The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Interesting reads, November 2024 edition

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🔬 Science Health Technology Psychology Environment Society
  1. The new 'Collective Minds' lab focuses on understanding how we think as a group. It's an interesting place to explore collective thought.
  2. Smartphones are often blamed for many problems in the world, but there might be other factors contributing to these issues.
  3. There's ongoing research about how our brain reacts to stories while watching movies. It's cool to see how our thoughts are tied to brain activity.

Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Entertainment Identity Consumerism
  1. People should be honest about their feelings, even if they don't always align. It's okay if someone doesn't agree with you; what matters is being real and understanding.
  2. Narcissism, rather than gender, is a key factor when judging hurtful behavior. Both men and women can act badly, and it's important to see that it's not just about being a man or a woman.
  3. Getting good value for your money is important. Nowadays, store brands often offer just as good quality as name brands, so it's smart to shop wisely.

An emotion I can't name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Emotion Family Memory Society
  1. Sometimes we have feelings that are hard to describe. They can be a mix of sadness, protectiveness, and understanding for others who might not have much.
  2. Beauty can come from simple things in life. Special items, even if not expensive, can carry deep emotional meaning from loved ones.
  3. It's important to recognize and appreciate the struggles of others. Making fun of their situations can hurt, and we should approach their joys with kindness.

Proem For All Post-Dark Age Civilizations

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2081 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Future studies
  1. The future of society will face serious challenges due to shrinking populations and an aging workforce. This means there may not be enough young people to do the jobs needed to maintain the economy.
  2. Energy and resources are becoming scarce, making it hard to sustain our current way of living. Fossil fuels are becoming less available, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind have limitations.
  3. Technological advances alone won't solve these problems. A major focus for future societies will be on managing what little energy and resources are left, leading to a more frugal, sustainable lifestyle.

#TradWife Life as Self-Annihilation

Culture Study • 11657 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Religion Family Politics
  1. The concept of #TradWife encompasses different categories, like evangelical Christians and stay-at-home-girlfriends, each with unique beliefs and practices.
  2. The #TradWife content on social media may seem harmless on the surface, but it often aligns with regressive and anti-choice ideologies.
  3. There's a common theme of self-annihilation among women subscribing to #TradWife ideals, where their identity and desires are overshadowed by serving others.
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When You're Done with that Condom, Just Throw it Anywhere

Both Are True • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Identity Youth Society Tradition
  1. Condoms are often discarded carelessly in places like parking lots. This shows a lack of respect for the environment and the community.
  2. Kids can have misunderstandings about adult behaviors and items, which can create confusion and fear. It's important to explain things clearly to children.
  3. Feeling isolated or rejected during childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on someone. These moments can shape how a person views themselves in social situations.

Immediatism

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Society Philosophy Alienation
  1. Immediatism focuses on creating genuine connections and experiences with others, rather than getting lost in the busyness of modern life. Meeting face-to-face with a group can already be considered a revolutionary act.
  2. Art and creativity should be less about selling or commodifying, and more about shared experiences and direct engagement. Real art can happen in private, away from market pressures.
  3. The struggle against societal norms and alienation involves recognizing that true fulfillment comes from relationships and creativity, rather than work and consumption. We should prioritize making a life, not just a living.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

🎁 The only 2025 gift guide you'll need

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gift Guides Humor Media Society Lifestyle
  1. Gift-giving can be fun if you think outside the box. Consider unique items like books or funny merch rather than typical gifts.
  2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only times to save; look for deals at other times like Planned Obsolescence Thursday.
  3. Remember, things can be complex, and it’s okay to hold nuanced opinions rather than taking a hard stance on every issue.

The Far-Right Extremist Pronatalism of Elon Musk Could Destroy Humanity in Decades

Proof • 82 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Policy Activism Society Ideology
  1. Elon Musk's views on having more children, known as pronatalism, might be risky for the future of humanity. It's important to think about the long-term effects of these ideas.
  2. Musk connects with several far-right beliefs that could influence his thoughts and actions. These connections raise concerns about the broader impact of his ideas.
  3. Understanding the potential dangers of Musk's pronatalism and other beliefs can help society prepare for future challenges. Being aware of these issues is crucial for everyone's safety.

The Shaman and the Web

Default Wisdom • 136 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Art Media Spirituality Lifestyle
  1. The connection between ancient practices and the modern world is significant. It shows how traditional wisdom can still be relevant today.
  2. Technology is changing how we communicate and connect with each other. It can enhance or challenge our understanding of community.
  3. Understanding the role of storytelling and shared experiences is important. They can bridge gaps and create deeper connections among people.

The great 2024 vibe shift (and other stories)

Wrong Side of History • 403 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Elections Policy Government Society
  1. The concept of political trends is similar to fashion trends, where ideas shift from cool to mainstream and eventually to uncool. This shows how society's values can change over time.
  2. The idea of echo chambers exists where people only hear opinions that match their own, but this can actually lead to more extreme views. In the past, people were less exposed to opposing opinions, which might have resulted in calmer discussions.
  3. In America, there's been a noticeable shift to the left in cultural issues, leaving many regular voters feeling disconnected. This polarization reflects broader divisions in society.

The Wisdom of Brown M&M's and Leaky Fire Hydrants

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Society Entertainment Art
  1. Van Halen's use of brown M&M's as a test exposed the importance of thorough event staff attention to safety details.
  2. Testing systems, like airport security, with red teams reveals vulnerabilities and promotes resilience.
  3. The concept of leaky fire hydrants highlights the need for addressing individual problems within systems to spark wider reform.

A map of my ignorance: Technostrategy and technofeudalism

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics Technology Labor Economics Society
  1. Many jobs, especially those in offices, could be replaced by AI soon. This change might make it hard for workers to find jobs and could create a big gap in wealth between those who benefit from AI and those who don't.
  2. Workers may start resisting these changes as jobs disappear. How this resistance plays out depends on the speed of job loss and the workers' ability to unite against it.
  3. The future of work will also depend on political reactions to AI. There might be new political groups forming to oppose AI advancements, reshaping how society views labor and automation.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Community Society Education Politics
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

Odds and Ends #54: Voters in 2019 and 2024 were (mostly) the same – it was the parties that changed

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Policy Society
  1. The voters from 2019 and 2024 were mostly the same, highlighting that it was the political parties that underwent significant changes. This shows that people's core beliefs can remain constant even if the parties they support shift.
  2. The recent emphasis on patriotism can potentially rekindle the left's appeal in Britain, especially by learning from the millennial experiences of the early 2000s. This might inspire newer ways to connect with voters.
  3. The handling of local government issues suggests a collapse in leadership quality and decision-making capability, which is a concern for community welfare. Improving these areas could yield better services and governance.

Will Robot Girlfriends Save Humanity, or Just Speed Up The Collapse?

OK Doomer • 114 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Loneliness Society Relationships
  1. A lot of people, including some men, are seriously considering having romantic relationships with AI and robot girlfriends. This shows how lonely and disconnected people are feeling today.
  2. Tech companies are seeing a huge rise in interest and money making potential from AI girlfriends, pointing to a bigger issue of loneliness in society. People crave connection, but often look for it in tech instead of with real relationships.
  3. The overall trend suggests a shift where people might prefer comfort from technology over real human connections, which could lead to bigger problems in society as our relationships with each other weaken.

An Investigation into Species HS01

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Psychology Evolution Norms Politics
  1. Drones are being spotted in major U.S. cities, but there's a lot of confusion about their purpose. Some people think they could be military drones from other countries, while the government insists they are just civilian drones.
  2. A strange theory suggests that aliens are invading Earth, and they'll reveal themselves in 2025. This idea comes from a researcher studying our species, who claims aliens are worried about our civilization.
  3. The reproductive patterns of humans show a big divide. While some populations are rapidly growing, others are declining due to cultural and social changes that discourage having children.

What the East African Plains Ape Anthology Intelligence Has Managed to Do, with Respect to the Economy

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Society Growth Institutions Transition
  1. Human society has evolved from slow, agricultural growth to rapid industrial progress, but we still struggle with managing this change effectively.
  2. The historical shift from cooperation to domination in societies has created challenges in creating systems that benefit everyone today.
  3. We have the potential for great prosperity, but we need better institutions to help us use our resources wisely and live well.

Is This Really Happening?

New World Same Humans • 91 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Politics Trends Society
  1. 2025 is expected to be a significant year for change, especially with new political alliances forming around technology.
  2. There's a growing divide between those wanting to speed up technological advancements and those wanting to slow them down due to concerns about their impact on society.
  3. AI is becoming more powerful, possibly leading to major shifts in many aspects of life, and we might soon agree that we are nearing a stage called Artificial General Intelligence.

How Millennials Grew Up and Got Old

Culture Study • 6861 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Generations Identity Society Economics Challenges
  1. Millennials are experiencing a shift in societal focus as they move from being the future to the middle generation.
  2. The pandemic has impacted millennials in various ways, from financial challenges to changing perspectives on owning homes.
  3. Millennials are navigating feelings of age and exhaustion, dealing with societal issues and personal milestones.

Barbie Answers Oppenheimer

Culture Study • 9015 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Gender Society Entertainment Art
  1. Oppenheimer is a classic Christopher Nolan film with a focus on the masculine world and a lack of interest in women's narratives.
  2. Hollywood often caters to a male-centric audience, but Barbie challenges this norm by offering a matriarchal world where women hold power.
  3. Barbie's success signals a hunger for diverse perspectives in cinema, contrasting with the typical white male-centered narratives in Hollywood.

Five Links for February 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 24 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Society Philosophy Art
  1. Group decisions can be affected by the type of games leaders create in their organizations. It’s vital for leaders to understand these dynamics.
  2. Investment banking has seen a decline in prestige compared to lawyers, who are rising mostly due to advancements like AI. Career paths in finance are shifting.
  3. The search for modern geniuses is challenging. Many believe they are just hidden away, and learning to find them can lead to greater insights.

The Brenda Volunteers

The Glinner Update • 3891 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History Society Behavior
  1. In the 1970s, the Samaritans faced challenges with obscene callers and implemented the Brenda system to address the issue.
  2. The Brenda system categorized obscene callers based on their motivations, which included various types of individuals like horny adolescent boys and fetishists.
  3. The approach of compassionate care towards obscene callers has had an impact on transforming societal expectations, making us all potential 'Brenda Volunteers'.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection: A Reply to Khale

Bet On It • 100 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Debate Economics Society
  1. Open borders could be beneficial as immigrants often see a big increase in their wages, which can also help the economy overall.
  2. The vetting system for immigrants doesn't seem very effective, as it may not select for the best candidates.
  3. Concerns about adverse selection are not as strong when looking at actual immigration data, which shows that legal immigrants often bring significant economic gains.

Top Links 551 Peak beef. The demand for rocket motors. New Delhi smog & ethical crystals.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Environment Food Society
  1. There's a growing trend called 'peak beef', which suggests that the demand for beef is reaching its highest point.
  2. Rocket motors are becoming more sought after, indicating an increase in interest for space or military technology.
  3. New Delhi is dealing with serious smog issues, while there's also a conversation about ethical crystals that might be more environmentally friendly.

The 2025 Stack

Creative Destruction • 20 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Trends Mindset Exploration Discovery Society
  1. An expedition is about discovery and adapting to the unknown, rather than following a set path to a destination. It's important to be open to new experiences and what you might learn along the way.
  2. Packing for an expedition means bringing durable gear, adaptable tools, a variety of skills, and a curious mindset. These preparations help you navigate uncertainty and make the most of unexpected situations.
  3. In today's fast-changing world, shifting from a journey mindset to an expedition mindset can be beneficial. This means being ready for uncertainty and focusing on exploration instead of trying to follow existing paths.

Just Blowing Off Steam

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Art Environment Politics Philosophy
  1. The café scene highlights a disconnect between daily life and serious societal issues. While people seem focused on their routines, there's an urgency to address larger problems like rising authoritarianism.
  2. Climate change is a pressing threat, with rising temperatures and potential disasters looming. Experts warn that we might see drastic effects much sooner than we think, like severe droughts and natural disasters.
  3. Many wealthy individuals remain unaware or unresponsive to these challenges. Their distractions and comforts keep them detached from the emerging crises, which creates a risk of inaction when urgent responses are needed.

every anti-EA thinkpiece

Going Awol • 838 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Media Ethics Arts Society History
  1. Effective Altruism focuses on maximizing utility by prioritizing certain causes over others, even equating enjoyment of art with eating a sandwich.
  2. EAs have shifted towards 'longtermism', emphasizing the importance of future generations and sometimes at the cost of present concerns like supporting independent journalism.
  3. Effective Altruism has had a controversial history, including issues of racism, and it quantifies the value of various aspects of human life against the utility of saving shellfish.

The Banality of Doom: Prepare for Tuesday, Not Doomsday

OK Doomer • 154 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Human behavior Public response Crisis Community
  1. Sometimes, bad things happen unexpectedly in everyday places, like the DMV. It's a reminder that life can change in an instant.
  2. People may not always react the way you expect during emergencies. Some might be indifferent, while others may want to help.
  3. In moments of crisis, it's important to be aware and compassionate. Helping others can make a big difference, even if others choose not to.

Wealth-Envy Has Become Part Of The Cultural Air We Breathe

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1709 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Wealth Inequality Literature Society
  1. Wealth envy is prevalent in society due to comparisons with the lifestyles of the wealthy.
  2. There is a significant increase in economic inequality, with the top 0.1% of households controlling a large portion of American wealth.
  3. Invidious comparisons of wealth can lead to dissatisfaction and rob us of gratitude for what we have.

The Paradox of Persuasion

Mon0’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Persuasion Morality Rhetoric Society
  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.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia • 1631 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.