The hottest Thoughts Substack posts right now

Publishing online comes with immediacy and pressure for coherence.
Writers often process thoughts slowly and may stay silent during major events.
Engaging with diverse newsletters can offer insights on various topics like books, urban planning, and history.

Cogiatics is the study of how thoughts evolve within an individual, different from memetics.
Factors like fascination, emotional valence, and usefulness determine the selection of thoughts.
Studying how thoughts evolve is underdone due to lack of introspection and under-theorized natural selection.

Thoughts and ideas can be obscure and difficult to grasp, forming erratic shapes and trailing away like comet's furze.
Accumulating new habits can dilute old ones and lead to personal growth and realization.
Sometimes, our own thoughts and feelings can be unclear, requiring us to analyze objective data like our physical reactions and routines.

Misery can stem from the clash between different sets of criteria or standards, leading to disappointment and pain.
Some believe that lyricism and deep emotion arise from enduring hardships, suggesting a connection between pain and creative expression.
Being stuck in a cycle of pessimism and optimism, constantly facing conflicting standards, can be a source of misery.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

One's understanding of limitations can be influenced by perspective; being stuck in routine or a negative environment can make the world seem small.
Limitations often come from what we observe and imitate; expanding horizons can come from learning and observation.
The concept of 'exit' from limitations is not straightforward; one's range of experience shapes perception, but it is possible to shift boundaries through self-awareness and growth.

Some thoughts can feel profound or obvious, depending on your perspective and understanding. What may seem like a tired cliché to one person can be a significant insight to another.
Our perception of the future is often based on our own imagined versions of it, rather than the actual future itself. Realizing this distinction can be eye-opening.
Sometimes, what seems like common sense can actually challenge our existing thought patterns, leading to moments of revelation and shifts in perspective.

Derek Sivers shares thoughts on updating identity, focusing on productivity, and what's worth doing, among other things.
His writing is clear and precise, leading to new perspectives and actionable tasks for readers.
The book is recommended for anyone seeking interesting food for thought and practical life applications.