The hottest Psychology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

People desperately want to believe lockdown was for the greater good - even when the evidence of manipulation is clear.

The Free Mind • 1611 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. People want to believe lockdown was for the greater good, even when evidence of manipulation is clear.
  2. Cognitive dissonance can make us deny, minimize, or rationalize uncomfortable truths.
  3. Lockdown may have influenced how people perceived the severity of Covid risk, based on government actions.

Aristotle vs the Stoics: part II, ethics

Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond • 943 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Stoics focused on practical philosophy of life, while Aristotle was more into theoretical inquiries.
  2. For Aristotle, a flourishing life required virtue and external goods, while for Stoics, virtue alone was sufficient.
  3. The ultimate goal of life for the Stoics was living in agreement with nature, while for Aristotle, it was a contemplative or politically involved life.

True Detective and the Challenge of Nihilism

The Bigger Picture • 679 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. True Detective's first season remains relevant today, exploring the exhaustion of history and society's cyclical nature.
  2. The show delves into the themes of suicide and nihilism, reflecting on the prevalence of such ideas in contemporary culture.
  3. Christianity, nihilism, and the notion of a 'flat circle' universe are intertwined in the philosophical discourse of the series, challenging viewers to ponder human nature and spiritual ambiguity.
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Essay Club: Wotan by Carl Jung

Mind & Mythos • 299 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Carl Jung believed that the rise of the Nazis in Germany was tied to a spiritual crisis, which he symbolized with the ancient god Wotan. He saw this as a sign of a deeper psychological unrest rather than just economic problems.
  2. Jung introduced the idea of the 'collective unconscious', suggesting that everyone shares certain archetypes or collective thoughts that can influence entire cultures. Wotan, for Jung, represented a part of the German psyche that could manifest in times of crisis.
  3. Jung argued that rather than being purely responsible for their actions, people could be seen as victims of these powerful archetypes. He thought this could help explain the extreme behaviors of nations, especially in challenging times.

Psychology’s Greatest Misses (Part 2/3)

Living Fossils • 28 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Many popular psychology claims are wrong or overstated — examples include learning-style teaching, what reaction-time implicit-bias tests prove, body-based trauma cures, and facilitated communication; believing these myths wastes time and can cause real harm.
  2. Some findings are solid but limited — the Big Five reliably describes personality differences but it describes patterns rather than explains causes and only modestly predicts specific behavior.
  3. Bad ideas spread because incentives and human storytelling favor novel, simple, or emotionally satisfying claims; novelty and neat villains travel faster than careful, boring truth, though better information tools may help correct that.

Emotions, American Dream, Self-Esteem

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1041 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Liberals and conservatives view vulnerability differently; liberals often see a clear divide between the oppressed and oppressors, while conservatives see everyone as equally susceptible to hardship. This affects their moral judgments.
  2. Holocaust deniers generally have lower IQs compared to the average population, suggesting a link between intelligence and acceptance of historical facts.
  3. People with fragile self-esteem often misinterpret social interactions as hostile or negative, making it hard for them to build and keep healthy relationships.

Complaining Is The Mind Killer

Investing 101 • 142 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Complaining can be harmful to your mind and can lead to stress and anxiety. It's important to focus on positive thoughts instead.
  2. Preparing for the worst while expecting the best can help rewire your brain. Facing problems with a positive attitude allows you to find solutions instead of dwelling on negatives.
  3. You are both the doer and the critic in your life. Instead of letting the critic's negativity take over, focus on your achievements and move forward positively.

Rich People Food, Daydreaming, Broken Windows

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2045 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Men run faster than women in short races, but women start to catch up in longer ones. It's interesting to see how endurance plays a role in racing.
  2. Happy relationships, especially in marriage, are super important for a fulfilling life as we age. Staying connected with loved ones really matters.
  3. People who are open to new experiences often do quirky things like eating spicy food for breakfast and daydreaming for fun. Being open-minded can lead to a pretty cool day.

Psychopathy and low cognitive ability

Klement on Investing • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. A large survey across eight countries found people with higher cognitive ability were generally more likely to take part in online political discussions.
  2. However, among people with lower cognitive ability, those with higher psychopathic traits were especially likely to participate. People with high psychopathy and low cognitive ability are overrepresented in online political debates.
  3. Social media and message boards often become toxic and are dominated by extreme, loud personalities, so when someone online triggers you it's often best to assume they fit that pattern and move on.

The Goldilocks zone between inbreeding and outbreeding

ideassleepfuriously • 884 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. The risk of producing abnormal embryos is highest in siblings, lower in first cousins, and lowest in third or fourth cousins.
  2. Inbreeding can lead to shared defective alleles and recessive disorders, causing inbreeding depression.
  3. Outbreeding can lead to genetic incompatibilities and higher rates of miscarriage, causing outbreeding depression.

It's not getting better

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Psychology
  1. Many people still believe that Covid itself caused the problems we faced during the pandemic, ignoring the role of government actions and societal reactions.
  2. This strong belief in the pandemic has become normal, creating a disconnect from reality for many who hold these views.
  3. The feeling of distrust towards normal people around us persists, as the delusion surrounding Covid has not improved over the years.

If You Didn't Comply During COVID You're a Psychopath

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Psychologists can label non-compliance during COVID as psychopathy, justifying 'fixing' individuals as they see fit.
  2. The power dynamics post-COVID have allowed for the manipulation and control of citizens, using psychology as a weapon.
  3. Psychiatry and psychology have a history of coercion, drugging, and inhumane treatments towards those deemed non-compliant or ill.

Does IQ alone explain Jewish success?

ideassleepfuriously • 864 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Jewish success cannot be solely explained by high IQ, other factors play a role.
  2. Differences in Jewish values, Protestant Work Ethic, personality traits, and in-group favoritism may contribute to success.
  3. Studies show that Jews exhibit unique socio-psychological traits that may enhance their achievements in various domains.

How to Want Things Again

The Algorithmic Bridge • 785 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Our brains love the endless cycle of scrolling through social media more than actually watching content. We get hooked on the idea of what's next rather than what we're currently seeing.
  2. To change this habit, we can trick our brains into wanting healthier activities by consciously choosing to replace old vices with new, positive ones like reading or exercising.
  3. Fear of losing out on a fulfilling life can push us to take action. Reflecting on what we might lose if we don't change can motivate us to move away from a zombie-like existence.

Bone Shard Collection #1

Living Fossils • 12 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Satiation explains why people stop in the moment, but long-term motivation is shaped by expectations, positive feedback, and getting used to outcomes, so success often raises the bar instead of ending desire.
  2. Price not only buys measurable quality but also sets social expectations and norms, so paying more gives you both better service and greater standing to demand higher standards.
  3. Wisdom usually comes late because what is "wise" depends on context and changing tradeoffs, so evolution didn’t hardwire one perfect rule and people learn over time which rules fit different situations.

The Luddite Kids saying NO to Smartphones

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1415 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Young people are starting to reject smartphones and social media for improved mental health and real-life connections.
  2. The increasing use of technology has led to a mental health crisis among students, with many struggling to attend school.
  3. Children are influenced by social media influencers and marketing to buy things, alter their appearance, and follow trends, leading to dissatisfaction and body dysphoria.

Willpower is for losers

Metabolic Repair • 59 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Relying on willpower for long-term goals is usually a path to failure. Instead of forcing yourself to do things, find ways to make them enjoyable.
  2. Willpower is like a car's brake; using it constantly slows you down and can lead to burnout. It's more effective to work with your emotions rather than against them.
  3. To succeed, create systems that reduce internal resistance and make tasks feel easier. This way, you can achieve your goals without relying heavily on willpower.

The Revolution will not be Personalised: OpenAI's Sora, Apple Vision Pro and The End of Democracy

The Bigger Picture • 619 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Psychology
  1. AI and augmented reality technologies like OpenAI's Sora and Apple Vision Pro are shaping a future of highly personalized experiences tailored to individual desires.
  2. The rise of personalization in society, from technology to politics, reflects a deep-rooted belief in tailoring the world to meet one's own preferences for happiness and fulfillment.
  3. As we navigate a landscape of increasing personalization, it's crucial to question the impact on subjectivity, societal norms, and our relationship with the world around us.

The Self Reflection Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

"Master of Change"

Range Widely • 1316 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. The pace of change in human history has accelerated rapidly over the past few centuries.
  2. Dealing with change requires both ruggedness and flexibility.
  3. Expectations must be updated to match reality to maintain happiness and well-being.

That Time New York Fell For A Space-Goat

Everything Is Amazing • 705 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Sometimes, people see strange things in everyday life, like a figure on the clouds, and it sparks curiosity and imagination.
  2. Our solar system recently welcomed a fast-moving space object that's not from our solar system, reminding us of the mysteries beyond our planet.
  3. There was a funny moment in history when many people in New York believed there were goats living on the Moon, showing how easily people can be convinced by wild stories.

Why We Pray: Israel, Gaza and Complexity Tolerance

The Bigger Picture • 1238 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology
  1. Prayer can help us navigate complex and uncertain times, offering a blend of personal and social connection, and providing a unique space for agency and emotional processing.
  2. Expanding our 'complexity tolerance' is essential in a world filled with overwhelming information; by building emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, we can better handle and make sense of complexity.
  3. Prayer is not about escape, but a way to engage truth and beauty even in the face of horror, providing a connection to deeper truths and a return to inner sanctuaries of tranquility and vulnerability.

Carl Jung’s Gnostic Revival, Abraxas, and the 20th Century Cult of Mithra (part 5)

Matt Ehret's Insights • 727 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Carl Jung saw himself as a Dionysian messiah and initiate of Mithra seeking to create a new religious order.
  2. Jung preferred Mithraism over Christianity for its nature worship and viewed Christianity as antagonistic towards the beauty of the world.
  3. Jung's involvement in promoting gnostic texts and psychedelics, as well as his influence on establishing a new spiritualism, reflects his desire to overthrow Christianity and establish a new gnostic religious order.

Introducing: Cynthia Chung's 'Carl Jung and the Land of the Dead'

Matt Ehret's Insights • 746 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology
  1. Cynthia Chung and Matthew Ehret have been researching the occult underground, connecting it to topics like geopolitics and psychology.
  2. Cynthia Chung has written essays on Carl Jung, emphasizing his ties to pagan sorcery and counter-culture movements.
  3. Jung's ideas influenced 20th-century counter-culture, the Esalen Institute, MK Ultra, and the development of a new world religion.

Can fiction improve you?

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

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

Mid Women Got Spanked Less (pt1)

Knowingless • 1931 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.

Envy and Suspicion

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Psychology
  1. Envy is a common feeling that can lead to negative emotions like jealousy and resentment. It's important to recognize envy as something harmful that we should manage, not something that should be encouraged.
  2. Suspicion often leads to a negative view of people's motives, making it hard to understand their true intentions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, it’s better to be compassionate and see people as whole individuals.
  3. Both envy and suspicion are growing problems in society today. With a focus on resentment and distrust, it’s crucial to find ways to overcome these feelings for a healthier community.

This Week's Podcast Ep is REALLY Good + Friday Open Chaos Thread

Culture Study • 1679 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Therapy speak is becoming more common in conversations, especially on social media, and includes terms like 'boundaries' and 'shadow work.'
  2. The podcast discusses how to approach New Year's resolutions in a balanced way, avoiding extremes of hustle culture or vague therapy language.
  3. An Open Chaos Thread allows people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive, yet freeform, environment.

Morning reductionism, mental health edition

Disaffected Newsletter • 1438 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology
  1. Being a reductionist means finding common patterns across different issues. It can help make sense of complex topics, especially in mental health.
  2. The way we label mental health issues can sometimes complicate things unnecessarily. Many diagnoses might just be different expressions of the same underlying problem.
  3. Understanding mental health as linked to root causes, like trauma, might be more helpful than viewing each disorder as separate. It's important to look at the bigger picture.

Tradwife Dilemma, Genetic History, The Great Gatsby

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology
  1. Women are seen as equally attractive in both luxury and standard settings, which shows that appearance is more about the person than their surroundings.
  2. There’s been a big change in how Americans feel about college; many now think it’s not that important for their kids, unlike in the past.
  3. Interestingly, the wealthier a person was, the more likely they were to support ideas like defunding the police, which challenges common assumptions about money and social issues.

Open Thread 310

Astral Codex Ten • 4749 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🔬 Science Psychology
  1. Weekly open thread for sharing anything or asking questions.
  2. Seeking volunteers in different expertise areas for reviewing proposals.
  3. Discussion on the impact of distinctively black names on job interviews and life outcomes.