The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Principles for the Permaweird

Breaking Smart • 219 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Chiang's Law states that science fiction focuses on strange rules, while fantasy revolves around special people. This idea helps in understanding different storytelling styles.
  2. Chor-Pharn's Law suggests that knowing your identity leads to bigger conflicts, while uncertainty can cause cultural battles. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in societal issues.
  3. Boyd's Razor emphasizes prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty in leadership. This balance fosters a healthier work culture and encourages diverse ideas, preventing toxic environments.

"Too much fraternizing between the sexes" - Ideology and Subjectivity

Fisted by Foucault • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
💾 History Politics
  1. Brac is a beautiful island in the Adriatic, known for its friendly people and stunning beaches like Zlatni Rat. The island's tourism has replaced fishing and farming as its main source of income.
  2. The island's history is rich and complicated, influenced by various empires, especially the Venetian Empire, which left a strong cultural mark. This history includes changes in political power and local identities over the years.
  3. During World War II, Brac faced many challenges as it became part of a puppet state under both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The local people just wanted to live in peace and improve their lives, free from outside control.

crying is not an emergency

bad cattitude • 266 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Crying shouldn't stop the fun for everyone. If a kid cries during a ride, the ride shouldn't have to stop because it ruins the experience for others.
  2. Making every cry an emergency creates bad habits. It allows people to misuse their feelings to control situations, which can be frustrating for others.
  3. Growing up means learning to handle tough situations without dramatic reactions. It's important for everyone to participate and enjoy life, instead of making everything about personal feelings.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Politics
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.
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MMA in China=Ping Pong Diplomacy?

ChinaTalk • 296 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Politics
  1. The UFC has developed a strong relationship with Donald Trump, making appearances at events during key moments in his political career. This connection shows how sports can intertwine with politics.
  2. China has been a growing market for the UFC, with events and training programs aimed at building local talent and expanding their fan base. The UFC is interested in maintaining good relations with China, especially as they return to hosting events there.
  3. The idea of using sports, like MMA, to improve US-China relations is like the historical 'ping pong diplomacy.' It suggests that unexpected connections can help bridge gaps between countries, even in tense times.

Undoing Biden's Left-Extremism

The Weekly Dish • 230 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The focus is on changing immigration policies to be more sensible and straightforward. This means making it easier to understand and manage who can come into the country.
  2. There is a push against what is seen as extreme left policies in the current administration. This suggests a desire for a more balanced approach to governance.
  3. The argument implies that returning to former policies could bring back a sense of normalcy and order. It's about shifting back to what some believe worked better in the past.

Zeus and 'Righting' the Divine Constitution

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Politics
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus reestablishing his authority among the gods and reigniting his plan.
  2. The actions and conversations among the gods in Book 15 offer insights into divine politics and how they mirror human political dynamics.
  3. Zeus' leadership style in Book 15 contrasts with human governance, showcasing the implausibility of replicating divine autocracy on earth.

assessing the case for pardoning fauci

bad cattitude • 233 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Pardoning Fauci may send a message that he is being protected from accountability. This could shape public opinion in favor of Fauci rather than promote transparency.
  2. Many people are not aware of the controversies surrounding the NIH's role in COVID-19. It's important to publicize the facts to educate the general public.
  3. There should be accountability for public figures like Fauci. Exposing the truth about their actions can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Britain has a strange dislike for air conditioning, which affects how people stay cool in hot weather. It seems many prefer to tough it out rather than use AC.
  2. There are ongoing delays in UK projects like HS2, which is causing frustration for those hoping for improvements in transport. People are looking for better public transport options, especially buses.
  3. A recent report suggests building more homes and smaller living spaces could help with housing shortages. It also points out that more air conditioning might make these homes more comfortable.

Plus Ça Change, Plus C'est the Same Shit

Dada Drummer Almanach • 274 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. History often repeats itself, especially during tough times like culture wars. Understanding the past can help us navigate current challenges.
  2. In the 1950s, young musicians faced threats from a culture war but found ways to support each other and thrive despite the pressures around them.
  3. It's important to focus on surviving and adapting during difficult periods rather than arguing about what's better. There are always paths to move forward.

Why Is There Antisemitism?

Fake Noûs • 253 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, where Jews have often been unfairly blamed for various problems in society. This has led to longstanding prejudices against them.
  2. Cultural and religious differences have led to misunderstandings, contributing to the negative views about Jewish people. Many times, leaders have used Jews as scapegoats to distract from other issues.
  3. Modern antisemitism is fueled by conspiracy theories and ongoing conflicts, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict. This often intensifies negative perceptions of Jews, even though these biases are widespread beyond just that conflict.

Saturday at the Nail Salon

Restoring Truth • 176 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The nail salon visit turned into an unexpected dive into American gossip and culture.
  2. The conversation ranged from local scandals to political opinions, exposing diverse viewpoints.
  3. Observing a father painting his son's nails raised questions about gender norms and parenting.

Technology and Resentment

Auerstack • 176 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Technology is fueling the quantification of every aspect of life and self.
  2. Comparisons and labels resulting from fine-grained measurements can lead to resentment and social discord.
  3. Technology's role in codifying fairness can amplify perceptions of unfairness and breed resentment.

Links for 2024-01-20

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Self-rewarding language models could lead to superhuman feedback in AI.
  2. New advancements in science and technology include brain implants for high-resolution brain activity monitoring.
  3. Recent events in Ukraine show increasing tensions and technological developments in warfare.

Can Hollywood Be Saved? One Man Is Trying, And The Industry Hates Him For It

Unmasked • 29 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Hollywood is facing major problems as box office revenues have dropped, and studios like Disney and Marvel aren't doing well. Many people are worried about the future of the movie industry.
  2. Political messages in movies seem to be pushing away a large part of the audience. Some actors are more focused on their political views than on entertaining everyone.
  3. Paramount Pictures is trying to make movies that appeal to a broader audience. This approach is being criticized by others in Hollywood, but it could be a step toward revitalizing the industry.

National Association of Manufactured Consent: D.C. Group Floats Anti Right to Repair Tome

Fight to Repair • 118 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. The National Association of Manufacturers released a report against the right to repair but it recycled industry talking points and presented weak arguments.
  2. The report falsely claims that right to repair harms the environment, but in reality, creating and shipping replacement parts are more environmentally friendly than replacing entire devices.
  3. Different state right to repair laws can be burdensome, but they are a step towards a federal law that grants repair rights to all Americans, while still allowing for state-level legislation.

Fuck around & find out (who you fucked)

Situation Normal • 257 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Climate change is a big concern for many people. Most agree it's a serious issue that needs attention.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed by politics and media. Some choose to avoid it and prefer discussing other topics.
  3. Social connections are important, even if casual. Sharing interests can lead to new friendships or dates.

Scatterbrain: a letter from Pantomime Kingdom

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Significant events are unfolding at the Royal Society of Literature in the UK, showing a divide between those seeking to diversify the institution and those resisting change.
  2. Accepting honors like OBEs or being part of institutions with royal ties can contradict principles like decolonization and anti-imperialism.
  3. Literature doesn't require royal approval to thrive, and embracing diversity without structural change may still uphold existing power dynamics.

The Billionaire Tax Trick Fueling Record-High Sports Valuations

Huddle Up • 71 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Politics
  1. WNBA team valuations increased significantly, even though the league lost money last season. This shows the market interest in women's sports is growing.
  2. Powerful team owners took action to protect their investments after policies impacted sports valuations negatively. Their influence helps shape the financial landscape of sports teams.
  3. Tax laws and political decisions can have a big effect on how much sports teams are worth. Changes in these laws can lead to record-high valuations.

It’s Getting Hard to Take the FIFA Peace Prize Seriously

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Politics
  1. Awarding the FIFA Peace Prize to a leader who later orders military action and issues threats makes the prize look hollow and undermines its claim to honor real peacemakers.
  2. FIFA’s reputation for fairness and probity is at risk, raising doubts that the prize process could involve cynical deal‑making or corruption.
  3. If high-profile awards come to be seen as vanity or puffery, people may stop trusting prizes and the institutions that hand them out, eroding their cultural value.

Genetic Fitness and Prime Minister Salaries

Ulysses • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Questions are raised about Prime Ministers' salaries and the impact on their performance, highlighting the importance of fair compensation for effective governance.
  2. Wealth generation, inheritance, and income disparity are discussed in relation to social morality and the need for wealth to be created through value-generating activities.
  3. The effectiveness of economic systems in improving quality of life over generations, the role of capital allocation, and the potential risks of policymakers losing touch with the general public are examined.

Links for 2024-01-10

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Researchers are working on a global project for a general robotic brain.
  2. Genetics play a significant role in educational attainment according to recent studies.
  3. American isolationism could lead to disruptions in international trade and more serious global issues.

Thoughts on Pluribus

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. A sci-fi premise imagines an alien-derived virus that turns almost everyone into a psychically linked hivemind, with a few unaffected outsiders anchoring the story.
  2. The show acts as a multivalent allegory tying together themes like AI, the tension between individualism and collective consciousness, spiritual awakening, and political systems such as fascism or communism.
  3. The hivemind metaphor is read as a warning about a real-world "mind-virus": authoritarianism and manipulative media/tech consolidation can spread like an infection and threaten freedom and dissent.

Links for 2024-02-09

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Neural networks can now control behavior from pixels to actions without teleop or task-specific code.
  2. Transformers can play chess at a Grandmaster level when operating at a sufficient scale.
  3. Google AI has developed methods to improve generalization of models by addressing spurious features and simplicity bias.

Links for 2024-01-07

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. New post-pretraining method improves LLM's knowledge without forgetting
  2. Efficient heartbeat creates less friction and energy loss
  3. Discussions on sex and race realism are ongoing in various platforms

The Book and the Screen

Life in the 21st Century • 78 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Politics
  1. In the past, books and their authors played a major role in political revolutions.
  2. The rise of screens over the last century has diminished the political influence of books.
  3. Screens have created a new era where personalities are marketed over political ideas.

Sunday Strip: Advanced Fuc_ery

Who is Robert Malone • 24 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
😂 Humor Politics
  1. Advanced techniques in a specific field can lead to greater understanding and results. It's important to stay informed about the latest methods.
  2. Engaging with complex concepts requires ongoing learning and adaptation. It's vital to remain curious and open-minded.
  3. Discussion and sharing of ideas can enhance knowledge and stimulate critical thinking. Collaborating with others can help deepen insights.

Traffic: How America got Facebookified in the 2010s

theconnector • 157 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The book 'Traffic' explores how websites pandering to people's lowest instincts gained popularity in the 2010s.
  2. The narrative in 'Traffic' highlights the shift towards worshipping unique visitors and engagement metrics in the digital media landscape.
  3. Ben Smith's 'Traffic' discusses how chasing viral content and high engagement levels may have clouded editorial judgment in media.

Weekly Wednesday: 18 and life to go

Deprogram • 157 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The author's mother is finally divorced and safe from a problematic ex, which is a personal relief.
  2. The ex's obstructive behavior created ongoing stress for the family, even after being arrested.
  3. The ex's sentencing reveals his problematic leadership in an extremist group, leading to a lengthy prison term.

Weltschmerz

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Weltschmerz means feeling tired or sad about how the world is. It's a deep emotional exhaustion about life's challenges and problems.
  2. People today face many big issues like climate change and wealth inequality, which can make this feeling even stronger. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these problems.
  3. This sense of world-weariness has worsened over time as we see societal promises break down. It's a struggle that many people can relate to.

"Who is Robert Malone?" - Four Years Later

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Robert Malone started his Substack to share a mix of his thoughts on science, health, and personal life. It became a community for sharing experiences and supporting each other through tough times.
  2. He observed significant changes during Biden's presidency, like increased censorship and economic challenges due to COVID-19 policies. These issues affected many aspects of daily life.
  3. Malone also discussed the Omicron variant, emphasizing that it was less harmful but more contagious. He criticized misleading statements about its dangers coming from leaders during that time.

The Noble Truth of the Model Minority

Bet On It • 543 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The concept of the model minority myth oversimplifies complex issues of race, class, and discrimination, potentially leading to misunderstandings and neglect of obstacles faced by minority groups
  2. The model minority myth can be a divisive tool, used to either maintain white supremacy or challenge it by showcasing counterexamples
  3. Critics argue that the model minority myth, despite being labeled a 'myth', may hold elements of truth as a socially harmful revelation rather than a complete falsehood

Downward Is Heavenward

Kneeling Bus • 254 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Putting down your phone and going outside is a way to escape from the overwhelming digital world, but even nature can have its own issues. We need to realize that our sense of reality is always changing and influenced by what we see online.
  2. The idea of escaping into filter bubbles has become irrelevant because now our entire experience is made up of different realities. We are so intertwined with digital life that leaving a social media platform feels like moving away in real life.
  3. People today are finding connection in shared interests, like movies or trending topics, despite the chaos online. This new culture may seem bland compared to the past but helps pull us together when real meaning feels scarce.

Alice Evans on Acemoglu, et al

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Inclusive institutions are key for long-term economic success. This means that countries need both strong governments and engaged communities.
  2. Culture plays a big role in shaping institutions, and they're closely linked. This connection shows that neither controls the other; they influence each other.
  3. Censorship and ideological battles are significant issues today. Different groups try to control ideas and media, which can impact freedom and reform.

James Burnham’s managerialism eighty years later

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 558 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🚌 Education Politics
  1. James Burnham proposed the concept of 'managerialism' as a replacement for capitalism, where managers rule while capitalists take a passive role.
  2. Burnham's predictions were proven wrong, but his analysis of the shift towards managerialism and the role of state in the economy remains relevant for reflection.
  3. Despite Burnham's inaccuracies, his ideas on managerial revolution and the potential for alternative economic systems in the future can still offer valuable insights.

Why Men Don't Date Woke Women

Handwaving Freakoutery • 803 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Politics impacts the dating market, affecting who people choose to date based on their ideologies.
  2. There is a rise in people unwilling to date across political lines, leading to fewer marriages and dates.
  3. Woke morality dynamics and past events like the Kavanaugh trial have influenced dating decisions, particularly in avoiding woke women due to fear of false accusations.