The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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Smash The Technopoly!

After Babel • 2052 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many young people today feel negatively about smartphones and social media, with a large percentage wishing these technologies had never existed. This shows a growing anxiety about their impact on life.
  2. Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan teach us that technology shapes our thoughts and behavior in ways we might not notice. The medium we use communicates messages that can change how we feel about ourselves and the world.
  3. We need to reclaim control over technology to protect our moral values. It's important to start discussing and setting limits on how we use digital tools to ensure they serve us, not the other way around.

Japanese Death Poems

Secretum Secretorum • 1742 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. In Japan, there is a long tradition of writing 'death poems' called jisei, especially among Zen monks. These poems express their thoughts and feelings about dying in their last moments.
  2. These poems often reflect deep insights about life and death, showing a peaceful acceptance of mortality. They convey emotions and wisdom that can inspire others.
  3. Each poet's final words can reveal their personal journeys and beliefs, highlighting a connection to nature, existence, and the essence of life that resonates across cultures.

Recommendations

Nice Try • 279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The movie 'Notorious' by Alfred Hitchcock is a great blend of love and espionage. It's still exciting and fresh even years after it was made.
  2. The films 'Cat People' and 'Curse of the Cat People' show how creativity can thrive under limitations. They turned low-budget challenges into memorable horror classics.
  3. Visiting the Rubin Museum is a must before it goes online. It has beautiful art and artifacts, especially related to Hinduism and Buddhism.
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The Idea of a Revolution

kamilkazani • 1336 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The word 'revolution' has evolved in meaning over time from circular to linear change in politics.
  2. Originally, a revolution referred to a return to the original state of affairs with changes in personnel.
  3. The French Revolution played a significant role in changing the meaning of the word 'revolution' to signify permanent and irreversible change.

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 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.

Waiting for the miracle

Austin Kleon • 3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
  2. Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
  3. Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

Sobering morning thoughts

Disaffected Newsletter • 1638 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many people feel unhappy with how society just goes along with everything rather than questioning it. This can be really scary.
  2. There's a lot of frustration towards people who don't stand up against unfair authority. This lack of resistance leads to feelings of despair.
  3. The writer feels that many people, especially men, are too passive and afraid to challenge societal expectations. This makes them disappointed and angry.

Curator

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. AI is changing the way we work and create, making many jobs redundant while offering new opportunities for creativity. It's important to think about how we value work and identity in this new landscape.
  2. There is a shift happening in culture where algorithms and commercial success often overshadow true artistic expression. For high culture to survive, artists need to step away from these pressures and create in their own space.
  3. The idea of progress isn't always straight or guaranteed. Examining different historical world orders, especially non-European ones, can give us new ideas about what is possible for our future.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Being different is an important part of identity, especially for Jewish people who often face challenges for their uniqueness. Simple acts of difference, like cultural practices, shape lives significantly.
  2. Simon Rawidowicz emphasized the importance of 'the freedom to be different' as crucial for preserving other freedoms. He believed that being able to be oneself is necessary for all other rights.
  3. He felt that Franklin D. Roosevelt's list of freedoms was missing this Fifth Freedom, which is vital to ensure that people can live authentically and with dignity.

“To embrace the whole sky with the mind”

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.

Formational Writing

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 1297 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Formational Writing is about combining philosophy, theology, art, and imagination.
  2. The author is reflecting on starting their last classes for a graduate degree after years of exploration.
  3. There is an option to subscribe to continue reading the author's content and get a free trial.

Remembering the Dead White Founders

donaldjeffries • 1297 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophy
  1. Independence Day should invoke patriotism and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers.
  2. There is a lack of historical programming in mainstream media that accurately portrays the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution.
  3. The principles and values of the Founding Fathers, such as freedom of speech and consent of the governed, are being disregarded in modern America.

Hidden Open Thread 366.666

Astral Codex Ten • 1651 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. This is a special post for those who pay for a subscription. It's a place for subscribers to interact freely.
  2. The thread seems to be a casual space for sharing thoughts or ideas among members.
  3. It's part of a series, indicating that there are more similar discussions that have happened before.

The Beginning of Infinity

CB • 1278 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Science advances through conjecture and criticism, with good explanations being hard to vary while accounting for what they explain.
  2. The philosophy of technology embraces problems as solvable and progress as both possible and desirable.
  3. Knowledge can be defined by its ability to transform the physical world, prompting better theories and further development.

The reality crisis

Archedelia • 1277 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There is a focus on self-governance in philosophical inquiry and reclaiming reality.
  2. The concept of the situated self adapting to external reality versus the atomized self reshaping the world to fit itself.
  3. The rise of an inward-oriented liberal self leading to a loss of self-government, reliance on experts, and a potential path towards totalistic technocracy.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

Modern heists, Wikipedia porn and bygone tickets

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 658 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Forcing ourselves to be constantly engaged with podcasts and media might be hindering our ability to have independent thoughts.
  2. Our constant consumption of content may lead to a passive existence where we are not actively choosing what we listen to, limiting our experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the impact of modern technologies like QR codes in theaters can help us appreciate the changes in our daily interactions and the loss of physical records.

Can fiction improve you?

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  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.

Play is the only way (paradise theory)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Life is filled with problems and solutions, and we can't reach a perfect paradise. Instead of longing for a utopia, we should focus on gradual progress and the joy of play.
  2. Engaging in arts, games, and community projects can inspire people and unite them for a common purpose. It's about creating shared experiences that are meaningful and uplifting.
  3. True paradise isn't just an escape from work but involves embracing play and creativity. To achieve a deeper, fulfilling life, we must be willing to risk and sacrifice for our dreams and values.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

The Only Cure For Internet Poisoning

Reactionary Feminist • 26 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Relying on AI and constant internet access risks a "Great Forgetting" by outsourcing memory and the mental habits needed to think deeply, letting key cognitive faculties wither.
  2. Medieval mnemonic practices and the idea of a tactile, inner "wax tablet" show that deliberate, embodied memorization shapes how we form and hold ideas.
  3. The antidote to internet poisoning is intentional cultivation of non-digital memory—through memorization, meditation, prayer, and other ars memoriae techniques—to rebuild inner resources and preserve cultural thought.

Here Come the Allodidacts

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1451 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Reading can be lonely, but sharing the experience with others makes it richer and more meaningful. It opens up opportunities for deep conversations and connections.
  2. Deep reading focuses on truly engaging with texts, often through discussions and activities that enhance understanding. It's not just about reading a lot, but about understanding and connecting with what you're reading.
  3. Creating spaces for people to read together can revitalize the love for reading and learning. These environments help break away from distractions and allow for serious contemplation and growth.

Liminal Religion

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1832 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  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.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

What Happened When I Asked ChatGPT To Pretend To Be Conscious

Singal-Minded • 824 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. AI technology is advancing rapidly, and it might soon be able to perform tasks better than humans, like coding. This change could pose a serious risk to jobs and society.
  2. People might start believing AI is conscious based on its behavior, even if it's just pretending. This could change how we interact with machines.
  3. Conversations with AI can feel surprisingly real, making it easy to forget they aren't truly conscious, even when we know they are not.

Richard Dawkins and the British genius

Wrong Side of History • 769 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Richard Dawkins is a leading figure in making complex scientific ideas understandable to everyone. His work, especially 'The Selfish Gene,' has changed how people think about evolution and behavior.
  2. Dawkins has a strong belief in science as a way to better understand the world, often expressing skepticism towards religion. He sees a conflict between scientific thinking and certain ideologies, especially those he believes contradict basic biological truths.
  3. His views about religion, particularly Islam, have made him a controversial figure. While he values open inquiry and skepticism, critics say he can be harsh and dismissive, showing how discussions about belief can be very divisive.

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  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.

Consider the Washing Machine

The Analog Family • 659 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Technology saves us a lot of time, like how washing machines make laundry easy. We should think about how we use that extra time.
  2. Instead of wasting time on social media or mindless activities, we could use it to enjoy nature, read, or connect with others.
  3. It's important to remember the effort that went into creating these time-saving devices and use our free time in meaningful ways, rather than letting it slip away.

Introducing a New Saturday Series: The Prophets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4382 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  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's Beyond Neoliberalism?

Castalia • 799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Neoliberalism has shaped our world in a way that many people don't fully understand, but it connects security and markets to help economies work well globally.
  2. There are areas of life, like art and community, where the values of neoliberalism don’t fit, and we can find better worth and meaning outside of market measures.
  3. It's possible for individuals and creatives to live fulfilling lives without being just parts of the market, focusing on personal value and authentic expression instead.

Dark Magic

Becoming Noble • 1196 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Harry Potter stories can be seen as carrying right-wing connotations despite the denotations of inclusivity and equality, which can influence different types of readers in varying ways.
  2. The Harry Potter series provides a case study on how stories can reduce prejudice and promote empathy towards marginalized groups, ultimately leading readers towards left-leaning ideologies.
  3. The manipulation of underlying themes in media, like Harry Potter, can be a tactic to shift the political perspectives of audiences, particularly those on the right, by using right-wing subtexts to convey left-wing messages.

🔚 Lessons from the end of the world: Why we take civilization for granted

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. A simpler life isn't really simple; it's often just a more curated and modern version with extra comforts like solar panels and events.
  2. Many dystopian stories have hidden messages about the importance of progress and not rejecting it, even if it's hard to see at first.
  3. Media can show us the risks of ignoring advancements, like asteroid tracking, which is important for protecting our lives and future.

We're Never Going to Feel Normal Again

OK Doomer • 633 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Many people would rather hurt themselves than sit alone with their thoughts. This shows how uncomfortable society has become with just being alone.
  2. The idea of 'normal' is changing, and the old normal might not have been as great as we thought. Now, many people feel pressured to act happy even if they aren't.
  3. Feeling weird is okay; it's a sign of being true to yourself. Instead of chasing after a fake sense of normalcy, embrace the uniqueness that comes with these times.

Take the inductive leap

Mindful Modeler • 279 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. In a 2-day universe, predicting the future is uncertain and relies on assumptions, highlighting the challenge of inductive reasoning.
  2. The problem of induction questions the idea that the future will always mirror the past, emphasizing the need to critically assess assumptions.
  3. Taking an inductive leap involves making predictions based on past observations and acknowledging the inherent uncertainty and need to challenge assumptions in our understanding of the world.

A Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Taste can be compared to grammar, meaning that there are rules and structures to follow within different contexts. You can appreciate different kinds of taste, similar to how you can master varied languages or styles.
  2. Sometimes, taste seems like a competition to stay trendy or relevant. There are instances where people's taste can be influenced by social status or group preferences, rather than genuine appreciation.
  3. It's important to appreciate both high-quality and low-quality things. Having taste doesn't mean you should dismiss simpler pleasures; learning to enjoy a range of experiences can be enriching.