Latest posts from @philosophyminis on Instagram
I explain philosophical ideas.
I write for @bigthinkers.
What they post about
The account focuses on explaining various philosophical concepts and ideas, often relating them to contemporary life situations. It discusses themes such as happiness during midlife crises, the impact of small decisions, and historical philosophical concepts like the devil's advocate. Additionally, it explores the cyclical nature of empires and their eventual decline. The content aims to provoke thought and reflection on personal and societal issues through a philosophical lens.
Recent posts
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Beckett’s Lobster Story Confronts Uncomfortable Suffering
A reflection on Samuel Beckett recounts a lobster being boiled alive after a man assumes its death will be quick. The post uses the scene to explore Beckett’s insistence on facing suffering rather than softening it with reassuring language.
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Why Trying Harder Can Make Sleep Elusive
Using sleeplessness as an example, a post explains Aldous Huxley’s “law of reversed effort”: some goals become harder to reach when pursued too forcefully. It connects the idea to Stoicism and Daoism, emphasizing the value of letting go.
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Free Speech’s New Divide Is Who Gets Heard
Reflecting on an interview with Francis Fukuyama, the post argues that the central challenge for free speech is no longer just the ability to speak, but the power to reach an audience. It points to Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter as an example of how valuable that reach has become.
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Why Knowing Facts Is Not the Same as Understanding
Drawing on philosopher Michael Patrick Lynch’s idea of “Google knowledge,” the post warns that isolated facts can create an illusion of understanding. It argues that learning the context behind facts matters not only for deeper knowledge, but also for better conversations.
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Why Our Social Circles Can Distort Public Opinion
Using examples of a racist forum user and a film boycott, a post explains the false consensus effect: the tendency to assume that views shared by one’s own group are widespread. It highlights how limited exposure can create a misleading picture of public opinion.
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