The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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If You're An Authoritarian Peckerhead Who Keeps An Enemies List.....

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 244 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. If someone is keeping an enemies list, it's a sign of authoritarian behavior. That means they want to punish people for having different opinions.
  2. Being part of an enemies list shows you're standing up against un-American actions. It's important to be clear where you stand on these issues.
  3. Making fun of those in power, especially if they act unseriously, helps people see the absurdity of their actions. Humor can be a tool for resistance.

Links for 2024-01-22

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. MultiPLY is a new embodied AI that can engage in 3D environments and gather multisensory data.
  2. OpenAI's incident showed how a small error could make AI output explicit content.
  3. Apple's AIM could revolutionize large-scale vision model training.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, was killed, and some people are actually happy about it. This shows how divided opinions can be about such events across different political views.
  2. The discussion around his death raises important ethical questions, especially about whether it's ever okay to celebrate someone's death. It's quite complex and can depend on the person's actions and their effects on others.
  3. There's a belief that the laws we follow might not always reflect true morality. Some argue that the actions of people in power can still cause harm, similar to outright violence, even if they're legally justified.

Episode 102: Put Up or Shut Up

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🎙 Podcasts Politics
  1. Ontario's psychology board is putting pressure on Jordan Peterson, asking him to write a public letter to keep his license. This has raised concerns about freedom of speech and professional integrity.
  2. An activist group called Gays Against Groomers is raising alarms about the dangers of transitioning minors, likening it to Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy, which has sparked significant debate.
  3. There is growing fear in society about things like gas cookstoves, showing how easy it is for people to panic and stop thinking critically about issues.

The Best Rabbit Holes of 2025

Creative Destruction • 11 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Digital technology and AI are changing how we think and relate to information, often flattening ideas, breaking links between sources, and leaving people feeling mentally dulled or detached from reality.
  2. The coming period will reward friction, resilience, and alternative systems — build community-first, regenerative, and care-focused practices to escape surveillance and extractive power.
  3. Creative reframings and metaphors (like magic realism, communal dreaming, or the ‘everything becomes crab’ idea) give new ways to understand our situation and inspire imaginative, humane paths forward.
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From Pencils to Politics

Sam’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. People and institutions should focus on error correction rather than seeking unattainable perfection.
  2. Error-correcting institutions in politics, economics, and education help guide towards stability and progress.
  3. Mistakes are inevitable, but having systems in place to correct them efficiently is key to continuous improvement.

Weekly Wednesday: Pottersville

Deprogram • 137 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Religious organizations are prone to exploiting labor, especially among the devoted followers.
  2. Local cults with hidden agendas can infiltrate communities through seemingly harmless outlets like fast food chains and obscure ministries.
  3. Vigilance is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful ideologies and control tactics within communities.

Against Decolonisation

CIEO • 137 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Decolonisation movements may inadvertently promote the idea that Africans lack agency.
  2. Western philosophy should not be dismissed as alien to Africans; it is part of a shared global heritage.
  3. Rejecting modernity in the name of decolonisation may hinder progress and social justice in African societies.

Frozen Revolutions, Obstinate Memories

NOW IS GOOD • 137 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Chilean documentarian Patricio Guzmán's films capture the hope and chaos surrounding Allende's presidency.
  2. The legacy of Pinochet's dictatorship and Chile's colonial history are themes in Guzmán's recent documentaries.
  3. Allende's domestic agenda lacked support, facing challenges in achieving socialism and coordinating actions within the government.

Bandung travelogue

The Global Jigsaw • 158 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Politics
  1. Bandung, Indonesia has a rich historical significance as the birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1955.
  2. The trip to Bandung is a journey into history, with echoes of the past seen in its architecture and landmarks.
  3. Bandung's unique blend of colonial and traditional Javanese influences is a fascinating backdrop for exploring the city's rich history.

My Interest in Affordability Isn't Based on Anyone’s Sob Story

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Economic data show many young people are financially better off than earlier generations, but the public conversation treats affordability as a crisis.
  2. Anecdotes from well-paid young adults get amplified and make it seem like upward mobility is dead, even when the statistics disagree.
  3. The mismatch partly comes from distorted perspective and nostalgia for an idealized past. Visible spending on nonessentials also skews perception and fuels the story.

Links for 2024-01-15

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🔬 Science Politics
  1. AI topics include reinforcement learning, OpenMind Research Institute, and AI chips.
  2. Science and Technology discusses banking systems still using COBOL and new high-performance nanostructures for obtaining Hydrogen with solar energy.
  3. In Politics, China is moving towards a 'first-strike' capability with weapons of mass destruction.

Links for 2024-01-13

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. AI chatbots exhibit distinct behaviors from humans, often leaning towards altruism and cooperation.
  2. Advancements in AI technology like Amazon's self-talk dialogue agents and generative AI-powered experiences are being developed.
  3. In the science and technology realm, studies on the early universe, geothermal power in Iceland, and lab-grown hybrid life forms raise intriguing questions.

Is He Crazy?

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Many people on TV try to explain Vladimir Putin's behavior in the war but often use unreliable sources.
  2. Some are just sharing ideas from his official biography or propaganda.
  3. Masha Gessen, a knowledgeable journalist, offers a deeper understanding of Putin's mindset.

Here Was Tolkien, When Shall We Expect Another?

Trantor Publishing • 239 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The Right Wing faces challenges in producing art compared to the Left due to lack of cohesion and support.
  2. The cultural impact of media on shaping values and beliefs is significant, reflecting the importance of art with Right Wing values.
  3. Creating a unified brand and fostering artistic communities are crucial steps for the Right Wing to produce impactful literature and art.

Links for 2024-01-09

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. LLM Automated Interpretability Agent can help in understanding function structures.
  2. Self-Contrast method enhances reflection through inconsistent solving perspectives.
  3. AI agents are introduced to explain complex neural networks.

Curator

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Writing can involve tough ethical choices, especially when it affects others. Authors must think deeply about how their work impacts the people they write about.
  2. The film industry is changing due to AI and popular franchises like Marvel. These changes may lead to less diversity in storytelling and more emphasis on simple, mass-appeal content.
  3. Trans issues are part of a larger conversation about acceptance and identity. It's important to recognize individual experiences without forcing them into narrow expectations of progress.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Ghost stories can be really scary, even if someone doesn't believe in ghosts. It's interesting how fear can make us question what we are truly afraid of.
  2. The idea that both political sides are equally bad is troubling. It can lead to people ignoring the real issues happening and wanting to stay in their comfort zone.
  3. Feeling alone in your political and moral beliefs can be heavy. It's nice to meet people who share your views, but that doesn't always lighten the emotional burden.

The Benefits of Bombing

Something to Consider • 5 HN points • 09 Aug 24
💾 History Politics
  1. More bombing during the war led to increased aid for reconstruction in affected areas. This means the damage done was tied directly to the support that helped rebuild.
  2. Reconstruction funding improved agricultural production by helping transport crops effectively. This shows that investment in infrastructure can really boost local economies.
  3. Displaced workers from agriculture moved into industrial jobs due to the new infrastructure, suggesting that rebuilding after destruction can create new job opportunities.

On Mentalities

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Mentalities can sometimes simplify cultures too much. Instead of understanding individual differences, people often use broad stereotypes to judge others.
  2. Experiencing different cultures can show us how varied perspectives really are. It's like discovering new ways of thinking that aren't always tied to technology or modern life.
  3. Cultural differences are real and meaningful. We can't just expect everyone to adopt the same values, and it's important to appreciate the beauty in those differences.

All Part of Science's Rich Tapestry

Counting Atoms • 58 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Politics
  1. The book 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes provides a comprehensive history of the Manhattan Project and includes a lot of vivid scientific details.
  2. Leo Szilard plays a central role in the story, from inspiring the idea of nuclear chain reactions to trying to prevent the use of atomic bombs.
  3. The book can be overwhelming due to the multitude of people and organizations involved, but it offers a rich tapestry of science and history.

Biden White House and Big Disinformation Have Policies to Ban “True Content” on COVID Vaccines

The DisInformation Chronicle • 760 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📰 News Politics
  1. Social media companies censor 'true content' on vaccines in line with government and pharma interests
  2. Big Pharma spends millions on social media ads while platforms regulate vaccine 'misinformation'
  3. There's a conflict in regulating pharma 'misinformation' on social media while Pharma is a major advertising client

Bonus JoeWrote For Your Holiday Weekend

JoeWrote • 16 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎙 Podcasts Politics
  1. You can listen to a podcast about the _ALIEN_ movies and capitalism while avoiding holiday arguments. It’s available on streaming apps too.
  2. There’s a discussion on the future of the Democratic Party focusing on the left’s pushback against centrist views. It's an interesting take that you might not have thought about.
  3. An article about the UN's role in Palestine's colonization is available for reading. It's a critical look at an important issue.

Peter and the Basilisk

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Western cultures have a deep-rooted belief in prophecy, with expectations of history culminating in certain ways.
  2. Marx's economic theories remain relevant, but his prophetic visions of global communism are more an issue of faith than science.
  3. The clash between tech utopianism and eco-pessimism highlights how different ideologies shape views of the future, from Singularity to climate crisis.

Marblehead

Deprogram • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. A compound may be characterized by a community that is very insular and owned by a single radical church.
  2. In some cases, warning signs of a compound include affiliation with extreme ideologies and the promotion of militant activities.
  3. Despite the concerning aspects, sometimes unexpected experiences like free cheesecake can make interactions in cult-like settings more tolerable.

The Met's multiple misfires

London in Bits • 117 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📰 News Politics
  1. The Met faced criticism for misfires in various incidents, including inappropriate arrests and handling of situations.
  2. There is a lineup forming for the Tory mayoral team, with candidates focusing on similar issues like crime, transport, and housing.
  3. Recent incidents involving the Met include a dog attack response, officers facing misconduct charges, and concerns over recruitment practices.

How to think about blowing up a pipeline

What's Left • 117 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The movie 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline' challenges viewers with the question of whether property destruction is a justifiable tactic for climate activism.
  2. The film is inspired by a book advocating for radical climate action through sabotage to make mainstream advocacy seem more moderate by comparison.
  3. The director emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bringing academic discussions on climate activism to a broader audience.

Aesthetic Warfare (and the Power of Coining an Aesthetic)

Working Theorys • 141 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Culture fights are more about looks and feelings than simply ideas. Aesthetics are how people connect and relate to those ideas.
  2. Aesthetic authorship is really important today. Anyone can create and share new styles, which can change how people see themselves and their values.
  3. Art needs a human touch. While AI can create amazing visuals, it lacks the deeper meaning and intent that only a human artist can bring to their work.

There Once Was an Empire

thinkinghistorically • 93 HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Obsessions with decline and collapse are becoming more prominent in public discourse and literature.
  2. Memories of past empires and collapses can help us navigate uncertainty in the present and imagine different futures.
  3. Literature from the era of Austria-Hungary captures the nostalgia, chaos, and ephemerality of a world caught between permanence and collapse.

You are not an end user

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Politics
  1. Digital platforms harvest our data, work, and art as free goods and treat people mainly as end users whose purpose is to generate attention and purchases.
  2. Algorithms shape what we see and how we behave, pushing creativity toward sameness, turning relationships into transactions, and leaving people nostalgic and isolated.
  3. Without digital sovereignty—control and ownership of our digital selves—we become nodes in someone else’s infrastructure and risk losing agency and even physical freedom as technology advances.

Plugpost and Updates

Resident Contrarian • 781 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Getting exposure as a new writer or for a new product is crucial for success.
  2. The internet often reacts negatively to self-promotion, so getting boosted by established figures or famous people can be key.
  3. It's important to be proactive in seeking opportunities and promoting your work, even in the face of challenges like internet backlash.

Links for 2024-01-28

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Improving transformers with irrelevant data from other modalities showed significant performance enhancements.
  2. New revolutionary work in genome engineering can lead to innovative DNA manipulations.
  3. Higher intelligence levels were linked to negative attitudes towards cryptocurrencies.