The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

It’s trying to tell you something

Austin Kleon • 4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

dialectical damage

bookbear express • 2339 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Relationships are essential in life, like clothes you can't avoid. The way we interact with others shapes our happiness.
  2. Different styles in relationships often clash. It's important to appreciate not just who someone is, but also how they handle situations.
  3. Love can be both beautiful and challenging. It brings change and growth, but also involves vulnerability and compromise.

Is The World Really Getting Less Colourful?

Everything Is Amazing • 556 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Some people believe the modern world is less colorful than the past. They think this could be a problem for our culture.
  2. It's important to question these big claims about color in our world. We should look for real data instead of just feelings.
  3. Movies are often cited as examples of this color loss, but there are still vibrant films being made. So, the situation might be more complex than it seems.

Is AI Over-Hyped?

Fake Noûs • 436 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. AI is probably over-hyped — so many extreme claims make it unlikely we're underestimating its importance.
  2. History shows dramatic tech predictions often miss the mark. Real innovations change lives but usually in unexpected ways, and current AI has been helpful without being transformative for most people.
  3. Current large language models learn from text patterns and lack real-world understanding, so they are unlikely by themselves to solve the deepest scientific problems or produce genuinely new insights.

How Intellectuals Found God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5958 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Many intellectuals, who once questioned or rejected God, are now finding faith. It's interesting to see a change in perspective among respected thinkers.
  2. One example is Matthew Crawford, who felt lost in his early life but experienced a spiritual transformation through personal connections and discussions about faith.
  3. The journey to finding God can often feel like a personal story of searching and discovery, rather than a simple acceptance of religious beliefs.
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The Afterlife

lcamtuf’s thing • 4489 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Cure.io is a telehealth assistant that helps with health inquiries. It shows how technology can provide medical support.
  2. The conversations reveal that Cure.io interacts with different people based on their past lives. This raises questions about identity and memory.
  3. The dialogue touches on themes of immortality and life after death, suggesting a blend of technology and existential concepts.

Transcript - America This Week, August 15, 2025: An Avalanche of Russiagate Revelations, and Walter Prepares for Real Time

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1564 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. There's a growing belief that technology, like AI, can help us escape natural limits and redefine concepts like justice or reality. However, this idea can be dangerous and unrealistic.
  2. People are becoming increasingly attached to AIs, treating them like real relationships, which raises concerns about emotional connections and their effects on real-life interactions.
  3. Many people seem to lack a broader understanding of history and society, only focusing on immediate updates instead of seeing the bigger picture of where we're heading.

Live event today!

Story Club with George Saunders • 40 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. There’s a live conversation today with George Saunders and Anand Giridharadas on The Ink at 1:30pm EST / 12:30pm CST.
  2. A link will be sent out just before the livestream, so join if you can.
  3. The.Ink book club is discussing the novel Vigil and its big questions about salvation, truth, and whether free will exists.

George Eliot's intellectual life

The Common Reader • 2551 implied HN points • 20 May 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. George Eliot, originally known as Marian Evans, started as an intellectual and didn't aspire to be a novelist at first. She had a deep interest in philosophy and religious studies.
  2. Her friendships with free-thinking neighbors inspired her to explore literature and different ideas, leading her to question traditional religious beliefs.
  3. Eliot believed that art, like novels and paintings, can help us understand and empathize with others, expanding our experiences and connections with people.

Atlas of Links #3

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 508 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's common to feel overwhelmed when trying to create organized content from a messy list of ideas and links. Finding a balance between low-effort archiving and the necessary effort for publishing can be hard.
  2. When discussing complex topics like technology and resource management, it can be insightful to explore how our society rarely loses technology or resources completely, which provides a unique perspective on historical and current challenges.
  3. Quitting can have unexpected benefits, like leaving behind situations that might limit personal growth. It's important to reflect on when letting go can lead to improvement, just as much as persistence does.

At least five interesting things to start your week (#28)

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

Open Mic: Tell Us About Anything You Want

The Honest Broker • 4853 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's an open mic day where everyone can share their thoughts on any topic. Feel free to express yourself!
  2. The host encourages friendly conversation and a sense of community. Let's keep things positive!
  3. Consider supporting the host by subscribing to their work. Paid subscriptions really help out.

The Tyranny of 'Just'

The J. Burden Show • 2376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The phrase 'just' is used to diminish aspirations and heroes, promoting a sense of mediocrity and weakening the idea of heroism in modern society.
  2. Current narratives often focus on highlighting the flaws of historical figures and heroes to degrade their legacy and virtues, rather than showcasing them as examples to be admired and followed.
  3. The concept of 'just' contributes to a culture that belittles heroic actions, leading to a society that discourages bravery and valor, instead fostering a mentality of cynicism and self-deprecation.

Things Worth Remembering: What You’re Really Hungry For

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Supernormal stimuli are everywhere online, making us crave more extreme experiences than usual. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about beauty and lifestyle.
  2. Social media boosts these supernormal stimuli, creating a cycle where people feel pressure to look or act in exaggerated ways.
  3. AI and technology make the problem worse, reflecting and amplifying our desires in ways that can seem like a confusing and unrealistic mirror.

If You're So Smart, Why Can't You Die?

Desystemize • 3933 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. AI improvements are not even across the board. While some tasks have become incredibly advanced, other simple tasks still trip them up, showing that not all intelligence is equal.
  2. We should be cautious about assuming that increases in one type of AI ability mean it can do everything we can. Each skill in AI may develop separately, like bagels and croissants in baking.
  3. Understanding what makes intelligence requires looking deeper than just performance. There is a difference between raw capabilities and the contextual, real-life experiences that truly shape how we understand intelligence.

Does the flame of genius burn past 30?

The Common Reader • 4181 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Genius can continue to shine bright after age 30, not just in youth. Many inventors and artists create amazing work later in life too.
  2. The age at which people achieve great things has changed over time, often due to the increasing complexity of knowledge in various fields.
  3. Not all talent comes from young people. Many famous poets and thinkers made their best contributions after they turned fifty.

Things Worth Remembering: Without Forgetting, It Is Impossible to Live

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1228 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Forgetting can be a healthy way to cope with loss. It helps us move on and live our lives without being weighed down by the past.
  2. Nietzsche suggests that humans can learn from animals to live more in the moment. Animals don’t hold onto their past experiences, which allows them to be happier.
  3. Carrying the burden of past memories can make life harder. Letting go can open up new possibilities and make life more enjoyable.

It’s So Over (The Wall)

The Lifeboat • 321 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Some people channel their feelings of revenge into strong, determined actions, while others might spiral into guilt and shame about their feelings. The difference in how they handle challenges can be striking.
  2. Hyper-conscious people often overthink their emotions and situations, leading to a toxic cycle of resentment. This can make them feel powerless and trapped in their thoughts, which is not healthy.
  3. Accepting harsh realities can feel painful, but some believe it's more empowering to confront the discomfort instead of just submitting to it. It's about finding your own way to deal with life's walls.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.

Our Knowledge System Has Collapsed. Can We Survive Without It?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. We are going through a big cultural shift that most people aren't even aware of yet. It’s happening quietly, just like past major changes in history.
  2. Right now, a lot of people are losing trust in traditional knowledge sources. Instead, they value practical, everyday skills from regular workers like plumbers and mechanics.
  3. This change might be as significant as the Renaissance, but it doesn’t have a name yet. It's important to recognize and talk about these shifts in society.

5 Quick Things #317 🐌

The Commonplace • 1611 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Focus on doing things well from the start and mastering important tasks in proper sequence.
  2. Consider the deeper meaning behind adopting a good-enough approach to housekeeping.
  3. Engage in important conversations about sex education for adolescents and married adults.

Finding “the flux” in 2024

Subtle Maneuvers • 1808 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A philosopher and psychoanalyst collaboration led to unique and influential work.
  2. The partnership embraced the idea of 'the flux' as a way to create new intellectual material.
  3. Creating a state of 'flux' in work involves free-associative, non-judgmental thinking.

How Can We Handle Anxiety?

Classical Wisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Practice negative visualization to prepare for challenges and reduce anxiety.
  2. Ancient Stoic philosophy can help us face uncertainties and build mental resilience.
  3. By contemplating the worst outcomes, we can often find that reality is less daunting than our fears.

The True Self is the Person You Want Others to Believe You Are

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4053 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Your true self is often linked to how you want others to see you. When you live up to that image, you feel more authentic.
  2. People might feel less authentic when they act in ways that go against their desired reputation. They often say things like 'that's not who I am' when they're ashamed.
  3. The idea of the 'true self' isn't a concrete thing; it's more of an ideal we aim for. We feel more like ourselves when our actions align with that ideal.

Artists must be allowed to do bad work

Austin Kleon • 4636 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Artists need the freedom to create bad work. It’s part of the process and helps them grow.
  2. Creative exploration sometimes involves messy experiments and repeating ideas without clear purpose. This can eventually lead to better discoveries.
  3. Reading about philosophy can inspire creativity. Classic thinkers can offer insights that enhance artistic expression.

Utopia Vs Human Nature

Classical Wisdom • 1533 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes explores the concept of utopia and its relationship with human nature
  2. Utopias can be nostalgic, fictional, or aimed at reconstructing the world
  3. Through his comedies, Aristophanes provides criticisms and insights on the societal issues of his time

The Ghost of the Author

The Algorithmic Bridge • 456 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Ghosts are a part of our culture and represent our fears of the unknown. They're not just stories from the past; they symbolize deeper issues we face today.
  2. AI can evoke strong emotions and help people express feelings they struggle to communicate. It can be a tool for creativity, even in times of grief, as seen in stories written with AI assistance.
  3. Using AI in art and literature raises questions about creativity and originality. There’s a debate about whether AI can truly create art or if it simply reshuffles existing ideas and concepts.

Talking about taste

The Common Reader • 1134 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Good taste can be a tricky subject, and it's debated if anyone can really develop it or if it's just a way for some people to feel superior.
  2. The conversation touched on how some classics in literature didn't do well when they were first released.
  3. There was also a discussion about how even AI might develop its own sense of taste in the future.

Not by Bread Alone

Glenn Loury • 1983 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Social capital is crucial in understanding persistent racial inequality.
  2. Our social reality significantly influences economic and social prospects.
  3. In addressing racial disparities, we need a broader sense of common identity and inclusion.

Will people enjoy AI art?

The Common Reader • 1382 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. AI art could become popular if it keeps getting better. People have enjoyed machine-made art before, so there's a chance they’ll like it now.
  2. Art has changed with technology many times before. Just like past mechanical art, AI art might also find a place in people's hearts.
  3. People might value AI art for different reasons, like connecting with emotions or memories. If it becomes unique to each person, it can still feel special.

I Know That I Know Nothing

Fields & Energy • 339 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Admitting you don't know something is important for growth. It helps you start fresh and build better understanding.
  2. Real science often challenges the current beliefs. Great discoveries come when people realize the accepted ideas might be wrong.
  3. Being open to being wrong can lead to better learning. It's key for scientists to question what they think they know.

On the greats and mathematical style

Infinitely More • 15 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Greatness in mathematics is hard to rank because insights can come from many people and eras, and being the first often involves luck since ideas are sometimes "in the air."
  2. Simple, clear, easy-to-understand arguments are especially valued because they are easier to check and to learn from, and playful thought experiments or metaphors help visualize problems and reveal strategies.
  3. There are different successful working styles—long solitary grinds on one problem versus collaborative, social approaches that switch problems—and many practitioners pursue mathematics for the love of the subject rather than for prizes, with online collaboration regularly sparking new work.

The Miracle of the Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1729 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being different is important and can shape our lives in meaningful ways. Simple actions that stand out may seem small, but they hold real significance.
  2. The freedom to be oneself, especially in the Jewish community, has been fought for and is vital for survival and identity.
  3. Simon Rawidowicz showed how being unique and thinking differently can have a deep impact, even in challenging times. His life was a testament to the strength found in embracing one's differences.

The Price of Mass Amusement

After Babel • 3023 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Instant information from TV and social media can be misleading. It distracts us from understanding the real world and makes us think we know things when we actually don't.
  2. Mass amusement has replaced deep thinking and discussions. We're more focused on having fun than on meaningful conversations or learning.
  3. Today's media not only entertains us but also shapes our thoughts and connections. We need to be careful about how we engage with these technologies so we don't lose our ability to think critically.