The hottest Psychology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Schedule a meeting with Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 416 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. You can book one-on-one video calls with Rob Henderson for discussions on various topics. It's a chance for readers to connect directly and share thoughts.
  2. The meetings are available for a limited time, so it's good to schedule them soon if you're interested. You can pick a date that fits your schedule.
  3. Conversations can cover his writings, psychology, and life advice, but should not be considered as professional therapy.

Toxic Empathy

Polymathic Being • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Empathy is important for connecting with others, but too much of it can actually overwhelm us and create fear instead of love.
  2. When empathy is unregulated, it can be used against us, causing us to lose our identity and react out of fear rather than understanding.
  3. Finding a balance in empathy involves being mindful, taking responsibility for our feelings, and not letting ourselves be controlled by the emotions of others.

Blasting off soon...

Brain Blast • 39 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Brain Blast is a newsletter that covers brain-related news, research papers, and deep dives into various brain and mind topics.
  2. The newsletter is authored by a veteran brain research academic.
  3. Subscribing to Brain Blast gives access to weekly updates on the latest in neuroscience and psychology.

The Ethics of Spinoza's Ethics

Strange Wonder • 117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Spinoza's philosophy is centered around therapeutic and ethical principles.
  2. Spinoza views human emotions and actions as natural phenomena that follow universal laws.
  3. He rejects the idea of humans as separate from nature and emphasizes the importance of reason and understanding in his ethics.
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The Cogsec Chronicles

Investing 101 • 96 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Psychology
  1. Cognitive security, or cogsec, is about protecting your mind from manipulation. It's important to actively choose your beliefs instead of letting outside influences shape them.
  2. Propaganda has been around forever and can be used for good or bad. The key is to be aware of the stories being told and to take responsibility for the narratives we accept.
  3. Writing and critical thinking are powerful tools for understanding and transforming our beliefs. Engaging deeply with ideas helps us resist being programmed by others.

In Defense of Repression II

Litverse • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Repression could be a tool for building a new self by accepting and integrating past pain, according to Marcel Proust's Impressionist painter Elstir.
  2. Ernest Becker theorizes that repression is crucial not just for personal growth but also for maintaining societal agreement on fundamental truths, preventing a future with conflicting values.
  3. Projection, seen as a defense mechanism by Freud, is viewed optimistically by Becker, who believes it fulfills human narcissism and helps find purpose by prioritizing the outer world as part of the inner self.

Interesting reads, March 2024 edition

Brain Pizza • 794 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Maximising happiness is not the only goal in life, different societies value different aspects of well-being.
  2. Current thinking on happiness is evolving to include the concept of psychological richness as a facet of a fulfilling life.
  3. Exploring the idea of benign masochism reveals that some activities initially seen as unpleasant can bring joy and pleasure.

Return to the Friend Zone

Bet On It • 301 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. When dating, understand how you rank among people you know. This can help you see your chances realistically.
  2. Visualize how someone you find unattractive would approach dating you. This can give you perspective on your situation.
  3. Sometimes, the best choice is to accept not dating someone and move on for your own betterment.

i was half myself without you, now i feel so complete

SPARC '24 JC Blog • 2 HN points • 14 Sep 24
🚌 Education Psychology
  1. TKS helped me find my drive and purpose, giving me the tools and encouragement to pursue my passions.
  2. Despite the positives, I struggled with pressure to conform to certain ideals, which sometimes felt overwhelming and isolating.
  3. It's important to trust your own feelings and values, and remember there are many paths to success that don't involve strict adherence to someone else's vision.

Do People Prefer Curved Lines?

UX Psychology • 218 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Research indicates that people generally prefer curved lines over straight or angular ones due to associations with grace and gentleness.
  2. Preference for curves is not just psychological, but has roots in our perception of safety and nurture, related to our evolutionary past.
  3. In design, understanding people's preference for curved lines can help create more visually appealing and effective products, but individual factors like personality and culture also play a role.

The Use of Scarcity Cues in E-Commerce: Impact on User Experience and Trust

UX Psychology • 218 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
💼 Business Psychology
  1. Online retailers often use scarcity cues like countdown timers and limited quantity messages to create urgency, but research suggests they can harm user experience and trust.
  2. Psychological theories show that scarcity can make products seem more valuable, yet artificial scarcity cues in marketing can annoy users and erode trust.
  3. Recent research found that scarcity cues, especially time-based ones, can lead to negative emotions, frustration, and reduced user trust, highlighting the need for transparent and verifiable messaging in e-commerce.

Ways Of Flourishing

Adjacent Possible • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Human life expectancy has greatly improved in the last century, doubling from around 35 years to over 70 years. This shows how much we have advanced in health and longevity.
  2. Flourishing isn't just about living longer; it's about building meaningful connections across generations. These relationships enrich our lives and help transfer knowledge and wisdom.
  3. With the rise of AI, we are facing rapid changes that could compress decades of progress into just a few years. This raises important questions about how we can adapt and ensure positive outcomes for both humans and AI.

Belief exhaustion (part one)

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology
  1. Belief exhaustion is the emotional and psychological toll on individuals rigidly adhering to extreme beliefs, resulting in mental and emotional fatigue.
  2. Some people experience belief exhaustion and end up giving up their convictions due to the demanding nature of their beliefs.
  3. The collapse of political regimes sometimes shows the phenomenon of belief exhaustion, where individuals abandon their certainties leading to a rapid disintegration of shared reality.

July Readings

Brain Pizza • 1191 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. The post discusses various July readings on topics like anger, self-promotion, sleep, loneliness, and more.
  2. The author, Shane O'Mara, is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and writer who provides regular content on Brain Pizza.
  3. Readers can sign up for a 7-day free trial to access more content from Shane O'Mara.

Why The Sky Smells Great

Everything Is Amazing • 1303 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. The smell of fresh air can impact our mood and health, like boosting immune cells when exposed to aromatic forest scents.
  2. Weather changes can create distinct smells, like the pre-storm smell of ozone or the earthy petrichor after rain.
  3. Our sense of smell may have deeper cultural and biological connections that we are still exploring.

Luxuries Making Us Miserable

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. We have a lot of choices and luxuries today, which can be overwhelming. Sometimes, having too many options makes it hard to decide what to spend on.
  2. It's important to think about how much joy each purchase brings us. Not everything we buy will make us happy, so we should focus on what truly matters.
  3. Learning to limit our spending and find balance is a helpful skill. We should spend less on things we don't care about to enjoy the things we love more.

Banishing The Inner Critic

The Ruffian • 245 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Psychology
  1. Madison Keys won the Australian Open by playing more instinctively and accepting her mistakes. She realized that losing while being true to herself was better than winning by playing tightly and feeling stressed.
  2. She worked on her mental health through therapy, which helped her feel happier and less burdened by the pressure to win. She learned that success in tennis doesn't define her worth as a person.
  3. Keys found success by caring less about the outcome of her matches. By reducing her focus on winning, she could play more freely and confidently.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 3

Weekly Wisdom • 198 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. The evolution of psychology is deeply intertwined with philosophy, with early psychologists being philosophers themselves.
  2. Western existentialist ideas on existence's meaninglessness and Eastern concepts like shunyata converge, yet offer different conclusions.
  3. The field of psychology has transitioned from studying dysfunction to focusing on well-being and flourishing, emphasizing the importance of a meaningful and intentional life.

Of Fuckboys and Men-Children

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Many young men struggle with growing up and often exhibit childish behavior, like pursuing unrealistic dreams instead of stable jobs. This immaturity can frustrate the people around them.
  2. Men in their 20s often feel a loss of status as they transition from high school or college to the workforce. This can lead to desperate actions, such as trying to date many women to regain a sense of worth.
  3. While their behavior may seem immature, these so-called 'men-children' often have big dreams. They may take risks, willing to fail to find their place, which is seen as a part of their journey into adulthood.

Risky Directions

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 109 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. People used to ask for directions more often, but now everyone has maps on their phones. This change means fewer chances for random, friendly interactions in public.
  2. There’s a balance between being aware of risks in the world and being open to meeting new people. Too much caution can make you miss out on connections.
  3. It's important to not let fear take over your life. While you should be aware of dangers, focusing only on risks can stop you from enjoying life fully.

Jordan Peterson, Revisited: Is Peterson the Most Interesting Thinker of Our Time?

Mind & Mythos • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Jordan Peterson's ideas have resonated with many young men during a time when traditional masculinity was criticized. His practical advice encourages personal growth in a relatable way.
  2. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding the world through both scientific facts and the stories we tell. These narratives can help us navigate life by showing us how to act and what is significant.
  3. He suggests that traditional beliefs and rituals have value because they offer guidance that empirical reasoning alone can't provide. Many past ideologies, despite their flaws, aimed to create a better society but often resulted in disaster.

Hidden Brain and Evil Explain

Moral Understanding • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Psychology
  1. Political beliefs are often driven by perceptions of threat and protecting different groups from harm.
  2. Misunderstandings about the views of political opponents can lead to false polarization and animosity.
  3. Having open conversations with people who have different political views is crucial for a healthy society and understanding each other's humanity.

Review: Laura J. Snyder on William James

Book Post • 98 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Psychology
  1. William James was an important thinker who developed a new philosophy and introduced psychology to America.
  2. James was considered a genius and had a significant impact on the fields of logic, philosophy, and science.
  3. To learn more about William James, you can access the full post through a 7-day free trial on Book Post.

when the youtube motivational videos stop working

Both Are True • 226 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Motivational videos can inspire workouts, but they may lose their impact over time. Sometimes you need something deeper, like an emotional connection to a story.
  2. True fulfillment comes from within, not from external achievements or recognition. It's important to know that your self-worth isn't defined by likes, numbers, or others' opinions.
  3. Feeling empty or seeking validation is normal. It's helpful to find healthy ways to express emotions, like writing or working out, instead of relying on outside sources for happiness.

How to Understand Human Behavior (Part 4/4)

Living Fossils • 13 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Situations usually explain behavior more than personality or personal history, so fixing people often means fixing the environments they live and work in.
  2. Social incentives and reputational dynamics often drive choices more than material payoffs, so effective interventions must account for signaling, status, and local norms.
  3. Therapy and rehabilitation tend to work by changing a person’s social situation and incentives rather than just teaching skills, so redesigning social environments (while keeping norms of accountability) is a more reliable path to lasting change.

Welcome to Your Doomsday Cabin, a Weekend Paracosmic Getaway

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Paracosm is a creative way to escape reality by imagining your own vivid world. It's a safe space that helps to relieve stress and process emotions.
  2. While thinking in a paracosmic way can be helpful, too much of it can lead to problems. It's good to stay grounded and recognize the difference between fantasy and reality.
  3. Engaging in activities like prepping or gardening can be part of paracosmic thinking. They help us think critically and improve our mindset, even if they don't fully save us.

crying is not an emergency

bad cattitude • 266 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  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.

Re-post: Welcome to Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Understanding Cluster B personality disorders can help explain certain behaviors seen in both personal relationships and broader society. It's important to recognize these patterns to better navigate relationships.
  2. The author's experiences with their mother's behavior highlight the impact of narcissism and emotional instability, which can lead to trauma and dysfunction in families.
  3. Current cultural issues reflect similar behaviors seen in Cluster B personalities, suggesting that these traits are not just personal but also prevalent in politics and media today.

People Cannot Wrap Their Heads Around Exponentials

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. People struggle to intuitively grasp exponential growth, so they underestimate how fast things like infections or price inflation can accelerate.
  2. Personal feelings about being "behind" often don't match the data; younger generations can feel poorer even when inflation-adjusted measures show they're better off at the same age.
  3. Each generation tends to feel it will be worse off than the previous one, a recurring pattern driven by perception, cognitive biases, and economic shifts like housing-price inflation.

On The Fear Culture

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. In many workplaces, fear drives people's actions more than money. People often act scared to maintain their status and avoid losing prestige.
  2. The culture of fear in organizations can lead to conformity and a lack of courage among employees. This leaves many feeling hollow and unable to stand up for their values.
  3. When organizations face crises, their true fragility is revealed. Those who have climbed the corporate ladder through fear often struggle to uphold their institutions' values when challenged.

Should You Watch People Die

Regress Studies • 176 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. There is a difference between witnessing war and seeking out death for personal satisfaction.
  2. Social media can worsen our consumption of war as content, leading to desensitization.
  3. The concept of 'bearing witness' to human suffering can be complex and may not always have a clear moral imperative.

Notes On 660 Months

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 176 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Open systems are better for generating wealth because they are flexible and resilient.
  2. Money is unpredictable, and it is important to understand its dimensions and laws.
  3. Cultural shifts over time impact society significantly, leading to changes in areas like civil rights and acceptance of certain behaviors.