I once chased down a shoplifter in my pawnshop. He pulled a knife. Then claimed to have a gun. That moment taught me more about crime, desperation, and society's ledger of harms than any statistic ever could. On Substack, the story I'm not proud of, but can't stop thinking about #moralphilosophy

I 100% agree with the idea that veganism is the moral high ground when compared to its alternatives. But yet… I am not a vegan. Today’s post wrestles with the morality of that choice within a morally compromised system. #Vegan #Climate #Labor #Ethics #RadicalKindness

We have handled "justice" for centuries as officially sanctioned revenge and retribution. How do we prevent crime? How do we restore the victims? How do we treat those who’ve done harm? What is restoration, and how is it different from retribution? #justice #moralphilosophy

I don’t post a lot of memes here, but I came across this and damn if it doesn’t sum up the Sisyphean task I’ve assigned myself. Who knew that asking people to show basic human kindness would be so hard?

Net worth ≠ Self worth This is true for you. This is true for me. But how often does the bottom line get factored into our judgement of others? What happens if we take money off the scales? A better world? Probably. Start changing how we see ourselves, and each other. #peopleoverprofit

🧵 25 years ago my twin sister survived an abusive childhood, graduated high school, found love, started a career. Then an aneurysm killed her at 19 while she drove home from work. People said "everything happens for a reason." I looked for the reason. I found none.

Chronic pain made the real world feel unplayable. So I hid in a Dwarf Fortress. But then I had to ask myself, in hiding from the world was I committing an evil of indifference? Refuge, not residence. #DwarfFortress #ChronicPain #Philosophy #Gaming

When we are compromised, what we can do beats what we think we “should” do. An essay about chronic pain, self-kindness, and goblins. #chronicpain #selfkindness

There are no good people. There are no bad people. There are good choices, good thoughts, and good acts. There are evil choices, evil thoughts, and evil acts. And there are people. Anyone can be better tomorrow. No halos, no horns. #Ethics #Empathy #MoralPhilosophy

In a world quick to punish 'wrong' speech, Simone de Beauvoir reminds us: Freedom isn't an individual trophy, it's collective, fragile. "Freedom isn’t mine to keep if it’s denied to you." #Philosophy #RadicalKindness #Freedom

1/7 What’s the point of writing about moral philosophy if you can’t wrestle with moral questions in public? #Philosophy #MoralPhilosophy

1/10 I write about moral philosophy. But despite what that might imply about me, I am not by my nature good person. #MoralPhilosophy #Ethics

The American Dream is powered by a myth: Rugged Individualism. But what happens when that ideal sours into something toxic? My new piece explores how our obsession with self-reliance poisons empathy, and what we can choose to do about it. #SocialCommentary #Ethics #AmericanDream #Politics

The poverty of the Weasley’s in Harry Potter makes no sense. Shouldn’t the Wizarding World be essential post scarcity? Sure, you can buy things with money, but magic should allow you to keep things “like new” forever. We can have a world with magic but can’t imagine one without poverty?

24 years ago today tragedy happened and a nation pulled together as one. Yesterday a tragedy happened and a nation is ready to rend itself apart. How did we get here?

This isn’t my plea for us to all just get along. We are far too moved down the road of antagonism with the “other side” to just hang it all up and be friends. That’s not the world we live in. #politicalviolence #charliekirk

1/3 Seeing the Charlie Kirk news… and I am struck by how much it is affecting me. I am saddened, disgusted… and scared.

1/3 Moral credit this week - stuck out attending Jaguars NFL season opener despite weather (hot & rain) and pain increasing throughout. Stayed for my friend, biggest Jags fan I know. #DUUUVAL

1/3 A central idea… well, THE central idea of my philosophy is The Ledger. Everything we do is recorded, for good or ill, and we need to be aware of what impact we have on the world.

The wonderful world of dog ownership #walkies #dogsofbluesky

Thank you for all the feedback on my new essay, 'Cancer's Real Fear Isn't Death.' It's been an honor to share my story with you. #writingcommunity #gratitude #philosophy #life

My essay 'Intellectual Work and Chronic Pain' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a reminder that we are stronger than we think we are. #resilience #chronicillness #writingcommunity #hope

My essay 'Punk Philosophy' is a tribute to the outsiders, the rebels, and the dreamers. It's a reminder that the world is changed by those who are brave enough to be different. #punk #philosophy #individuality #change

My essay 'Burning Down the House' is a challenge to all of us who are complicit in systems of injustice. It's a call to action to build a better world. #socialjustice #activism #ethics #community

The question of 'What We Owe Each Other' is at the heart of my work. It's the thread that connects all of my writing on ethics, community, and social justice. #ethics #community #socialjustice #philosophy

Just a heads up: the weekly content will keep coming on my Substack and right here in more chill, late-night musings. If you want the full deep-dives, hit that Substack link one last time anthonyscurtis.com . If not, no worries – I’m glad you’re here. Cheers. 🥂” #Onward #Grateful #Bluesky

My new essay, 'Cancer's Real Fear Isn't Death,' is the most personal thing I've ever written. It's about How systems make bad things worse, and how we change them. #philosophy #writing #lifeanddeath #hope

Revisiting my essay 'Intellectual Work and Chronic Pain.' It's a reminder that the most important work we do is often the hardest. To all my fellow writers and thinkers who are struggling, I see you. #writingcommunity #chronicillness #solidarity #keepgoing

Let's talk about the intersection of punk and philosophy. My essay 'Punk Philosophy' is a celebration of the rebellious and creative spirit that has always been at the heart of both. #punk #philosophy #creativity #rebellion

I was once a believer. I walked away after my twin sister’s death. I came back to share the kindness I'd once received. Then I left again... for good. Years later, I buckled under the realization that morality was mine alone to carry. This essay is my reckoning with that weight. #humanism

My essay 'Burning Down the House' is a critique of the commodification of a basic human need. It's a call for a more just and equitable housing system. #housingisahumanright #socialjustice #capitalism #ethics

The question of 'What We Owe Each Other' is not just a philosophical exercise; it's a call to action. It's about building a more just and compassionate world, one relationship at a time. #socialjustice #community #ethics #activism

What have I learned from a life of receiving both great grief and great kindness?​ #PhilosophyOfLife #EverydayEthics #MoralLedger #BeBetterTomorrow #WitnessYourself

My essay 'Intellectual Work and Chronic Pain' is for all the writers, academics, and creatives who are fighting a daily battle with their bodies. Your work is important, and you are not alone. #chronicillness #ableism #writingcommunity #solidarity

“Feeling extra reflective tonight. This community has grown a lot in the past month. 💙 For those who’ve just joined: I talk a big game about “owing everything” to each other – and I mean it. It’s heavy, but it’s also kind of liberating. Thanks for coming along for the ride, truly.” #ThankYou #Commun

Revisiting my 'Punk Philosophy' essay. It's a call to arms for all the creative misfits who refuse to accept the world as it is. Let's build a better one together. #punk #philosophy #rebellion #creativity

The housing market is a moral minefield. In 'Burning Down the House,' I explore the ethical dilemmas of homeownership in a system that feels rigged. A challenging read for anyone concerned with social justice. #housingcrisis #socialjustice #ethics #capitalism

Let's talk about the social contract. My essay 'What We Owe Each Other' is a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of our relationships and responsibilities. A must-read for anyone interested in ethics and social theory. #philosophy #ethics #socialtheory #community

The themes in my latest piece continue to resonate. It's about finding meaning in the face of mortality, a topic that has been central to philosophy for centuries. What are some of your favorite works on this subject? #philosophy #mortality #meaningoflife #discussion

I wrote 'Intellectual Work and Chronic Pain' for every writer, artist, and thinker who has ever felt betrayed by their own body. It's a raw and honest look at the realities of trying to create when you're in constant pain. You are not alone. #chronicillness #writingcommunity #disability #creativity

My essay 'Punk Philosophy' is a love letter to the rebellious spirit that has always fueled my writing. It's about more than just rebellion; it's a way of seeing the world and a commitment to questioning everything. For the thinkers and the rebels. #punk #philosophy #counterculture #writing

My piece 'Burning Down the House' isn't about arson. It's about the moral discomfort of profiting from a system you know is broken. It's a critique of the housing market and a personal reckoning with my own complicity. #socialcritique #housingcrisis #ethics #writing

The question of 'What We Owe Each Other' is central to so many of the issues we face today. It's a question that demands we look beyond ourselves and consider our role in the world. My essay on this topic explores the ethical frameworks that can guide us #socialjustice #ethics #community #philosophy

Just published a new piece that's a reflection on how a life-altering diagnosis can shift our entire understanding of fear, mortality, and what it means to live authentically. A must-read for anyone grappling with life's big questions. #philosophy #writingcommunity

1/3 Cancer's real fear isn't death. It's the bill. I have a six-figure job & good insurance. A single diagnosis could still mean financial ruin. My new essay explores the reverse lottery we're all forced to play. #Healthcare #MedicalDebt

“The debates this week have been 🔥. If you’re liking these convos, I’d love to have you in my newsletter community too. It’s where I pour my heart, humor, and occasional rage against the machine. No pressure – just an invite. 💌✌️ Join here if you want anthonyscurtis.com #Subscribe #LedgerEthics

“Got called out by an academic who said my ethics are impractical 🙃. Wrote a whole essay responding to every point – from ‘privilege guilt’ to ‘this is moral masturbation.’ If you’re into philosophy showdowns, you’ll dig it. #Philosophy #NewIdeas #LedgerEthics Read here:

🧵1/10 Win a Date with Tad Hamilton in the worst romcom I’ve ever seen. Buckle up kids, it’s a thread about 21 year old movie

Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the courage to speak when you still feel broken. I hope this essay finds the ones still in the dark: anthonyscurtis.com/p/empathy-grown-darkness #selfcompassion #mentalhealth

Forgiveness isn’t absolution. It’s how we clear the poison of grief from our own bodies. #Forgiveness #GriefJourney #RadicalKindness