The hottest Values Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The eternal rebels

Wrong Side of History • 645 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. Ed West discusses the emergence of a new cultural elite influenced by rebellious values from the 1960s.
  2. The new cultural elite is described as left-wing on social issues but right-wing on economics.
  3. Goodwin's thesis outlines the growing divide between the progressive elite and the rest of society, reshaping politics and fueling unrest.

How to Protect What’s Real

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 24 May 25
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. To protect what’s real, focus on nurturing and caring for it instead of trying to control it. It's about staying near and paying attention.
  2. Good relationships and valuable things need ongoing effort and kindness, not just occasional attention. It's the small daily choices that keep them alive.
  3. Sometimes, what we call 'protection' is actually fear. Instead of building walls, we should check in and listen to what truly needs our presence.

Passing Away

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 352 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. Criticism of euphemisms like 'passed away' varies based on time and context.
  2. Language and values shift with time, affecting how we perceive events and people.
  3. As time passes, individuality fades, making collective interpretations more dominant.

Seduced By The Machine

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Humans are becoming more like machines by allowing apps and corporations to define their values and goals.
  2. Metrics and rankings from technology and organizations can shape our values, making us prioritize quantifiable standards over personal fulfillment.
  3. Value capture by external agents can lead to a loss of individuality and hinder personal growth, as people conform to standardized metrics and neglect their unique aspirations.

Setting The Stage

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Integral theory introduces stages of development, covering cognition, values, and identity.
  2. Stage development in integral theory involves growing up, moral development, and understanding perspectives.
  3. Integral theory categorizes levels of development using colors, from egocentric to kosmocentric stages.
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The Proactionary Principle

Extropic Thoughts • 78 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. The Proactionary Principle encourages making decisions with foresight and embracing technological progress.
  2. Be objective and comprehensive when making decisions to ensure a structured and thorough approach.
  3. Prioritize risks effectively and make responses proportionate based on the severity and likelihood of potential consequences.

Human in an AI Age: Grace

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 36 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. Grace is a unique human quality that combines dignity, humility, and generosity. It helps us connect with others in an increasingly AI-driven world.
  2. Dignity means treating everyone with respect, and understanding that we all have potential and challenges. It's something AI may struggle to grasp.
  3. Humility is about keeping perspective and recognizing that success often involves luck and circumstances beyond our control. AI may not comprehend this human experience.

Grandfather Story

The Carousel • 84 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. It's important to stand by your beliefs, even when everyone around you disagrees. Taking a brave stance can feel lonely but can also be seen as admirable.
  2. Some charity events may not always do what they intend to and can end up being more harmful than helpful. It's good to question where donations really go.
  3. Family relationships can be complex and filled with expectations. Sometimes, big moments can lead to long-lasting pain and unresolved feelings.

Tribute to My Dad

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 2 HN points • 21 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. The importance of honesty and integrity shaped my dad's life. He always tried to do what was right for himself and his family.
  2. My dad taught me that family and health are more important than money. He showed me that a fulfilling life doesn't depend on being rich.
  3. True leadership is about who you are as a person, not just what you do. My dad embodied values that inspired others around him.

What Critics of the Humanities Don't Understand

Humanities in Revolt • 299 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Critics of the humanities often underestimate their importance and mistakenly prioritize practical fields like STEM over humanities. However, an in-depth analysis reveals the value-based assumptions behind such claims.
  2. The humanities contribute to understanding human existence beyond mere practicality by encouraging contemplation of values, creativity, and the human condition. They help us figure out our fundamental goals and values that guide decision-making.
  3. Philosophy delves into examining human values, morality, aesthetics, and political philosophy, emphasizing the indispensable role the humanities play in critically evaluating our beliefs, actions, and societal structures based on deeper values.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and it takes many paths to achieve it. Finding what brings you joy is a personal journey.
  2. Wealth is important, not just as money, but as having enough resources to help others and improve lives. The more resources we have, the more good we can do.
  3. Decreasing trauma and increasing joy in life, or 'splendor', are key to personal and societal happiness. Every small effort counts in making the world a better place.

Values of My Hypothetical Company

Sarah's Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 10 May 22
💼 Business Values
  1. Company culture is critical for employee happiness and retention, with clear values fostering alignment and unity.
  2. Values in relationships and business overlap, emphasizing the importance of shared core beliefs for effective communication.
  3. Key principles like valuing individuals, balancing logic and emotion, trusting employees, and working with intention and urgency can drive success in company culture and relationships.

On not aligning beliefs until we need to

Iterare • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. We don't have to align beliefs until necessary, awareness of nuances can prevent escalation.
  2. Beliefs are arbitrary and may not need fixing on all social topics for peaceful existence.
  3. Internal peace and happiness can come from simple life goals and love.

In Praise of Passivity

Fake Noûs • 277 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. History shows that solutions without proper knowledge often do more harm than good.
  2. Public ignorance and the dismissal of expert advice are major obstacles in policymaking.
  3. Rational ignorance, lack of clear motives, and the complexity of social issues contribute to our inability to effectively address societal problems.

golden rules and golden ages

bad cattitude • 198 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Values
  1. Religions and stories serve as important guides in understanding human nature and society.
  2. Basic values like the golden rule are vital in forming societal foundations and trust.
  3. The decline of religious underpinnings can lead to societal fragmentation and the rise of harmful ideologies.

Aella: In defence of a birthday girl

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Many criticize Aella for her promiscuous sex life, but it's essential to understand differing views on sexuality and values.
  2. Aella challenges traditional norms by living authentically and making unconventional choices, aiming to achieve her own goals instead of following societal scripts.
  3. Aella's approach to sex involves exploring different facets of eroticism, like performatively de-eroticizing sex to intensify its significance and linking it with scientific exploration.

When Rich People Say 'Don't Worry About Money.'

The Doorman • 39 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Values
  1. Rich people may advise not to worry about money, but their journey to wealth often involved sacrifices and regrets.
  2. Accidental millionaires stress the importance of pursuing passion and letting money follow naturally.
  3. Sometimes, those with fewer material possessions emphasize the value of community and family over material wealth.

People Are Racist

Underconsumed Knowledge • 39 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. In prison, people tend to associate with others who look like them.
  2. Values are shown through actions, not just words.
  3. Acknowledging human differences and discomfort can coexist with a rejection of hate.

Unpicking Perspectives

Ways of Working • 39 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🚌 Education Values
  1. Perspective influences our actions and communication.
  2. Understanding different perspective influencers is key for empathy and influence.
  3. Unpicking your own perspective can help achieve goals more effectively.

Priceless: A Kiss and the Ends of Life

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 22
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Our values shape our decisions and outlook on life, driving both practical considerations and ultimate goals.
  2. There are different kinds of value - some objects are valued for their usefulness (extrinsic value), while others are treasured for their intrinsic worth.
  3. Understanding the distinction between means and ends is crucial in leading a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and intentions.

A negative income tax for today’s America

Hypertext • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Values
  1. Repackaging the negative income tax (NIT) for today's America includes starting from the current welfare system and considering path dependency.
  2. Introducing the NIT should focus on value frameworks appealing to both progressives and conservatives, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, opportunity, and cost-effectiveness.
  3. Implementing the NIT in steps requires reforms that are small enough to pass legislation, improve the lives of the poor, and align with both progressive and conservative values.

✨🔍 Bo 2024

TorahRedux • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Values
  1. Responsibility for positive change brings true freedom.
  2. Discipline and freedom are interconnected; discipline is the path to true freedom.
  3. Value human connection and never leave anyone behind in your journey towards victory.

Appreciating *Casablanca*

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. The film 'Casablanca' presents unrealistic premises that serve as symbolic elements reflecting moral themes, inspiring and edifying viewers.
  2. The movie showcases themes of upward vitality, virtue, and moral growth, particularly in the character arcs of Rick and Laszlo.
  3. The gender dynamics in 'Casablanca' highlight male agency and Americanism, with a focus on male characters embodying higher intelligence and upward vitality, while female characters are often positioned as objects of admiration.

Can Morality Be Quantified?

The Grey Matter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Quantification in morality is a useful framework for decision-making, not a literal truth.
  2. Money is a valuable tool for quantification, but it has limitations in capturing all aspects of value.
  3. Quantification, like valuing a statistical human life, helps systemize decision-making, but it has practical limits and should be used as a tool wisely.

"Worthless Degrees" and the Hidden Hand of Values

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Critics of humanities and liberal arts often overlook the vital necessity of these fields in shaping critical thinking skills and cultural knowledge, which contribute to individual flourishing and democratic society.
  2. Human values play a significant role in shaping our lives, influencing our beliefs, decisions, and societal norms.
  3. Factual claims are rooted in sensory perceptions, while value-based statements determine what is important or significant to us, showcasing the essential interplay between facts and values in human understanding.

Do the more rare thing

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. When faced with tough decisions, you can simplify by ranking factors like academics or location. This helps you narrow down your choices.
  2. If two options seem equal, consider choosing the rarer one. It's often harder to get and might be better for you in the long run.
  3. Choosing something rare can protect you from regret. It makes you less likely to change your mind later since you might not have that option again.

What we seek to save when we seek to save the world

Breaking Smart • 114 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. The notion of saving the world involves a complex interplay between biological and temporal scopes
  2. Different types of saviors are motivated by varying definitions of what constitutes the 'world' worth saving
  3. There is an evolving concept of saving the world that involves rewilding the modern technological landscape

"Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast"

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
💼 Business Values
  1. Organizational culture is more than just values or behaviors; it's the prevailing attitudes, routine behaviors, and shared norms of an organization.
  2. To change a culture, leaders need to champion stated values persistently until they become ingrained in behaviors and routines.
  3. Creating a culture shift takes time and commitment; leaders can't simply dictate a new culture, it requires sustained effort to embed new values and behaviors.

CxD📚'23 #14: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The History of Philosophy

CxD Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Philosophy explores the nature of reality, existence, knowledge, and the relationship between ourselves and the world.
  2. Philosophy also delves into values, ethics, politics, a good life, obligations, beauty, and the meaning of life.
  3. Philosophy encourages us to think deeply about fundamental questions, challenge preconceived views, and engage in the quest for knowledge.

The Battle of Two Realms

Once Upon A News • 19 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. In a land of tradition, matadors valiantly battled bulls in grand arenas.
  2. Lawmakers in another realm aimed to end the tradition for animal welfare reasons.
  3. The clash of values between tradition and empathy highlights the necessity and challenges of change.

a dream with my grandparents

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Our loved ones can have a strong influence on our choices, even in dreams. They might push us to reflect on how we spend our time and what really matters.
  2. Wanting things doesn't always lead to happiness. Sometimes it's better to let go of desires and find freedom in accepting life as it is.
  3. We need to think for ourselves and listen closely to others to find our truth. Balancing the old support from family with new independence is a complex journey.

When the Old Consensus Falls Apart -

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Values
  1. This is the third short video in the Sanity Project 2026 series, recorded during his first Instagram Live.
  2. He’s turning off comments on Substack to avoid spreading himself too thin and is directing discussion to a dedicated forum on Mighty Networks (naascommunity.org).
  3. He plans to keep posting these short videos frequently.

Relinquishing control

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 84 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Values
  1. Relinquishing control can lead to blind compliance, which has historically resulted in significant atrocities.
  2. Human nature inclines people to seek charismatic leaders, but it's important to maintain personal identity and critical thinking.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals should develop critical thinking skills, recognize psychological manipulation tactics, and build independence.

Embracing yourself 🤗

Mindful Musings • 83 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Values
  1. Competition is a strong force in our social world, affecting various aspects of our lives.
  2. Conformity often drives competition, pushing individuals to fit in rather than stand out.
  3. Being authentic to yourself and aligning actions with your values leads to fulfillment and happiness.