The hottest Rhetoric Substack posts right now

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Sam Harris Abuses Logic: What He Gets Wrong About a Trump Presidency, and Why DNC Fear-Mongering Needs to Stop

Popular Rationalism • 634 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. Sam Harris's arguments about Trump rely on logical fallacies. These include blaming Trump for all political problems without considering current issues or the role of other politicians.
  2. Focusing too much on Trump's personality distracts from discussing important policies and outcomes. Some people think that his administration did achieve things that were good for the country.
  3. Harris's fear-based narrative overlooks the strength of America's political system. Many believe that the U.S. can handle extreme leaders without losing democracy.

Highlights From The Comments On Scott Adams

Astral Codex Ten • 19959 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Rhetoric
  1. Publishing a mixed memorial right after someone's death can be justified if it honestly balances praise and criticism; readers were divided but many accepted the tone and noted the subject had positively influenced others.
  2. Readers pushed back on factual and tonal points and prompted corrections—he wasn’t an ivermectin true believer, the phrase about “lesser humans” was unfair, and his podcast reached and helped more people than initially claimed.
  3. His persuasion work and race-related remarks generated intense debate: some praised his practical advice and reframes, while others condemned his racial comments and exaggerations as harmful, even if outright cancellation wasn’t universally supported.

It's SOTU Time!

Breaking the News • 1475 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The State of the Union is one of the few times a president reaches tens of millions of viewers, so how the speech is framed and paced can have outsized impact.
  2. There’s a constant fight between stuffing the SOTU with detailed policy items and focusing on one clear, uplifting theme, and which side wins usually determines whether people keep watching.
  3. A president who prefers rally-style improvisation may struggle with the formal, scripted demands of a SOTU, so pay attention to the first 5–15 minutes, who sits in the guest box, and which Supreme Court justices attend for clues about tone and strategy.

Sell Me This Pen

Astral Codex Ten • 11975 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
💼 Business Rhetoric
  1. The content is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription to access.
  2. The title "Sell Me This Pen" indicates a focus on sales, persuasion, or pitch-style techniques common in marketing and interviews.
  3. Published on Jan 08, 2026, the entry includes engagement numbers that suggest modest reader interaction.

MAGA doesn't build anything

Noahpinion • 25235 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The MAGA movement is currently powerful but lacks a long-term plan for future growth. Winning elections based on anger is not enough to create lasting change.
  2. Unlike previous political movements that built communities and culture, MAGA is seen as destructive. It criticizes existing structures but doesn’t offer new solutions or alternatives.
  3. While other movements create new cultural traditions and groups, MAGA has failed to establish a cohesive grassroots culture. It primarily exists online, lacking real-world connections and community-building efforts.
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If It's Worth Your Time To Lie, It's Worth My Time To Correct It

Astral Codex Ten • 33931 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. If someone lies to make their argument stronger, it's important to correct that lie. Even small lies can add up over time and change the conversation.
  2. Correcting false statements can be seen as nitpicking, but it's essential to reset the truth. Allowing exaggerations or false claims can lead to more extreme misconceptions.
  3. It's okay to be kind when correcting others, but we should not shy away from addressing inaccuracies just because it might seem uncomfortable.

Donald Trump’s State of Exhaustion

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The State of the Union no longer moves the public. It still serves as a clear window into what the president and his team are thinking.
  2. The recent speech revealed an exhaustion of ambition and no clear agenda for the rest of the term. It failed to clarify priorities or lay out a concrete plan.
  3. The administration lacks an organized policy process and is not meeting normal budget deadlines. It operates largely as an extension of the president's personal whims rather than a conventional governing team.

"But" vs. "Yes, But"

Astral Codex Ten • 22299 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. It's important to acknowledge when you're wrong in a conversation. Saying 'Oh, you're right, my mistake' helps keep discussions respectful.
  2. Admitting mistakes can show others that you're open-minded and capable of real dialogue. It makes the conversation more engaging for everyone involved.
  3. You can still hold your beliefs while recognizing faults in your arguments. This helps you reflect and grow in your understanding over time.

This Week in American History: Jefferson’s Words for a Fractured Country

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 287 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
💾 History Rhetoric
  1. By 1800 American politics had become deeply polarized, with each side accusing the other of threatening the nation.
  2. Jefferson used his first inaugural address to call for reconciliation and to restore harmony and affection so liberty could endure.
  3. His conciliatory words have endured as a powerful expression of American values and a model for healing political divisions.

ICE Logic and Language with Laurence O'Donnell

Thinking about... • 473 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. ICE deployments to chosen cities are being used with political logic to influence and intimidate local populations and officials, not just to enforce laws.
  2. Labeling people as “terrorists” or “assassins,” or recasting wrongdoing as “law enforcement,” twists language to justify illegal or extreme actions and makes lawlessness seem normal.
  3. Historical lessons show authoritarian power relies on corrupting language, so people should be alert to dangerous words and learn from history to know when and how to act.

Why It Is (Maybe) Safe To Conclude Some Legendary Thinkers Are Charlatans Without Reading Much Of Their Work

Singal-Minded • 1427 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Sometimes it's okay to think critically about famous thinkers without reading everything they've written. Some writers, especially in certain philosophies, can be so unclear that it feels justifiable to dismiss their work.
  2. Clear writing is important. Many obfuscators use confusing language instead of straightforward arguments, which can make their ideas hard to take seriously.
  3. Listening to respected voices, like Noam Chomsky, can help inform your opinion about complex thinkers. If many knowledgeable people find that there's little value in a concept, it may be wise to trust their judgment.

It's a cult

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 6603 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The Republican Party in 2020 abandoned their traditional platform in favor of aligning with Donald Trump.
  2. Trump's supporters are devoted to him personally, rather than the party's policies or principles.
  3. Trump's speeches are filled with lies, exaggerations, appeals to fear, and bigotry, creating a cult-like following.

Substack and Other Blog Recommendations

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3404 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🚌 Education Rhetoric
  1. Writing on Substack can help you gain subscribers, especially through recommendations from other blogs. It's a system that works well for networking.
  2. Choosing which blogs to recommend is important, and it's better to focus on quality over quantity. Recommendations should be meaningful and relevant to your audience.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives is valuable. Reading voices you don't always agree with can provide new ideas and challenge your thinking.

Note on Gloating

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8973 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. It's okay to feel some relief after a big defeat, but it's important to stay cautious. Some problems still linger in institutions like schools and media.
  2. Even if things seem better now, there’s a chance that old habits and beliefs can resurface. Staying vigilant is key.
  3. Humor can help us process tough topics, but we shouldn't forget the challenges that may remain.

Gavin Newsom as the Adult in the Room.

Breaking the News • 2231 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. High-stakes public speeches can show how leaders should communicate in times of uncertainty. They need to connect emotionally and intellectually with the audience.
  2. A successful speech often feels conversational, as if the speaker is talking directly to the audience rather than delivering a formal address. This can help make important points feel more relatable and urgent.
  3. Effective speeches are concise and free of unnecessary details. They focus on clear, simple language to convey the message directly.

The Paradox of Persuasion

Mon0’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Extreme ideas like total tolerance or non-violence can backfire. If you let negative behaviors go unchecked, they can take over society.
  2. Persuasion works in two ways: through careful thinking or quick judgments based on superficial traits. Understanding this can help us choose how to communicate effectively.
  3. Sometimes, to fight bad ideas or leaders, we might need to use their own tactics against them. This can feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to protect what's right.

Yes, Arguments Stand Or Fall Based On Their Merits But The Messenger Still Matters And If You Allow Resentful People Into Your Head, You’ll Be Fooled Into Carrying Their Rage As Your Own

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1496 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Arguments should be evaluated based on their strength, but who presents them also matters. It's important to think about the source of the message.
  2. If you let angry or resentful people influence you, you might start to feel their anger too. It's easy to take on emotions that aren’t yours if you’re not careful.
  3. Being mindful of who you listen to can help you avoid unnecessary negativity. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can lead to a healthier mindset.

We Need a Renaissance of Rhetoric

Investing 101 • 73 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Rhetoric
  1. The art of rhetoric is fading because attention-driven tech and emotional political theater reward quick, persuasive tricks over careful reasoning.
  2. AI and modern information systems are changing language and thought, making it easy for people to hand over their worldview to platforms or partisan narratives instead of forming their own judgments.
  3. We need a renaissance of rhetoric and spirited purpose: teach people to read, debate, and think critically so they can be convinced by good reasons again.

Rescuing the dash from large language models (short post)

Philosophy bear • 143 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. The dash is a useful tool in modern writing because it lets authors shape syntax more freely and highlight meaning.
  2. Large language models tend to overuse the em dash, which can make that punctuation act as a tell for AI-written text.
  3. Deliberately using a hyphen (-) instead of an em dash (—) is a simple human counter-signal, since it is technically incorrect and less likely to be produced by default by LLMs.

The Democrats Have No Immigration Plan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The Democrats don't have a clear immigration policy, which is hurting them politically. Without a plan, they struggle to counter Trump’s immigration agenda.
  2. Trump's focus on immigration resonates with many voters who currently favor stricter policies. The Democrats need a strategy that appeals to the public's concerns about immigration.
  3. A more humane and open immigration approach is necessary, but it must also connect with people's fears and sentiments to gain support effectively.

sunday speech pool

bad cattitude • 79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Rhetoric
  1. How you say something often matters more than the words themselves.
  2. Changing your tone, accent, or delivery can flip the meaning and change how people respond.
  3. This post is behind a paywall and intended for paid subscribers.

It's Not Racist to be a "Culturist"

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Rhetoric
  1. We are living in an all-out cultural war that is shaping politics and social life.
  2. People are often discouraged from naming or discussing this conflict because they fear being labeled "racist."
  3. Refusing to acknowledge or confront this cultural battle is presented as harmful and can itself be seen as racist, so it’s important to address it openly.

Scientists shouldn't debate gaslighters

Science Forever • 557 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🔬 Science Rhetoric
  1. Gaslighters should not be debated by scientists as it can give them undeserved credibility and make the scientists look like nitpicking nerds.
  2. Debating gaslighters can lead to a situation where the huckster's misinformation is seen as equal to well-established scientific principles.
  3. It's crucial for the scientific community to find skilled communicators who can effectively counter the rhetoric of gaslighters like RFK Jr.

I. A. Richards on Metaphor and Rhetoric

Logos and Liberty • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. The British empiricists of the Enlightenment period believed in the importance of language referencing clear ideas derived from sensory experiences.
  2. Richards's philosophy of rhetoric emphasizes the central role of misunderstanding and the inevitability of metaphor in language.
  3. Language, thought, and reality are interconnected but distinct, with metaphor playing a crucial role in conveying complex ideas beyond literal terms.

What Are Ideologies All About?

Everything Is Bullshit • 373 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Ideologies are not about anything concrete - they are mishmashes of contradictory ideas.
  2. Conservatives and Democrats hold conflicting beliefs on various issues.
  3. Political ideologies may not be coherent worldviews but rather tools to advance interests of coalitions.

Against Polling

Unpopular Front • 114 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. Polling can be misleading and often doesn't reflect the true feelings of people. People may give a simple answer without understanding the full impact of the questions.
  2. Successful politicians connect with people through storytelling and imagery rather than just data. Using emotional appeal can lead to more authentic connections.
  3. Relying too heavily on polling can make politicians forget that public opinions are complex and change over time. Good leaders need to understand these changes and inspire their audience.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

The Importance Of Using Words Honestly

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 26 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Words need stable, conventional meanings so people can communicate clearly; changing meanings without warning just creates confusion and wastes time.
  2. People and institutions sometimes redefine words deliberately to mislead or to make bad policies sound virtuous, using moral-sounding terms to win support.
  3. If you use a word in a new way, say so up front and be consistent; correcting a wrong common usage is fine, but it should be done clearly so discussion can move on.

The scapegoat of everything: Sacrifice

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. To achieve important goals, you often need to give up less important things. Sacrifice is a key part of mastering any craft.
  2. Opportunity cost is about what you lose by choosing one path over another. It’s important to weigh your options to see which sacrifices benefit you most.
  3. Your sacrifices can define who you are. What you choose to give up can help you focus on what really matters in your life.

A Literary Theorist Predicted Trump's Win in 1939. He's Worth a Read.

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. A literary theorist named Kenneth Burke predicted the rise of fascism and Trump in a 1939 essay. He understood the dangers of these movements even before they fully emerged.
  2. Burke was a self-taught scholar who struggled with writing but had important ideas that could help people understand political events today.
  3. His work is still relevant, and his insights might have been valuable in interpreting modern political strategies and rhetoric.

How to Get History to Work - Rome Retreat 2024

ancientlifecoach • 58 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🚌 Education Rhetoric
  1. Reading about great deeds should make you feel greater yourself, like superior beings.
  2. Trips, especially educational ones, should aim to change you by interacting deeply with the place.
  3. Join the Cost of Glory Men's Retreat in Rome to study ancient persuasion techniques and learn from Roman figures.

Speaking of Centaurs:

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. In the _Iliad_, Nestor uses stories from the past as examples in his persuasive speeches to influence others' decisions.
  2. Stories and examples from other narratives in the _Iliad_ may create dissonance with the current context, making them less effective as models for the characters' challenges.
  3. The epic focuses on how characters relate to stories from the past, reflecting on their present situations, and on how the _Iliad_ might be a paradigm for audiences' lives.

Literary clickbait

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. Clickbait often targets specific demographics, like authors, to generate outrage and drive traffic.
  2. Be wary of overgeneralizations in clickbait articles and carefully consider the rhetorical strategies used to manipulate readers.
  3. Understanding how literary clickbait operates can help readers resist its allure and approach content more critically.

It's Good When Cheap Crap is Cheap

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rhetoric
  1. The holidays push people to buy lots of unneeded stuff just to meet social expectations, so cheap junk gets bought in huge quantities.
  2. Affordability is becoming a central political issue because policies like tariffs, health-care premium changes, and interest rates affect everyday prices and make politicians vulnerable.
  3. There’s a debate over what counts as ‘essential’ — dismissing items like deodorant or extra pencils overlooks that cheap, everyday goods still matter when prices rise and can hurt families on tight budgets.

Dishonest Words

David Friedman’s Substack • 170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Rhetoric
  1. Labeling someone as 'homophobic' for having negative views of homosexuality can falsely imply a single cause for their opinion and stigmatize them without considering other reasons.
  2. Using terms like 'racism' and 'denier' to label those with differing views can be a dishonest tactic to imply that their opinions are unreasonable without proper argumentation.
  3. Words like 'thermal pollution' and 'CO2 emission as pollution' can carry hidden value judgments, implying negativity without explicitly stating the values being used.

You can't win podcast debates

The Misinfo Hellscape • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Rhetoric
  1. In podcast debates, being rational may lead to losing against opponents who evade facts
  2. Misrepresentation of facts can make it difficult to counter opponents in debates
  3. Interruptions, rhetoric, and avoidance of rebuttals can hinder winning podcast debates

Give Helen Back!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
📚 Literature Rhetoric
  1. Book 7 of the Iliad provides insight into Greek and Trojan political organizations through divine orchestration and assemblies.
  2. The political institutions in the Iliad mirror the basic organization of many Greek city-states.
  3. Antenor's dissent and suggestion to return Helen in the Iliad reflect the limits on advice and deliberation in the Trojan polity.