The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Hidden Open Thread 355.5

Astral Codex Ten • 894 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Philosophy Traditions Social Issues
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers to discuss various topics. It's a space for people to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content. This means only those who support the platform can participate.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the post, which helps increase visibility and engagement. Sharing can also foster a sense of community among subscribers.

How Does "Reasoning" Work?

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Computer Science Philosophy Reasoning
  1. Reasoning in AI often involves finding and using analogies to solve problems. Just like a chess program cuts down on bad moves, AI looks for the best comparisons to answer a question.
  2. Human thought relies heavily on metaphors, which are used to understand new ideas. These metaphors can be good or bad depending on how well they fit the situation.
  3. Both humans and AI have strengths and weaknesses in reasoning. AI can be quicker but may miss the deeper meaning in a question, while humans can make creative leaps but might take longer.

The Battle Between The Inner Life and The Outer Life

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Economics Society Philosophy History
  1. Modern American capitalism has constrained many lives, leading to angst and a pursuit of more slow-paced lives.
  2. E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' explores the conflict between inner and outer ways of life, highlighting the impact of capitalism on personal relations and daily duties.
  3. There is resistance to hyper-capitalism in modern America, with a growing push for a slower life, nature, and emphasis on inner values.

Synthetic Creativity Vs Organic Originality

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Media Creativity Digital Culture Philosophy
  1. Douglas Rushkoff is joining a course about using AI while keeping human creativity in mind. He thinks AI should boost our human abilities, not take over jobs.
  2. Generative AI shows us where our creative work might be dull or repetitive. This can help artists find new, original ideas.
  3. The rise of AI in arts and media could lead to everyone using the same technologies, making it harder to stand out in creative fields. Artists need to focus on being unique to compete.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Entering into the spirit

Austin Kleon • 1998 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Creativity
  1. To really enjoy something, it's important to let go and surrender to it. When we enter into the spirit of an activity, we can connect deeply and get more out of it.
  2. Creative blocks often come from trying too hard to control the process. Instead of forcing things, letting go and being open can help overcome these blocks.
  3. Finding joy in creative work is about embracing the experience. When we engage fully, we unlock a world of inspiration that can be missed when we stay distant.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, December

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Philosophy
  1. There's an event called Patch in Dublin for young entrepreneurs to start new projects. It's a good chance for 16 to 21-year-olds in Europe to get involved.
  2. A world champion Scrabble player recently won championships in French and Spanish without knowing the languages. This shows just how unique and skilled he is.
  3. You can now compare multiple chatbot responses at once to see which is best. This helps understand how different AI models work.

Welcome to my words

Technohumanism • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Humanities Journalism Philosophy
  1. Connecting art and science is important to understand human experiences and creativity. Both play a role in helping us find meaning in our lives.
  2. The author has a diverse background in journalism and tech, sharing unique stories and insights from various industries. Their experiences aim to bring a fresh perspective on complex topics.
  3. The aim of this Substack is to explore intriguing ideas and offer guidance about navigating the changing world, especially in relation to technology and its impact on society.

Northern Courage

Becoming Noble • 2132 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Faith & Spirituality History Art & Illustration
  1. Northern Courage is the concept of unyielding will and courage in the face of certain defeat, drawn from Norse mythology and Tolkien's works.
  2. Spengler's pessimistic view of history as a series of declines and falls contrasts with Tolkien's belief in a 'long defeat' with glimpses of final victory.
  3. Tolkien completes the virtue of Northern Courage with the idea of 'estel', a hopeful trust that stems from a deeper, transcendent belief, offering a path to heroic sacrifice without despair.

How to find your people

Austin Kleon • 4536 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Community
  1. Writing a blog post or making a video can help you connect with like-minded people. It’s a way to find your community.
  2. Keeping a diary or journal can be a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It's nice to have a collection of other people's diaries to read too.
  3. Books can be more fun if we think of them as toys. Instead of just reading them, we can enjoy them in a playful way.

december

bookbear express • 836 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Identity Personal Growth
  1. Commitment helps you discover what you like and dislike in life. It can change you, sometimes in surprising ways.
  2. Living deeply in experiences can feel like being stuck in a 'tar pit', where leaving is hard but staying can also be rewarding.
  3. Dream-like experiences can shape our feelings and memories, making us appreciate moments with others even more.

RFK Jr. gives a Pro-vaccine MD a lesson at a Town Hall

An Insult to Intuition • 2063 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Vaccines Science Epidemiology Philosophy Corruption
  1. RFK Jr. highlighted the difference between believing and knowing in the discussion about vaccines.
  2. The lack of long-term, placebo-controlled safety studies on childhood vaccines was brought to light by Kennedy.
  3. The conversation revealed a reliance on trust over critical thinking when it comes to vaccine safety and testing.

Links for January

By Reason Alone • 55 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Philosophy Art
  1. The rebranding of a blog can better reflect its content and help avoid confusion about its focus. A clear name makes it easier for readers to understand what to expect.
  2. Microplastics in food and water are a growing concern, and new data reveals interesting patterns about their presence. It's important to stay informed about health risks associated with them.
  3. Learning and education should emphasize knowledge acquisition, just like subjects like science and literature. Understanding the basics improves overall comprehension and appreciation of complex topics.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #102

Creative Destruction • 49 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Philosophy Mental health Technology impact Economic Systems
  1. The idea of a 'post-capitalist self' suggests that people should shift their career goals away from traditional corporate paths, which may no longer offer meaningful rewards.
  2. Modern technology is making people feel more lonely even when they are surrounded by others, as constant connectivity can create a barrier to genuine social interaction.
  3. Focusing on helping others rather than just on self-improvement can bring more happiness and meaning to life, highlighting the importance of social connections.

Events Schedule

Classical Wisdom • 1179 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🚌 Education Philosophy Events
  1. Wednesday's live discussion on Plagiarism starts at 2:00pm EST.
  2. Exciting upcoming events on different topics like Marcus Aurelius and Philosophy for Children.
  3. Register in advance to receive event recordings even if you can't join live.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 1120 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There is a live event on January 23rd discussing the life and legacy of Marcus Aurelius.
  2. The event includes well-known speakers like Donald Robertson and Angie Hobbs.
  3. Attendees have a chance to win a copy of Donald Robertson's book 'Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor'.

To be everywhere is to be nowhere

Austin Kleon • 3557 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Philosophy Film
  1. Being everywhere can make you feel lost and disconnected. It's better to focus on a few places or activities to have a more meaningful experience.
  2. Reading full books can be more enjoyable and informative than just scrolling through news or articles. They can give you a deeper understanding of a subject.
  3. It's important to support artists, whether through buying their music or attending events. This helps keep creativity alive in our communities.

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Morality Media Philosophy Entertainment
  1. Hollywood often struggles with moral philosophy and promotes a kind of morality that seems unrealistic. Instead of dealing with complex situations, they opt for simple solutions that make heroes look good.
  2. In Hollywood, self-defense is tricky; heroes must wait for an attack before fighting back, even when it's clear they're in danger. This approach can make characters seem foolish and overly lenient.
  3. The way Hollywood portrays morality ignores real-world consequences. Their stories often end with characters benefiting from luck rather than genuine moral choices, which can lead to dangerous ideas about how to handle conflict.

Quitting the chocolate factory

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Philosophy Film
  1. Sometimes, we can find ourselves doing work that doesn't feel right for us, like Charlie running the chocolate factory. It’s important to think about what truly makes us happy.
  2. Mid-life crises are common and can lead to big changes in our lives. Reflecting on our choices can help us make better decisions moving forward.
  3. Stories about characters facing big life choices, like Charlie and Peter Pan, can inspire us to evaluate our own paths and dreams.

Hidden Open Thread 368.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Philosophy Lifestyle Community Personal Growth
  1. This is a space for people to share thoughts and engage in discussions. Everyone can pitch in and contribute their ideas.
  2. The post is intended for paid subscribers, which means it may contain exclusive content. This helps create a community among paying members.
  3. The thread encourages open communication and interaction among readers, promoting a sense of belonging.

Rich People Food, The Paradox of Liberation, Success Sequence

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Food culture Philosophy Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Rich people often have different food preferences, which can reflect their social status. Eating certain foods can signal wealth and lifestyle choices.
  2. The concept of liberation can be paradoxical; sometimes, more freedom can lead to complications and struggles in life.
  3. Following a 'success sequence'—like education, job, and then family—can help people find stability and success in life.

Nomen est Omen (repost)

Secretum Secretorum • 353 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Naming Identity Psychology Society Athletics Philosophy History
  1. An aptronym is when someone's name fits their job really well, like Usain Bolt being the fastest runner. There are also inaptronyms, where the name is ironically related to the profession.
  2. Nominative determinism is the idea that a person's name might influence their career choices and how others see them. A catchy name can give someone more confidence and help them succeed.
  3. Names have a cultural impact and can reflect community values. Different cultures use names flexibly and humorously, shaping how individuals relate to themselves and others.

Turing's Yearning, Part 1

Technohumanism • 99 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing History Philosophy Human-Machine Interaction
  1. Alan Turing's foundational paper on artificial intelligence is often overlooked in favor of its famous concepts like the Turing Test. It's filled with strange ideas and a deep human yearning for understanding machines.
  2. The idea behind the Turing Test, where a computer tricks someone into thinking it's human, raises questions about what intelligence really is. Is being able to imitate intelligence the same as actually being intelligent?
  3. Turing's paper includes surprising claims and combines brilliant insights with odd assertions. It reflects his complicated thoughts on machines and intelligence, showing a deeper human story that resonates today.

Invisible Duels

Working Theorys • 152 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Identity Competition Mental health Philosophy
  1. Invisible duels happen when we compare ourselves to others, even if we never agreed to compete. We end up feeling threatened by their success, which harms our self-worth.
  2. These duels are often fueled by social media, where we constantly see others' achievements and feel pressured to measure up. This can lead to anxiety and distraction from our own goals.
  3. To escape these invisible duels, we need to focus on ourselves and what we truly want. Making others less significant and finding our own direction is key to breaking free.

Welcome to the Blunderdome

Donkeyspace • 9 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Doping 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.

Gnosticism: Origins

Secretum Secretorum • 631 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious history Philosophy Spiritual beliefs Religious practices
  1. Gnosticism emphasizes knowledge ('gnosis') as the key to understanding the universe, viewing it as flawed and created by a lesser god.
  2. Gnostics believe our true essence is divine, and our task is to reconnect with this lost origin and escape the physical world's traps.
  3. The belief system is seen as a reaction to the oppressive religious and political contexts of the time, offering a radical alternative to traditional spirituality.

#150 Just enough design (and no more)

Design Lobster • 259 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🪑 Design Philosophy Art Creativity Style Craftsmanship
  1. Hodo-hodo is a Japanese concept of moderation and balance applied to design, meaning 'just enough design.' It emphasizes the idea of deliberately holding back in design to achieve an ideal level of completion.
  2. Just enough design can create space for imagination and personal interpretation, as seen in the example of Kinoishi wooden stones that were designed as toys without instructions.
  3. Designing with 'hodo-hodo' philosophy can lead to subtle yet impactful details that might not be consciously noticed but can evoke emotional connections and enhance user experience.

Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Cognition Health Biology Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

Failing in both directions

Austin Kleon • 3077 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Food Philosophy
  1. Thinking about intelligence can be really interesting, especially when it's connected to our bodies. There are ways to have experiences that help us understand this better.
  2. Keeping a weekly review can help you track what you've done and what you want to do next. It’s like having a checklist to keep your thoughts organized.
  3. Sometimes when creating something new, you can only change one part at a time. It’s good to focus on either how it tastes or how it looks, but not both at once.

On Reclaiming Leisure

The Analog Family • 699 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Leisure Parenting Lifestyle Philosophy Mental health
  1. We often feel the need to scroll on our phones for a break, but this can actually lower our happiness. Instead, we should look for more rewarding ways to spend our downtime.
  2. Finding high-quality leisure activities can help us feel more fulfilled. This means doing things like reading, being creative, or spending time outside, which can all boost our energy and happiness.
  3. It's important to remember how to have fun as adults. We should allow ourselves time to play and enjoy life, not just focus on responsibilities.

Best Housekeeping Yet!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Media
  1. There are big plans for 2025 at The Hinternet, including new features, a call for submissions with a good pay rate, and looking for new contributors and voice actors.
  2. A new publication called The Oort Cloud Review is set to launch soon, and it’s expected to make a significant impact.
  3. The Hinternet is trying to distance itself from low-investment free subscribers and is focusing on fostering genuine engagement from dedicated readers.

Stop Using Fiction to Push Politics

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Narrative Criticism Modernism
  1. When writing stories, it's important to focus on storytelling first. Characters and plots should come alive naturally without feeling forced.
  2. Hemingway's approach shows that exploring deep themes works best when they arise from character experiences, rather than pushing a political agenda.
  3. Readers lose interest if the story feels too political or preachy. Good stories engage emotions and allow ideas to unfold organically.