The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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The Tyranny of 'Just'

The J. Burden Show • 2376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Heroism Discussion Criticism History 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.

On Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious texts Philosophy Judaism Theology Cultural Practices
  1. Pharaoh's character shows how someone can become too proud to admit they are wrong. Even when faced with power beyond his own, he refuses to truly accept it.
  2. God hardens Pharaoh's heart to illustrate the importance of justice and punishment for past wrongdoings. This story highlights that sometimes, consequences need to be faced fully.
  3. In the end, even a hard-hearted person can show vulnerability. Pharaoh's last request to Moses for a blessing shows a moment of human connection, despite his earlier choices.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Philosophy Creativity Expression
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Philosophy
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.
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The Gulf and the Silence

The Abbey of Misrule • 641 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Literature Self-reflection Cultural critique
  1. When the power goes out, life changes a lot. People talk more and do things differently without all the gadgets.
  2. Going without electricity made one family reflect on what they gained and lost with technology. It brought a calm, slower pace to their lives.
  3. Experiencing silence can reveal new rhythms in life, making people appreciate simple moments like reading books and sitting by the fire.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Arts
  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.

Cyborg Baby

Default Wisdom • 706 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Society Media Psychology
  1. Adderall and heavy internet use can change how people think and feel. They can make emotions flat and cause mood swings.
  2. There's a shift in writing styles today compared to the past, with longer and more emotional pieces becoming popular. These essays often focus on being authentic rather than just sharing ideas.
  3. The idea of mixing human DNA with robots raises interesting questions about the future of humanity and technology. It's a thought that's worth exploring more deeply.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Media Social
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

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.

Artists must be allowed to do bad work

Austin Kleon • 4636 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Media Philosophy Literature
  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.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Philosophy Media Society
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Biographies Social Critique Atheism
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant writer known for his unique talent with words. He could create outstanding articles quickly, even after enjoying drinks with friends.
  2. Hitchens didn't always agree with everyone, but he valued strong thinking and consistency in ideas. His journey shifted over time, reflecting changes in his beliefs.
  3. He was unafraid to challenge societal figures like Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger, criticizing them for their actions regardless of their popularity. Hitchens focused on truth and human values in his work.

I Know That I Know Nothing

Fields & Energy • 339 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🔬 Science Physics Philosophy Research Education
  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.

The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Ethics Policy Technology Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'the Deal' suggests a future where people can live up to 280 years, but it comes with heavy trade-offs, like losing personal belongings and facing a controlled way of dying. It's a challenging idea about how we value life and death.
  2. In this future scenario, many might feel trapped in a fake version of life, where they experience pleasant distractions instead of actually living. The imagery of a body trying to escape emphasizes the struggle against a hollow existence.
  3. Reflecting on this situation can make us question our current medical practices and life choices, similar to how historical figures have critiqued society. It invites a deeper discussion about what it truly means to live and die in our time.

The Moses Option

The Abbey of Misrule • 998 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Activism Philosophy Cultural Commentary Spiritual growth
  1. Activism is about trying to fix the world, but it often leads to thinking in a narrow way. Instead, we need to focus on personal change and spiritual growth.
  2. The true path to making a difference might be through sacrifice and self-emptying, rather than fighting against the problems we see around us.
  3. To really connect with the world and each other, we should start by looking inward and understanding our own flaws, like the story of Moses who carried his past while seeking transformation.

In response to those who are concerned about my general criticism of the counter-culture movement...

Through A Glass Darkly • 1356 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Philosophy Therapy
  1. The author discusses the origins and influences of the counter-culture movement.
  2. There is a caution against blindly following teachings without critical thinking.
  3. The importance of discerning between healthy and destructive approaches to spirituality and mental well-being is highlighted.

The Counterpart Files

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Science Technology Philosophy Culture
  1. Every possible outcome of our lives exists in different worlds. This means that every decision we make has created branches that lead to different versions of ourselves.
  2. With new technology, people can explore their 'Counterpart Files' to see these different lives and choices, leading to both excitement and sometimes shock about what they find.
  3. The idea that we are all interconnected and share a more profound identity across these worlds suggests that at a fundamental level, we might be more similar than we think.

Tormented by an Urn

rachaelmeager • 535 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Mathematics Statistics Philosophy
  1. The Polya urn model, though simple at first glance, reveals the complexity of statistics and emphasizes the importance of understanding problems deeply before attempting to solve them.
  2. Teaching and learning in math are not just about facts; they require creativity and passion to engage students, much like how poets perceive deeper meanings in their art.
  3. There is a strong connection between the arts and sciences, where both disciplines can benefit from understanding each other, and students should learn foundational concepts in both to grasp the complexities of the world.

Introducing a New Saturday Series: The Prophets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4382 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Technology Literature Philosophy History Media
  1. Marshall McLuhan's insights into the impact of electric technology on society were ahead of his time, making him a visionary from the past.
  2. McLuhan believed that new electronic media changes the way people use their senses, affecting how they think and respond, leading to new identities and societal forms.
  3. Despite not being universally understood, McLuhan worked to empower people to understand and choose how they engage with technology in their lives.

What is Plagiarism?

Classical Wisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education Academic Integrity Philosophy History
  1. Plagiarism is a serious issue in academia and has led to high-profile scandals.
  2. The concept of plagiarism has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times.
  3. The debate over plagiarism raises questions about originality and the balance between forming our own ideas and drawing inspiration from others.

The Third Anniversary Post

Comment is Freed • 96 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Family Media Communication Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. The substack started as a fun project between a father and son. They didn't expect it to become such an important part of their lives.
  2. They didn't have a clear plan when they began. Over time, they developed a philosophy about what they wanted to do.
  3. The experience has been surprising and rewarding as they've connected with many people through their writing.

Do You Listen Well?

Classical Wisdom • 2555 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🚌 Education Listening Philosophy Ancient Wisdom Learning Process Personal Development
  1. Listening well is an important skill in any interaction, whether with family, friends, or strangers.
  2. Plutarch highlighted the different types of listeners, including selective listeners, disapproving listeners, and over-confident listeners.
  3. Plutarch emphasized that learning is a collaborative process between the speaker and the listener, requiring active participation and critical thinking from both parties.

The stone walls of Ireland and human insight

The Leap • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Travel Philosophy
  1. The stone walls of Ireland reflect human creativity and resilience. They show how people adapt and use local materials to build something lasting.
  2. The idea of spontaneous human insight is important. Sometimes, communities naturally find solutions to problems without needing a formal process.
  3. Traveling can offer new perspectives. Exploring different places, like the hills of Ireland, can inspire deep thoughts and insights about life.

You don't need a vision

Austin Kleon • 3457 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Motivation Self-Improvement Literature
  1. You don't always need a clear vision for your future; sometimes it's okay to go with the flow. Life can be unpredictable, and paths can change in unexpected ways.
  2. Focusing too much on a specific vision can limit your perspective and keep you stuck in the past. It's important to stay open to new possibilities and experiences.
  3. While having a vision can be motivating for some, others may find inspiration in exploring their interests and passions without a set end goal. Enjoy the journey and see where it leads.

Inside my commonplace diary

Austin Kleon • 5155 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy History Personal Growth
  1. Keeping a commonplace diary is a fun way to collect quotes and thoughts. Instead of writing about daily life, you can enjoy capturing interesting things you hear or read.
  2. Over time, a commonplace diary can reveal themes and connections between quotes, making it a creative project. It can even help inspire new writing pieces or ideas.
  3. Writing things down by hand helps you remember them better, and it feels like a little adventure in time. Looking back at your quotes can bring back memories and show how your thoughts have grown.

What aphantasia can teach us about episodic memory

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🔬 Science Cognitive Science Neuroscience Psychology Memory Philosophy
  1. Aphantasia is a condition where people can't create mental images, making it hard for them to recall personal memories. They might not feel like they're reliving past events like others do.
  2. Research shows that people with aphantasia can still remember facts and details, but they use different strategies. They rely more on their understanding and experiences rather than visualizing things.
  3. Aphantasia challenges our notion of memory. It suggests that memory isn't just about visual details; it includes feelings and experiences too, which can be important for how we recall our past.

Brilliant Simplicity

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🚌 Education Economics Science Philosophy Mathematics History
  1. Brilliant individuals can contribute to knowledge in two main ways: through challenging, complex work and by highlighting simple ideas that others may overlook. Simple ideas often seem obvious once recognized.
  2. Examples like the median voter theorem and Coase's theories show how simple concepts can explain complex phenomena, such as election outcomes or the functioning of firms, making them essential in economics.
  3. Even in biology, like Darwin's theory of evolution, simple ideas can lead to significant insights, changing how we understand life and its development over time.