it as dangerous.
  2. Derrida's perspective has become more dominant, leading to a culture filled with confusion and skepticism. This has created a sense of emptiness in society.
  3. However, there seems to be a shift happening now, with people questioning this dominant way of thinking and exploring new ideas in politics and culture.

Peter Jeppsen: I travelled to London to celebrate Hitchmas with Lawrence, Stephen, Richard, and Douglas

Critical Mass • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Merry Hitchmas event in London was a celebration of Christopher Hitchens's life, featuring talks by notable figures like Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins.
  2. Attending the event was a personal journey for the author, sparked by a humorous suggestion and a deep appreciation for Hitchens's legacy.
  3. The experience taught the author the importance of pursuing one's passions and not being afraid to connect with influential people, emphasizing the value of dialogue and exploration.

Classics from the New World

The Classical Futurist • 48 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Non-Western philosophy, like Aztec philosophy, should be considered for inclusion in the canon.
  2. Aztec philosophy focused on the concept of rootedness and living a virtuous life in a constantly changing world.
  3. The study of Aztec philosophy challenges traditional Western views on what constitutes philosophy and raises questions about cultural biases in defining classical traditions.

From GED to PhD

Humanities in Revolt • 39 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. The journey from GED to PhD is unique and valuable, showcasing the transformative power of education and perseverance.
  2. Philosophy and the humanities encourage critical thinking, open dialogue, and diverse perspectives, fostering intellectual growth and self-actualization.
  3. Bridging the gap between academic scholarship and everyday life is important to make complex ideas accessible and relevant, highlighting the significance of humanistic insights.

Between human and non-human

The Strategy Toolkit • 43 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Philosophy
  1. The post discusses the relationship between human and non-human entities in the context of philosophy and strategy.
  2. Individuals running companies and organizations are influenced by philosophy, guiding decision-making and strategy.
  3. Philosophical concepts such as consciousness, free will, morality, and value play a crucial role in strategy and decision-making.

Scrolling Toward The Divine

Reactionary Feminist • 10 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The internet can help people feel a deeper connection to spirituality and religion. Scrolling through online content might actually draw individuals closer to God.
  2. Reading online changes how we think. It helps us recognize patterns in the world that we might have missed with traditional reading methods.
  3. This shift in how we perceive things can lead to various experiences, including a renewed interest in religious matters.

(Ad-free Video) Fruitful Disagreement in an age of Division with Robert George and Cornel West

Critical Mass • 4 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Respectful disagreement is important. It helps people understand each other better and can lead to discovering deeper truths.
  2. Engaging with differing viewpoints can be rewarding. Conversations with people who have different beliefs can broaden perspectives.
  3. Finding common ground is possible, even with differing backgrounds. Conversations between people of different ideologies can reveal shared values.

What was Drake?

Never Met a Science • 22 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Drake's approach to music, devoid of street cred, emphasized personal confession over braggadocio, making his music relatable through authenticity.
  2. Poptimism influenced the creation of pop-rap, with Drake embodying the move towards more universally palatable music, detached from local rap scenes.
  3. Taylor Swift, in contrast to Drake, creates subjective histories through her music, allowing fans to relate to themselves and construct their own identities.

Science Must Not Be Tainted By International Politics

Critical Mass • 11 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Excluding scientists from international collaboration harms science. Science is a global effort, and excluding individuals based on politics limits progress.
  2. Complex scientific issues require diverse voices. It's essential to involve as many perspectives as possible to tackle the world's challenges effectively.
  3. Politics shouldn't interfere with scientific research. The pure pursuit of knowledge should remain untouched by political conflicts to benefit all of humanity.

The stream I go a-fishing in

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Time is a valuable resource, much like a stream we go fishing in. We should make the most of it.
  2. Reading can open up new worlds. There are many interesting books out there waiting to be explored.
  3. Creativity is important, and discussing it can help us learn more about ourselves and our interests.

What Elden Ring Has Taught Me About Hard Things

The Palindrome • 3 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's okay to fail; you learn from your mistakes. The key is to keep trying until you succeed.
  2. Preparation and using the right tools can make tough challenges easier. It's smarter to adapt and find ways to overcome obstacles.
  3. Don't worry about how others think you should achieve your goals. Focus on your own path and use what works best for you.