The hottest Wisdom Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

27 Notes On Growing Old(er)

The Ruffian • 6465 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Aging can be tough and often feels psychologically challenging. Many people don’t openly talk about the struggles that come with getting older, but it’s a universal experience.
  2. There’s a disconnect between how old we feel inside and our actual age. Even when our bodies change, our minds might still feel young, making it confusing as we age.
  3. While we do gain wisdom as we get older, this can be complicated by self-deception and changing times. It's important to adapt and embrace aging rather than just conform to stereotypes about getting older.

Ancient Wisdom: At 96, I Still Live a Great Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2898 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Living a great life is possible even in old age, and embracing modern medicine can help. Jack still enjoys life despite physical challenges.
  2. Wisdom remains consistent over time; honesty and respect towards others are fundamental values that should be upheld regardless of age.
  3. Hard work is important and was instilled from a young age through various jobs, helping build character and resilience.

Ancient Wisdom: When Darkness Comes, Don’t Flinch

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2420 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Facing tough times can be really hard, but it's important not to back down. Staying strong in the face of challenges helps us cope better.
  2. Family connections remain important even when circumstances change. Little moments with loved ones, like sharing stories or laughter, can bring comfort.
  3. Finding personal treasures or symbols can help us navigate difficult emotions. They can remind us of joyful memories and keep our spirits up during tough times.

Socrates and Montaigne On the Internet

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Knowing facts is not the same as having wisdom. Just being able to recite information doesn't mean you truly understand or can use it in real life.
  2. Education should help us develop good judgment, not just fill our heads with knowledge. It's important to learn how to think and make decisions based on experiences.
  3. The journey of seeking answers is more valuable than simply finding the answers. Understanding the process helps deepen our comprehension and wisdom.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Secret of Good Grandparenting

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1803 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Let parents raise their kids in their own way without interference. It's important for grandparents to step back and allow their children to parent as they choose.
  2. Grandparenting should be about enjoying time with grandkids rather than giving unsolicited advice. Open communication and support can go a long way.
  3. Every family dynamic is different, and what worked in the past may not apply today. Respecting modern parenting styles and challenges is key for good relationships.

Ancient Wisdom: The World Says ‘Quit,’ But I’m Not Done Yet

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1201 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Staying motivated is important, no matter the age. Having passion for your work can keep you feeling alive and engaged.
  2. Facing challenges and setbacks is a part of any career. It's crucial to keep pushing forward instead of giving up.
  3. The culture can sometimes make it feel like certain voices are less valued. It's okay to acknowledge that and still find ways to contribute.

#224: Aging out of precociousness

Maybe Baby • 1643 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Aging means letting go of being 'wise beyond your years' and feeling more at ease with your own growth. It's nice not to feel pressured to prove anything.
  2. Experiencing life teaches valuable lessons that can't be rushed. It’s better to learn things through real experiences rather than just trying to sound knowledgeable.
  3. Admiring younger people for their talent can be fulfilling, and it's refreshing to embrace being at a different life stage without competing against them.

On Wise Agency, Part 2 | #316

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 194 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Occasional breaks from steady work and intentionally getting "lost" help you rewire your identity and grieve your old achievement-driven self. Feeling the uncomfortable emotions fully is part of moving forward.
  2. Don’t turn wandering or healing into permanent escapism—use travel, spiritual practices, productivity tools, or therapy as temporary ways to learn and then leave them behind. Be wary of groups or quick fixes that promise belonging or an easy path.
  3. Wise agency comes from knowing yourself through facts, other perspectives, practical skills, and, most importantly, participation—making small generous offerings or "posting" and showing up to test what matters. Avoid shortcuts, keep showing up, and treat success lightly while you learn.

Overcoming Intellectual Servitude

thestoa • 904 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Foster intellectual humility by assessing views without over or undervaluing them.
  2. Avoid intellectual servitude by not outsourcing opinions and reasoning to others.
  3. Develop a preference for wisdom over intelligence, and do not fear expressing your views.

Self-Help Is Dead, Got Wisdom Instead?

thestoa • 805 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. The evolution of self-help has gone through different waves: Manifestors, Mindsetters, and Hackers.
  2. The future of self-help involves an eclectic mix of philosophies and practices.
  3. A shift from pursuing success and status to valuing agency and power is seen as a positive development.

The Queen of all Virtues 👑

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. Prudence is the queen of all virtues because it guides our actions and helps us make good decisions.
  2. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice, providing a foundation for a moral life.
  3. Cultivating prudence involves thinking, making a choice, and taking action, leading to wise decision-making in everyday life.

The Ten Principles of Win-Win

Win-Win • 319 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. The world has plenty to offer, so thinking there's not enough can hold you back. Focus on abundance and opportunities instead of scarcity.
  2. Life is always changing, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Sticking to rigid ideas can make it hard to enjoy the journey.
  3. Working together can create win-win situations. Instead of just looking out for yourself, think about how you can benefit others too.

Seek the desert and hear its voice

Jeff Giesea • 319 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🚌 Education Wisdom
  1. The desert symbolizes a place for deep reflection and self-discovery, helping individuals to gain wisdom. Spending time away from distractions can foster personal growth and understanding.
  2. Wisdom is important for navigating modern challenges, especially with advances in technology like AI. We need to combine technological progress with a focus on wisdom to ensure it serves humanity well.
  3. Institutions that promote wisdom, like Deep Springs College, show how education can blend hard work and learning. Investing in wisdom is crucial for developing future leaders who can guide society.

Poor Charlie’s Almanack is out now

Stripe Press • 569 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Wisdom
  1. Charlie Munger's wisdom is being celebrated and shared through a new edition of Poor Charlie's Almanack.
  2. Charlie Munger's impact extends beyond investments, to his family, values, and shared wisdom.
  3. The new edition of the book aims to be faithful to the original, inviting readers to explore various intellectual topics.

Confucius Says “lol, lmao”

The Upheaval • 2026 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. According to Confucius, the basics of governance consist of having enough armaments, food, and the trust of the common people.
  2. Confucius emphasizes that the trust of the people is the most crucial element for a state to stand, even above food and armaments.
  3. The modern political leaders seem to have forgotten these fundamental principles, failing to prioritize security, defense, and the trust of the common people.

Ideas I've been collecting #2

Erifili • 219 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Yutori is a concept of intentional slowing down in life to appreciate the present moments and find contentment.
  2. Having a bias for action means favoring action over inaction, which can be a key trait for success in entrepreneurship.
  3. Learning to make decisions intuitively based on the heart rather than the ego can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Three wise men talk about wisdom and power.

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. The conversation discussed how our capacity for wisdom at a small scale contrasts with the large-scale problems we face
  2. There was a reflection on the different perspectives of the three speakers when discussing world issues
  3. The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of different aspects like society, soul, and systems when bringing about changes

I love words but I don't trust them

Bits of Wonder • 491 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Language can deceive us in various ways, confusing concepts with reality and creating false insights.
  2. Despite the pitfalls of language, it is necessary for our existence and essential to our humanity.
  3. By recognizing the limitations of language, we can use it to escape its traps and find balance in our thoughts.

Thinking for Ourselves: The Good Life and the Art of Critical Thinking

Humanities in Revolt • 359 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🚌 Education Wisdom
  1. Living a good life involves more than just acquiring material possessions; it requires good thinking and the practice of critical thinking
  2. Critical thinking is a skill that requires intentional development through practice, study, and conscious effort
  3. Critical thinking goes beyond intelligence and involves ethical considerations, reasoning, and striving for wisdom rather than just seeking knowledge

What Is Grandmotherly Wisdom?

Grandmotherly Wisdom • 353 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Grandmotherly Wisdom emphasizes the importance of understanding our connection to past generations and shaping a better future for those to come.
  2. It encourages finding beauty in everyday moments and the value of personal care, attention and shared experiences.
  3. It involves recognizing the collective effort needed for personal growth, building strong communities, and taking responsibility for creating a positive impact in the world.

The heart of awareness

Silentium • 199 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. The Ashtavakra Gita is an ancient classic of Advaita Vedanta literature, focusing on a dialogue between King Janaka and the Sage Ashtavakra.
  2. Many spiritual figures, including Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramana Maharshi, and Mooji, consider the Ashtavakra Gita to be profound and enlightening.
  3. The Ashtavakra Gita is described as containing all essential teachings, a source of truth, simplicity, and depth to contemplate and meditate upon.

The smartest mom in Jane Austen

The Austen Connection • 294 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Wisdom
  1. This post discusses the wisdom of Mrs. Morland in Austen's Northanger Abbey on Mother's Day.
  2. The author shares insights on motherly wisdom from a minor character in Jane Austen's works.
  3. There is an offer for a 7-day free trial to read the full post on The Austen Connection.

Trust the Experts, If You Dare

Restoring Truth • 137 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. Many experts may offer solutions, but expertise is not always a guarantee of success.
  2. Expertise in specific fields like science and medicine is valuable, but spiritual matters may not require expertise.
  3. Human knowledge, even from top experts, may not always lead to true healing and restoration.

#143: When self-awareness eats its own tail

Maybe Baby • 1387 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. When dealing with annoying friends, try to see the positive side of their traits.
  2. The concept of 'aging gracefully' can be restrictive and focused on appearance.
  3. Excessive self-awareness can sometimes be counterproductive and hinder decision-making.

Why can't people agree?

Bram’s Thoughts • 137 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. People often lie or have ulterior motives when arguing.
  2. Misidentifying authority figures can lead to disagreements.
  3. Experts sometimes disagree to improve conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo.

Wisdom In The Rearview Mirror

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. Wisdom must be seen in the rearview mirror, meaning we often realize our wisdom after the fact.
  2. To deepen attention, we must expand peripheral awareness. It's like zooming in and out.
  3. Managing attention is crucial in a world filled with distractions. Wise attention involves noticing things indirectly.

Twenty Twenty Four

The Abbey of Misrule • 321 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. The author writes about his exploration of Orthodox Christianity and its relevance in the modern world.
  2. Regular series include 'Lives of the Wild Saints' and 'Fifty Holy Wells.'
  3. There are plans for future projects like a book and teaching at a writing course.

Being Good by "Going to Hell"?

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Being good requires conscious effort and intentional action, contrary to the belief that being bad takes more effort.
  2. Moral goodness is seen as an achievement by philosophers like Buddha and Aristotle, emphasizing the importance of developing virtuous habits.
  3. Challenging societal norms or beliefs, even when faced with ignorance or disapproval, is crucial for genuine moral integrity and often requires disobedience.

The Art of Inquiry

The Intersection • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Wisdom
  1. Curiosity and critical thinking are important for personal and professional growth.
  2. Always question the problem first before jumping into finding the answer; make sure you're solving the right problem.
  3. Identify your unique strength or advantage and leverage it confidently for success.

The Illegible Real

What Is Called Thinking? • 53 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Tacit knowledge, or understanding gained from experience, is very important and can't always be explained by rules or theories. It's like how a farmer knows their land or a musician feels the right moment to improvise.
  2. The world often values what can be measured and categorized, but this can miss the deeper, lived knowledge that guides real-life decisions. There's more to learning than just reading books or following formal education.
  3. In a future filled with data and technology, the ability to mix both formal knowledge and experiential wisdom will be really valuable. It's important to recognize the strengths and limitations of both types of knowledge.

The Truth of Myths

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Wisdom
  1. Myths can hold deep truths and meanings, even if they aren't literally factual. They often reflect universal human experiences and insights.
  2. Understanding myths helps us confront our own flaws and aspirations through archetypes. Stories from different cultures teach us about balancing different aspects of our nature.
  3. Rather than seeking to prove myths as factual, we should appreciate their wisdom. They offer insights that can guide us in our everyday lives, revealing lessons that have been learned over time.

Morning Birdsong Calls Ryokan Off the Shelf

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Wisdom
  1. Enjoy the beauty of nature and reflect on the impact of human activities on the environment, like the pollution of the Great Lakes.
  2. Question the pursuit of traditional success and the sacrifices made for material wealth and security, prompting a reflection on the true meaning of a fulfilling life.
  3. Advocate for simpler, more communal living, where the focus is on sharing, connection, and playing together for a happier existence.

Weekly Wisdom #11

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Wisdom
  1. Wisdom can be explored through open-ended inquiries and examining its opposite, foolishness.
  2. Deep diving into spiritual practices like Buddhism's Ten Fetter model and Zen koans can offer valuable insights and resources.
  3. Resources on effective communication, such as writing as a Zen practice and analyzing popular TED Talks, can enhance communication skills.