The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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An Apostate Against the Machine-God

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Modern technological civilization acts like an autonomous 'Machine' that prizes calculative reason, uproots people from place and tradition, and treats nature and humans as interchangeable resources, causing ecological collapse and spiritual alienation.
  2. The answer proposed is to re-root life in local communities, traditions, and meaningful practices—rebuilding moral economies, family, farming, and craft—and to practice technological askesis, a disciplined refusal of dehumanizing technologies.
  3. The political reality is messy: both market-liberal progressive forces and a rising reactionary tech elite can enable the Machine, while accelerationist strains even celebrate humanity's replacement, so simple left‑right fixes are inadequate.

Social Learning Links, 12/7/2024

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. We often form our beliefs based on who we trust rather than just the facts. It's easy to fall into thinking everyone else is wrong if they disagree with us.
  2. People have a bias where they see good things happening to their group as a result of their strengths, while bad things are blamed on outside factors. This leads to unfair judgments about others.
  3. Understanding and acknowledging our own mistakes is tough but important. It helps us to think clearly and make better decisions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

3 médias bonus

L'Atelier Galita • 199 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
📰 News Politics
  1. The Media is an alternative cooperative media outlet with a focus on independence, collaboration, and diversity.
  2. The Media faced challenges with funding due to a dysfunctional economic model and a shift towards advertising.
  3. Blast, a media outlet created by a former dissident of The Media, gained more popularity despite both facing similar issues.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

How the Sadistic Sex Games Trump and Epstein Played During a Seventeen-Year Friendship—As Told By Epstein Himself—Reveal the Epstein Secrets Trump Is Hiding

Proof • 141 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Trump and Epstein had a long friendship that reportedly involved disturbing sexual activities. This relationship raises serious concerns about Trump's character.
  2. Epstein's accounts suggest that there are deep secrets about Trump that he might be hiding. These revelations could have significant implications.
  3. The information presented is based on eyewitness accounts and brings to light troubling aspects of their friendship, highlighting the need for critical examination.
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Oscars: Scrap "Top Gun"

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Ukrainian World Congress wants 'Top Gun: Maverick' removed from the Oscars because it is funded by a Russian oligarch.
  2. They believe the film's lack of direct mention of Russia as an enemy is misleading and supports propaganda.
  3. The Congress is asking for a broader rejection of films tied to Russian money due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Epstein humiliation

Michael Tracey • 162 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The Epstein Files myth has been used by politicians to gain public support, tricking people into believing that important secrets would be revealed if they vote a certain way.
  2. Many high-profile accusations against Epstein were based on claims from Virginia Guiffre, who later admitted to fabricating some of her accusations, which raises questions about the reliability of the whole narrative.
  3. The obsession with Epstein has created a lot of financial gain for some accusers through settlements, but it's also led to erosion of civil liberties and due process for those wrongly accused.

American Psychological Association Slammed for ‘Virulent’ Jew Hate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Over 3,500 mental health professionals have signed a letter criticizing the American Psychological Association for allowing antisemitism to grow within its ranks. They believe this issue needs urgent attention.
  2. The letter claims that Jewish members of the APA have faced harassment and have been silenced when trying to address antisemitic comments or misinformation.
  3. The signers have provided examples of antisemitic behavior and discourse within APA divisions, indicating a significant and systemic problem that needs addressing.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🚌 Education Politics
  1. Many jobs today require expensive degrees that people might not even need. Instead, some suggest that students could go directly into work after high school and earn a good living.
  2. When people argue about politics, they often aren't trying to change each other's minds. Instead, they want to maintain their group loyalty and protect their beliefs.
  3. There are differing views on the Kids Online Safety Act. Some believe it will help protect kids online, while others think it could be ineffective and distracting for schools.

College leaders should say what they stand for

Science Forever • 298 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🚌 Education Politics
  1. College leaders should clearly communicate their values and beliefs, even in the face of political pressure. Staying true to one's values can lead to respect and support from the community.
  2. Presidents who stand up for their beliefs may face challenges, but they often land in new fulfilling positions. Those who prioritize the board's wishes over campus values may not fare as well.
  3. Institutions benefit from leaders who stick to their principles. Even if presidents are let go, they usually find other positive opportunities as long as they remain aligned with their beliefs.

Is Donald Trump Losing His Mojo?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 210 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. People are noticing small wins lately since big achievements are hard to come by. It shows that sometimes you have to celebrate the little things.
  2. Trump is being linked to tacos in a funny way due to his trade decisions. This light-hearted connection has sparked some positive feelings about him.
  3. Many feel weary of bad trade ideas, fearing more economic strain. People want to avoid paying higher prices for things because of poor decisions.

All art isn't political

Thoughts on Writing • 439 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Art education is being influenced by former politicians pushing specific agendas onto creative realms.
  2. The focus on purpose-driven art can limit creativity and innovation by narrowing the scope of artistic expression.
  3. Creativity thrives when approached with an open mindset, allowing for exploration, unexpected detours, and connection beyond politics.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

if not, Paris • 294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.

Laughing at the Lowlifes: A Missing Piece in Explaining Online Radicalism”

House of Strauss • 44 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Online figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate attract young men partly because they're funny, even if their messages are harmful. Humor can make serious topics easier to engage with.
  2. People often struggle to admit that someone they dislike can be entertaining. It’s easy to overlook the funnier aspects of a person's personality when focused on their negative ideas.
  3. Shock value plays a big role in why these figures gain audiences. Many find the outrageous or unexpected things they say amusing, even if they don’t agree with their views.

You can have pleasure but no freedom

Men Yell at Me • 417 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. In 2024, there was a lot of open talk about women's sexual desires, but this happened alongside many restrictions on reproductive rights. It's like women are getting more pleasure but losing freedom.
  2. There's a big difference in how often men and women achieve orgasms, which shows there's still a gap in sexual satisfaction. While women explore their desires, many still face issues like loss of job security and safety during pregnancy.
  3. Even with more representation of female desire in media, it often focuses on certain types of women. Real freedom for all women, not just privileged ones, is necessary for genuine sexual liberation.

Fixing Higher Ed: The Bailey-Caplan Convo

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🚌 Education Politics
  1. There's concern about the increasing politicization of universities, which some liken to past political eras like McCarthyism. This raises questions about how knowledge and education are being influenced by ideology.
  2. Many feel that government funding for higher education may actually be contributing to wasted time for students. It's important to think about how much funding should be given and how it should be used.
  3. The debate about what to save in higher education includes discussions on faculty hiring and the importance of ideological diversity. Ensuring a range of viewpoints can help foster a more open inquiry in academic settings.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

Top Links 629 The Credit Suisse Nazi cover-up. Global bond tremors. The Atlas of drowned towns & Eric Dolphy's last date.

Chartbook • 357 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📰 News Politics
  1. Credit Suisse was involved in a Nazi cover-up, suggesting significant issues with accountability in major financial institutions.
  2. Global bond markets are experiencing turbulence, which may affect investors and the economy overall.
  3. Eric Dolphy's last performance and the concept of towns that have been drowned offer cultural and historical insights into forgotten places and stories.

The lone wolves of Germany

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Weak states can lead to collective punishment of citizens. When a government is ineffective, it might target its own people as a way to manage conflicts.
  2. Immigrants can sometimes fall through the cracks of a system. Even if their asylum applications are rejected, they might end up in situations where they commit crimes or cause harm.
  3. The public reacts strongly to tragic events caused by individuals. Such incidents can spark debates about immigration policies and safety in society.

Letter from Santiago

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 275 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
💼 Business Politics
  1. The demand for lithium and copper is predicted to increase significantly due to the rise of electric vehicles.
  2. Chile, rich in copper and lithium, faces challenges with flat export volumes, political instability, and crime.
  3. The shift to electric vehicles will impact commodity prices, inflation, and stock values, influencing global economies.

My encounter with a Rebbe

Michael Tracey • 43 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Politics
  1. The Rebbe of Far Rockaway, Rabbi Yaakov Rubin, leads a Hasidic community and is cautious about engaging in politics, despite his potential influence.
  2. He has never eaten at a restaurant, even kosher ones, because he prefers the strict dietary standards his wife provides at home.
  3. Rabbi Rubin is averse to modern technology and photography, holding the belief that it can lead to unwanted publicity and loss of privacy.

Forgive yourself for speaking on behalf of the world

The Joyous Struggle • 276 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. The challenge with collective action problems, like climate collapse, is complicated by the ambiguity of the term 'we' in English, lacking the distinction between inclusive and exclusive pronouns.
  2. English's status as a predominant global language, particularly online, influences communication dynamics and power structures due to historical reasons.
  3. The inherent ambiguity in the term 'we' in English complicates addressing pervasive collective challenges, leading to speaking on behalf of everyone without acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests that exist.

Judging as plumbing

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Judges should focus on providing practical solutions to concrete problems, rather than deeply philosophizing the law.
  2. The case of Moore v. United States involves determining whether a tax is a property tax or an income tax, showcasing the complexity of tax law.
  3. The Sixteenth Amendment allowed Congress to tax incomes without apportionment, highlighting the historical context and significance of constitutional amendments in shaping tax laws.

German Militarism and the Virtues of Hypocrisy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1048 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💾 History Politics
  1. Otto von Bismarck's 'blood and iron' speech was a pivotal moment that shaped Prussia's history and led to Germany's unification.
  2. Jonathan Steinberg's biography offers insight into the politics and culture of 19th-century Germany through direct quotes from major figures like Bismarck.
  3. Despite impressive accomplishments during and after Bismarck's reign, Germany faced challenges including maintaining a powerful monarchy and conservative elite, which played a role in the tumultuous first half of the 20th century.

The Sinking Cities Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1749 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Politics
  1. Mexico City and Jakarta are sinking due to various factors like draining lakes and illegal wells
  2. Indonesia's plan to move its capital to Borneo from Jakarta is ambitious but faces challenges like corruption and cultural differences
  3. The sinking of these cities raises environmental and social concerns that need to be addressed

The Case For and Against California Forever

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. California Forever aims to address California's housing crisis by offering a new city with up to 400,000 residents and 160,000 dwelling units.
  2. Critics argue that California Forever's development threatens natural resources, increases wildfire risk, and diverts attention and resources from existing infrastructure improvements.
  3. The project prompts debate on the balance between housing expansion and environmental impact, as well as the effectiveness of starting a new city versus revitalizing existing communities.

Linkpost for February

Thing of Things • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔬 Science Politics
  1. Long-term monthly payments and lump sum cash transfers are both effective ways of helping people, but short-term monthly payments are less effective.
  2. The Copenhagen Consensus Center has identified twelve programs that are more cost-effective than unconditional cash transfers for addressing global poverty.
  3. Malaria vaccines may be less cost-effective than bednets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention due to logistical challenges and similar efficacy.

Why is Chapel Hill Interesting?

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Chapel Hill is a university town with charming landmarks and traditions.
  2. Residents enjoy a thriving music scene, independent bookstores, and a fitness culture.
  3. The town embodies progressive ideals with unique features like free public transit and community-focused initiatives.

The Origins of Deutsche Physik (1910s)

Cantor's Paradise • 363 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Politics
  1. The conflict in the physics community during the 1910s was largely about differing views on science and the influence of World War I. German physicists felt pressure to defend national pride while dealing with the rise of theoretical physics led by figures like Einstein.
  2. There was a significant clash between experimentalists and theorists, with older physicists struggling to accept new ideas. Many were uncomfortable with Einstein's theories because they felt too abstract and removed from traditional experimental methods.
  3. As political tensions grew, the conflict transformed into overt anti-Semitism, particularly targeting Einstein. Some physicists expressed nationalistic and racial ideologies, which later aligned with the Nazi agenda.

Coming soon

The Lindy Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
📰 News Politics
  1. A Substack newsletter is launching soon and is labeled "Coming soon."
  2. The announcement is dated Jan 30, 2026, marking a recent start date.
  3. Readers are prompted to subscribe and share, but the page currently shows very little content or engagement.

Bangers and Mash

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The authors of The Hinternet are using pseudonyms for professional reasons and to create a unique writing style. Despite this, they promise clearer writing in the future.
  2. The publication plans to produce more popular essays, referred to as 'bangers', to meet economic needs and subscriber interests, even if the topics seem controversial.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage more deeply by submitting essays on featured works, highlighting the community involvement in shaping the publication.

Competent Fascists Please The Military. Trump & Hegseth Pissed Them Off.

JoeWrote • 30 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Fascist leaders need the military to stay in power. They often try to build loyalty with military leaders to ensure their support.
  2. In the past, famous dictators linked military success to their regimes. This way, they could count on the army to help maintain control and carry out their orders.
  3. Currently, leaders like Trump struggle to gain military confidence. Their behavior can alienate military leaders instead of winning their support.

A response to The Lost Generation

Theory Matters • 20 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. People want recognition and meaning, not just economic comfort. Many face a painful choice between a safe, mundane life and risky creative struggle, and the struggle itself can be valuable even if success never comes.
  2. We should listen to people’s frustrations instead of dismissing them, because luck, limited opportunities, and social structures often decide who gets scarce jobs. Discounting lived experience—no matter who speaks—stops us from understanding real problems.
  3. Politics and policy that focus only on utility, prestige, or short-term fairness miss the realities of human experience. Society needs more empathy and a vision that respects struggle and the desire for recognition beyond material gains.

On the cesspool of elite journalism

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A prominent political reporter crossed clear ethical lines by having intimate relationships with people she covered, betraying colleagues and sources and harming private individuals.
  2. Her memoir avoids real accountability, leans on celebrity name‑dropping and insider gossip, and comes off as self‑pitying rather than reflective.
  3. The fallout — weak sales, damaged reputation, and job loss — shows how personal misconduct and elite media culture can sink careers and erode trust in journalism.

The great 2024 vibe shift (and other stories)

Wrong Side of History • 403 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The concept of political trends is similar to fashion trends, where ideas shift from cool to mainstream and eventually to uncool. This shows how society's values can change over time.
  2. The idea of echo chambers exists where people only hear opinions that match their own, but this can actually lead to more extreme views. In the past, people were less exposed to opposing opinions, which might have resulted in calmer discussions.
  3. In America, there's been a noticeable shift to the left in cultural issues, leaving many regular voters feeling disconnected. This polarization reflects broader divisions in society.

a year in podcasts

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Politics
  1. China's imperial examination system helped create stability but limited innovation. This has led to current challenges like economic stagnation and political succession issues.
  2. Recent discussions showed that trade alone doesn't change political systems. For instance, the Song dynasty had trade but remained autocratic.
  3. Policymakers need to make tough decisions instead of trying to balance too many interests. An example is the challenges faced by the Biden administration with the export controls on technology.