The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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At least five interesting things to start your week (#28)

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Philosophy Education
  1. Pop culture has shown signs of stagnation with more recycled content, indicating a shift towards fewer big hits alongside a long tail of indie content.
  2. Contrary to common belief, heavier cars are not the main cause for the increase in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. Factors like smartphone distractions play a role.
  3. Education's value is debated, with a recent study suggesting minimal impact, but the methodology is criticized for not considering the value of logarithmic returns in the analysis.

Humanity Must Awaken From The Dream Of Separation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2239 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Enlightenment Compassion Personal Growth Philosophy
  1. Many people think they are separate from others and the world, which causes a lot of suffering. We feel this even though our true nature isn't separate; it's just a belief we hold.
  2. We create problems as a society because we compete instead of collaborate. This competition leads to issues like poverty and war.
  3. If humanity can realize that we are not separate, we can work together and solve many of our biggest challenges. This realization has the potential to change everything for the better.

Attitudes one can take towards people who have behaved badly

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 875 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Ethics Human behavior Communication Philosophy
  1. Social punishment is a natural part of how humans interact, helping to enforce a social contract. It can feel too harsh or unjust at times, but it still serves a purpose.
  2. There's a tricky balance in discussing the ideas of people who have done bad things. We need to find ways to remember their contributions without overlooking their wrongdoings.
  3. It's important to correct the record if someone is proven innocent after being publicly condemned. Reputations can suffer permanently, and it’s crucial to acknowledge when we've gotten things wrong.
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What we are losing; what we have lost

Brain Pizza • 1191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Culture History Philosophy
  1. We are losing touch with important aspects of our lives that used to matter a lot. It's like taking for granted things that shaped our experiences.
  2. The world feels like it's moving really fast nowadays, and it can be hard to keep up. This speed makes us miss even more of what we used to value.
  3. Reflecting on changes in our lives can help us understand what we've lost and might find ways to reconnect with those things. Taking a moment to think about it can be helpful.

Maybe Your Opinion Is Just a Feeling About a Story

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts History Philosophy Opinion Literature
  1. Opinions can often be influenced by emotions rather than facts. It's important to recognize when your feelings about a story shape your views.
  2. The debate around the Elgin Marbles shows that we can change our minds when we learn more and see different perspectives about a historical issue.
  3. Identifying and understanding the narratives around controversial topics can help us make more informed decisions and avoid biases based on tribal feelings.

What a Bird Should Look Like

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Philosophy Psychology Personal Growth
  1. People often change themselves to fit what others expect, which can be unconscious. It's a common struggle that nearly everyone faces at some point.
  2. We also tend to judge and reject others who don't meet our expectations. This can teach us to accept both ourselves and others more fully.
  3. Lastly, we may want reality to match our ideals, leading to disappointment. It's important to recognize and accept the world as it really is, flaws and all.

Public Suicide is Not a Selfless Act

Disaffected Newsletter • 2657 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Psychology Public Discourse Philosophy
  1. Public suicide is not a selfless act and often stems from deep personal issues. It can be a cry for help that hurts others rather than a noble gesture.
  2. People who take their own lives in dramatic ways can leave lasting scars on their loved ones. This behavior is often more about their pain than about any cause they claim.
  3. Understanding the psychological struggles behind suicidal actions is important. It helps us see that those who suffer are not the only ones affected; their actions impact many others too.

Five Links for June 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society Education Parenting Philosophy
  1. Modern life may seem easy, but it can actually make us feel emotionally tired because we lack real struggles. It's important to find meaningful challenges.
  2. Innovations in the defense industry are coming back after a decline since the Cold War. This shows that there is still room for improvement and change.
  3. Some parents are choosing to live near their friends to support each other in raising kids, showing the importance of community over just living near family.

Liminal Religion

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1832 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Spirituality Civilization
  1. The Aenean spirit represents a balance between ambition and awareness of humanity's fragility. It's about seeking progress while understanding the risks involved.
  2. Civilizations have different worldviews shaped by their beliefs and religions, each affecting how they interact with the world and understand their existence.
  3. The idea of an Aenean religion would embrace uncertainty and possibility, encouraging action and engagement rather than complacency or blind ambition.

The 13 New Books to Expand Your Mind in 2023

Granted • 7906 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
📚 Literature Fiction Self-help Philosophy Nonfiction Motivation
  1. Tim Urban's book 'What's Our Problem?' offers insightful analysis on societal issues and how to combat polarization and tribalism.
  2. Nedra Glover Tawwab's 'Drama Free' provides valuable advice on handling family relationships, emphasizing the importance of mental health in families.
  3. Bill Hammack's 'The Things We Make' unravels the engineering behind human masterpieces, making engineering concepts accessible even for those who don't love math.

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

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Philosophy History Art
  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.

A Heuristic Proof of Practical Aligned Superintelligence

Transhuman Axiology • 39 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Superintelligence Ethics Philosophy
  1. Aligned superintelligence can be created. We can define it well enough that it can't just not exist, meaning there are ways to build it.
  2. Modern AI can mimic human thinking tasks effectively. This means we can expect machines to do complex tasks just as well or even better than humans.
  3. AI alignment isn't just possible, but it might be easier than we think. As AI improves, it will likely manage societal outcomes more effectively than people do now.

Best of The Free Press: We’re All Gonna Make It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Travel Philosophy Parenting
  1. Even in tough times, there's a sense of optimism that things can get better. It's about hoping for change and taking action instead of giving in to despair.
  2. People are finding joy in unexpected places, like celebrating together even when plans go wrong. It's about making the best out of challenging situations.
  3. There’s a shift in how young people view education, with many choosing southern colleges over prestigious Ivy League schools for a more enjoyable experience and a different environment.

Are Men and Women Different?

Fake Noûs • 1079 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Psychology Evolutionary Theory Sociology Philosophy
  1. Men and women are different in many ways, especially on average, like strength and interests. It’s important to recognize these differences, but it doesn’t mean every individual fits those patterns.
  2. Some people believe these differences come from culture, but many differences are actually seen across different societies and even species. This suggests they are more than just social norms.
  3. The main reason for these differences comes from how men and women reproduce and invest in offspring. This impacts behavior, risk-taking, and interests, which helps explain why men and women often act the way they do.

What we lose when AI creates art

Subtle Digressions • 559 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Humanity Technology
  1. AI art lacks the emotional depth of human-created art. Art reflects human experiences, feelings, and suffering that AI does not possess.
  2. There's a difference between art and content. True art comes from deep human connections and experiences, while content is often just a product of efficiency.
  3. Using AI in art risks commodifying creativity. If we let machines create art, we lose the value and meaning that come from the human struggle and process of creation.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

Can fiction improve you?

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Psychology Philosophy Education
  1. Fiction might not really improve you as some believe. Studies show that its benefits, like understanding emotions, are small and not clear-cut.
  2. Reading fiction can be enjoyable, but it could also lead you to accept false beliefs. Sometimes, it sways our thoughts and feelings in ways we might not notice.
  3. The debate on whether fiction is good or bad for us is complicated. It might inspire creativity and reflection, but it's hard to measure how much it truly affects us.

The snail trail

Austin Kleon • 2817 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy History Lifestyle
  1. Snails teach us the importance of taking our time and moving at our own pace. They remind us that it's okay to slow down and be idle sometimes.
  2. Snails leave a trail behind them, which symbolizes the journey we've taken in life and art. This can inspire artists to reflect on their past experiences.
  3. Observing small creatures like snails can help us find purpose and meaning in our lives. They show us that even the seemingly insignificant can have a big impact.

Don't be a spiritual nerd

Square Circle • 3 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Self-reflection Mindfulness Metaphysics
  1. Being overly obsessed with spirituality can lead to an imbalance in your life. It's important to keep a healthy perspective and not let it consume all your attention.
  2. Spirituality should be approached with a sense of balance, not just as an academic or nerdy pursuit. Finding real-world connections can enhance your spiritual journey.
  3. It's okay to step away from spiritual obsessiveness and focus on being present in the world. Real growth often comes from being firmly grounded in everyday life.

In The Fight Against Tyranny, Don't Let Your Happiness Depend On Big Wins

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Activism Government Social Issues Mental health Philosophy
  1. It's important to find happiness outside of big victories. Relying on large wins can lead to disappointment and frustration.
  2. Your happiness can positively impact others. Allowing joy into your life can spread happiness to those around you.
  3. Cultivating happiness is a valuable skill. Learning to be happy can make you more effective in your efforts to make a difference.

More ideas from the garden

Austin Kleon • 2857 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Creative work Gardening
  1. Sometimes, taking a little from others can lead to beautiful growth, just like how clippings can sprout into new plants.
  2. It's hard to tell at first if a new idea is good or bad, like wondering if a weed will become a flower - you have to wait and see.
  3. Great things can come from messy situations; even a tiny seed can become a beautiful tree if given the right conditions.

Into the Waters of Being

Becoming Noble • 3249 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Existence Mortality Rituals
  1. Taking risks and confronting the possibility of death can mark a transition into maturity and authenticity.
  2. Reflecting on existential concepts like Nothingness and mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of one's existence.
  3. Encountering the power and mystery of deep bodies of water can serve as a profound and transformative experience.

Paul Graham's error

Gray Mirror • 134 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Politics Philosophy Education
  1. History is complex and cannot be easily understood through simple narratives. It often feels messy, like trying to find a solid footing in a pit of unclear meanings.
  2. Wokeness can be seen as a new and intense version of political correctness that emerged in the late 20th century. Understanding its origins helps to analyze how social norms shift over time.
  3. Different eras in history can look very different based on our perspective. It's important to recognize that each time period has its unique challenges and is subject to change, just like ideas about morality or justice.

A Self-Help Book Changed How I Think About The End of the World

OK Doomer • 126 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Self-help Critical Thinking Philosophy Mental health Book review
  1. Curiosity is important for critical thinking. We should explore ideas we may not agree with to learn more about the world.
  2. Many self-help books repeat the same ideas, but some can still have a lasting impact on our mindset.
  3. It's okay to approach self-help materials with a critical perspective instead of fully embracing their messages.

compulsions

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Parenting Art Psychology
  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.

Choose boldly between Christianity & Vitalism

Becoming Noble • 2770 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy History Culture
  1. Don't try to blend Christianity and Vitalism as they are fundamentally irreconcilable beliefs. Doing so weakens true faith in both.
  2. Make a clear commitment to truth by engaging in deep study, meditation, and rejecting simplistic solutions. Challenge your own beliefs and societal expectations.
  3. Understanding the complexity of historical philosophy is crucial for making an informed choice between Christianity and Vitalism. Dive deep into the nuanced beliefs of the past to grasp the richness of these faith traditions.

Don't watch sports

Becoming Noble • 4504 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Philosophy Identity Values History
  1. Sport has historically been a vital part of society, representing values, nobility, and community.
  2. Modern commercialized sports have shifted the focus from active participation to passive observation, leading to a loss of essential virtues and identity.
  3. Engaging in sports through active participation is essential for cultivating virtues, joy, honor, and a sense of community.

Tuesday Thread: How Do You Know When To Quit?

Culture Study • 2000 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Philosophy Art Literature Self-help
  1. It's important to know when to quit something that isn't working for you. Sometimes, sticking it out can be a waste of time.
  2. You need to find a balance between perseverance and knowing when to let go. Each situation is different, so consider your feelings and results.
  3. Whether it's a book, a hobby, or a job, listen to your intuition. If you're unhappy, it might be time to move on.

I sent some texts on the good life

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Parenting Philosophy Community Identity
  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.

Be a good date

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Philosophy
  1. Being a good date means being someone others want to spend time with, including your readers. It's important to engage and connect with them.
  2. Reading can be a rewarding experience, no matter the book. Discovering new insights from familiar writers, like Vonnegut, can be very fulfilling.
  3. Sharing interests or experiences, like music or art, can create a sense of nostalgia and connection with others. It's great to revisit things that made you happy in the past.

It’s trying to tell you something

Austin Kleon • 4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Film
  1. Writer's block can mean something important and may guide your creative process. It's worth paying attention to what your mind is telling you when you feel stuck.
  2. Understanding the impact of literature and quotes in our lives can help us grow. Reflecting on classic works can lead to deeper insights about ourselves and our experiences.
  3. Art is about pushing culture forward. Engaging with different artistic expressions can inspire personal and collective growth.

That Sense of Impending Doom: Could Anything Shock The World?

OK Doomer • 206 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art Social Commentary Science fiction
  1. Some people feel a sense of dread about the future, thinking something big could shock the world soon. This feeling seems to be more common these days.
  2. Past stories, like those in _Watchmen_ and _The Ministry for The Future_, show how big tragedies can lead to change or peace. People wonder if something similar could happen again.
  3. Sometimes, it seems like those who predict doom actually want such events to happen, almost wishing for a reason to change things. It raises questions about our thoughts and feelings regarding disasters.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Education Philosophy Media Politics Society
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

Death, Sociology, Crime, Knowledge, Jargon, Novels, Men

The Common Reader • 1240 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Novels Sociology Crime Knowledge Philosophy
  1. Bach's music connects deeply with our feelings of love and loss. Listening to it can be especially meaningful after reflecting on personal experiences.
  2. Crime novels are a popular genre, and there are many great authors to explore for your reading list. They can be a perfect choice, especially around the holidays.
  3. The idea of conversation being at the heart of intellectual life is important. It shows how our thoughts are shaped by discussions with others, making creativity a social process.

what we talk about when we talk about taste

bookbear express • 1739 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Philosophy Literature Design
  1. Taste is a personal expression, influenced by our unique experiences and thoughts. It's important to focus on what feels true to us rather than just following trends.
  2. To develop a genuine sense of style or taste, we need to look inward. Buying what's popular or expensive doesn't always lead to true self-expression.
  3. Creativity often comes from valuing low-status or less popular ideas. Being an artist means focusing on what you love, even if it's different from what others appreciate.

Compound AI is AGI

Generating Conversation • 233 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Engineering Philosophy Emerging Tech
  1. The debate about whether we've achieved AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is ongoing. Many people don't agree on what AGI really means, making it hard to know if we've reached it.
  2. The argument is that current AI models can work together to perform tasks at a human-like level. This teamwork, or 'compound AI,' could be seen as a form of general intelligence, even if it's not from a single AI model.
  3. Not all forms of intelligence are the same, and AI systems can do things that humans can’t, but that doesn't mean they can't be considered intelligent. The future potential of AI isn't just about mimicking human intellect; it may also involve different types of skills and knowledge.