Simon Gray
@protexblue.bsky.social
Part-time philosopher & historian.
Full-time Student Adviser at University College Dublin. 🇮🇪
Blogger 🖊 / Podcaster 🎤
Husband, brother, playlist-&-bad-jokes lover
(he/him; all views my own)
Full-time Student Adviser at University College Dublin. 🇮🇪
Blogger 🖊 / Podcaster 🎤
Husband, brother, playlist-&-bad-jokes lover
(he/him; all views my own)
Pinned
Simon Gray
@protexblue.bsky.social
· Nov 9
The Missives | Simon Gray | Substack
A free blog approaching unreasonable ideas with reasonable philosophy. (Plus bonus material). Click to read The Missives, by Simon Gray, a Substack publication. Launched 5 months ago.
open.substack.com
The Missives is my blog/podcast. It's my Socratic take on political philosophy and is an invitation to conversation. It's free and always will be.
open.substack.com/pub/themissi...
open.substack.com/pub/themissi...
I’m reading a book about the ontology of African-American slavery by Saidiya V Hartman and am reminded of the movie “Sinners”.
Saidiya’s thesis makes me think that she should have gotten some kind of writing credit on the movie!
[continues on Substack]
Saidiya’s thesis makes me think that she should have gotten some kind of writing credit on the movie!
[continues on Substack]
Simon Gray (@protexblue)
I’m reading a book about the ontology of African-American slavery by Saidiya V Hartman and am reminded of the movie “Sinners” (and the review by my good friend of said movie).
Saidiya’s thesis makes...
substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:13 PM
I’m reading a book about the ontology of African-American slavery by Saidiya V Hartman and am reminded of the movie “Sinners”.
Saidiya’s thesis makes me think that she should have gotten some kind of writing credit on the movie!
[continues on Substack]
Saidiya’s thesis makes me think that she should have gotten some kind of writing credit on the movie!
[continues on Substack]
I just finished reading this piece, about a new breed of international arms dealer.
It's difficult to see if the journalist is condoning or coldly summarising the person and the business at its core.
If he's condemning them as he should, that's even more difficult to see.
It's difficult to see if the journalist is condoning or coldly summarising the person and the business at its core.
If he's condemning them as he should, that's even more difficult to see.
New FT Magazine cover story out today - How a failed baseball player and ex-Merrill Lynch broker became an international arms dealer.
December 28, 2025 at 8:48 AM
I just finished reading this piece, about a new breed of international arms dealer.
It's difficult to see if the journalist is condoning or coldly summarising the person and the business at its core.
If he's condemning them as he should, that's even more difficult to see.
It's difficult to see if the journalist is condoning or coldly summarising the person and the business at its core.
If he's condemning them as he should, that's even more difficult to see.
Reposted by Simon Gray
There's this quote from Midgley, where she says that it's hardly surprising that Kant came up with an ethics of autonomy, considering that he didn't have any care work to do. Does anyone know where to find it?
December 12, 2025 at 5:42 PM
There's this quote from Midgley, where she says that it's hardly surprising that Kant came up with an ethics of autonomy, considering that he didn't have any care work to do. Does anyone know where to find it?
My reaction to most comments about Trump, Musk, and all them.
Just step away from it, and let it die from being ignored.
December 12, 2025 at 5:46 PM
My reaction to most comments about Trump, Musk, and all them.
For #beersky it's a lovely, Liverpudlian, ambiguously pronounced IPA. ("Aims"? "Amez?") There's a heaviness there, but it's not too hoppy. I'll have it again, but not tonight. One is enough.
APV 6.5%
APV 6.5%
December 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
For #beersky it's a lovely, Liverpudlian, ambiguously pronounced IPA. ("Aims"? "Amez?") There's a heaviness there, but it's not too hoppy. I'll have it again, but not tonight. One is enough.
APV 6.5%
APV 6.5%
I was once wary of describing Trump et al as fascists. Now I have no problem with it.
Here @timothysnyder.bsky.social draws parallels between the USA now and Germany in 1938. They're interesting and apt (to an extent), and lead to some genuinely scary conclusions.
Certainly lots to consider.
Here @timothysnyder.bsky.social draws parallels between the USA now and Germany in 1938. They're interesting and apt (to an extent), and lead to some genuinely scary conclusions.
Certainly lots to consider.
Land War or Self-Terrorism?
Trump's Likely Next Step
open.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
I was once wary of describing Trump et al as fascists. Now I have no problem with it.
Here @timothysnyder.bsky.social draws parallels between the USA now and Germany in 1938. They're interesting and apt (to an extent), and lead to some genuinely scary conclusions.
Certainly lots to consider.
Here @timothysnyder.bsky.social draws parallels between the USA now and Germany in 1938. They're interesting and apt (to an extent), and lead to some genuinely scary conclusions.
Certainly lots to consider.
The @financialtimes.com sums up financial fears on AI:
"Investors are concerned about lofty valuations and huge capital expenditure by a few large tech groups that could backfire if lossmaking AI start-ups such as OpenAI fail to deliver on their promises."
Why should you care? A thread. 🧵
[1/5]
"Investors are concerned about lofty valuations and huge capital expenditure by a few large tech groups that could backfire if lossmaking AI start-ups such as OpenAI fail to deliver on their promises."
Why should you care? A thread. 🧵
[1/5]
November 18, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The @financialtimes.com sums up financial fears on AI:
"Investors are concerned about lofty valuations and huge capital expenditure by a few large tech groups that could backfire if lossmaking AI start-ups such as OpenAI fail to deliver on their promises."
Why should you care? A thread. 🧵
[1/5]
"Investors are concerned about lofty valuations and huge capital expenditure by a few large tech groups that could backfire if lossmaking AI start-ups such as OpenAI fail to deliver on their promises."
Why should you care? A thread. 🧵
[1/5]
November 14, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The latest Missive (my blog about politics and philosophy) connects a bad 80s song with neoliberalism.
Not enough time? Here’s a TL;DR
🧵
[1/14]
Not enough time? Here’s a TL;DR
🧵
[1/14]
14. Driving Home with Hayek
....or, what does a bad 80s song have to do with neoliberal politics?
themissives.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
The latest Missive (my blog about politics and philosophy) connects a bad 80s song with neoliberalism.
Not enough time? Here’s a TL;DR
🧵
[1/14]
Not enough time? Here’s a TL;DR
🧵
[1/14]
I've been spoiling my vote since I started The Missives*.
Now, the one time I actually vote for a candidate (in Ireland's presidential election) loads of people spoil their votes.
This is a fairly resounding victory for Connolly -- but that 7%? All spoiled votes.
* my blog; see pinned post
Now, the one time I actually vote for a candidate (in Ireland's presidential election) loads of people spoil their votes.
This is a fairly resounding victory for Connolly -- but that 7%? All spoiled votes.
* my blog; see pinned post
October 25, 2025 at 4:05 PM
I've been spoiling my vote since I started The Missives*.
Now, the one time I actually vote for a candidate (in Ireland's presidential election) loads of people spoil their votes.
This is a fairly resounding victory for Connolly -- but that 7%? All spoiled votes.
* my blog; see pinned post
Now, the one time I actually vote for a candidate (in Ireland's presidential election) loads of people spoil their votes.
This is a fairly resounding victory for Connolly -- but that 7%? All spoiled votes.
* my blog; see pinned post
Reposted by Simon Gray
Politics is a tough old business. Tougher than senior hurling it seems! Ballymount Recycling Centre this afternoon. #Aras25 @electionlit.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Politics is a tough old business. Tougher than senior hurling it seems! Ballymount Recycling Centre this afternoon. #Aras25 @electionlit.bsky.social
In politics as in science, Occham's Razor holds true -- even if this excellent article challenges and then refines it:
"To paraphrase Einstein, we should try to make things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
"To paraphrase Einstein, we should try to make things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
October 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
In politics as in science, Occham's Razor holds true -- even if this excellent article challenges and then refines it:
"To paraphrase Einstein, we should try to make things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
"To paraphrase Einstein, we should try to make things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
Friedrich Hayek explains MAGA:
"Much of our occasional impetuous desire to smash the whole entangling machinery of civilisation is due to the inability of man to understand what he is doing."
"Much of our occasional impetuous desire to smash the whole entangling machinery of civilisation is due to the inability of man to understand what he is doing."
October 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Friedrich Hayek explains MAGA:
"Much of our occasional impetuous desire to smash the whole entangling machinery of civilisation is due to the inability of man to understand what he is doing."
"Much of our occasional impetuous desire to smash the whole entangling machinery of civilisation is due to the inability of man to understand what he is doing."
Reposted by Simon Gray
If this intends to make it legally compulsory for every adult in Derry to carry something called a "Brit Card", then I'm willing to offer some high-paid consultancy on why this plan might be flawed.
Every adult in Britain to require new ‘Brit Card’ ID
Every adult in Britain to require new ‘Brit Card’ ID
www.independent.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
If this intends to make it legally compulsory for every adult in Derry to carry something called a "Brit Card", then I'm willing to offer some high-paid consultancy on why this plan might be flawed.
Buckle up everybody -- we could be heading for another spot of turbulence. And get the sick bags ready.
Elon Musk just sold Grok to U.S. government for 42 cents – and signals warmer ties with Trump | Fortune
Washington is quietly handing Musk a foothold in the AI race with a licensing deal.
fortune.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Buckle up everybody -- we could be heading for another spot of turbulence. And get the sick bags ready.
Could really do with an explainer from the Reply All podcast rn. The kind that it used to make before it turned out to be toxic. 😔
As a colleague mentioned yesterday, Gamergate is one of the five most significant developments in US politics since the Cold War
September 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Could really do with an explainer from the Reply All podcast rn. The kind that it used to make before it turned out to be toxic. 😔
I do love getting old books out of the library.
Here a spiffy undergrad, circa 1980, says what they really think of Hayek's (admittedly cranky) idea for democratic representation.
Here a spiffy undergrad, circa 1980, says what they really think of Hayek's (admittedly cranky) idea for democratic representation.
September 13, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I do love getting old books out of the library.
Here a spiffy undergrad, circa 1980, says what they really think of Hayek's (admittedly cranky) idea for democratic representation.
Here a spiffy undergrad, circa 1980, says what they really think of Hayek's (admittedly cranky) idea for democratic representation.
Guys, I know we fret a lot over AI here. But sometimes we get reminders of how dumb it is. And we should laugh and worry less.
Taco Bell rethinks AI drive-through after man orders 18,000 waters. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Taco Bell rethinks AI drive-through after man orders 18,000 waters
The fast food chain is reassessing its use of the tech after a number of errors were shared widely online.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Guys, I know we fret a lot over AI here. But sometimes we get reminders of how dumb it is. And we should laugh and worry less.
A beautiful thought for nihilists:
Bees make the most wonderful honey from the nectar of fire weed -- which proliferates on ground recently cleared by flame.
#CheerfulNihilism
Bees make the most wonderful honey from the nectar of fire weed -- which proliferates on ground recently cleared by flame.
#CheerfulNihilism
Chamaenerion angustifolium - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
September 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
A beautiful thought for nihilists:
Bees make the most wonderful honey from the nectar of fire weed -- which proliferates on ground recently cleared by flame.
#CheerfulNihilism
Bees make the most wonderful honey from the nectar of fire weed -- which proliferates on ground recently cleared by flame.
#CheerfulNihilism
I gotta say I'm getting sick to the back teeth of hearing about POTUS on BlueSky. But my lord there are some funny humdingers going around tonight....
In the absence of any news to the contrary, I assume the White House press conference involves Trump slowly and shakily taking off some glasses, ordering everyone out of the room except Keitel, Krebs, and Jodl, before reminding them that Steiner's counterattack was ein Befehl.
September 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I gotta say I'm getting sick to the back teeth of hearing about POTUS on BlueSky. But my lord there are some funny humdingers going around tonight....
Reposted by Simon Gray
i'm afraid donald trump is in a classic Death Becomes Her situation. he drank isabella rosellini's eternal life potion 20 years ago but he's fallen down so many staircases that the seams holding his torso together keep melting under studio lighting conditions. he's very much alive if in total agony
September 2, 2025 at 6:50 PM
i'm afraid donald trump is in a classic Death Becomes Her situation. he drank isabella rosellini's eternal life potion 20 years ago but he's fallen down so many staircases that the seams holding his torso together keep melting under studio lighting conditions. he's very much alive if in total agony
Reposted by Simon Gray
Wicklow Wolf x Gubeen Farmhouse, Mór Bier
(6% ABV)
7/10
This “big beer” packs a punch. The marketing says it contains “aromas of dark bread, caramel and subtle dried fruit”. And yeah, you can taste most of these. I love everything Gubeen so I'm biased. This beer lives up to most of my hype.
#BeerSky
(6% ABV)
7/10
This “big beer” packs a punch. The marketing says it contains “aromas of dark bread, caramel and subtle dried fruit”. And yeah, you can taste most of these. I love everything Gubeen so I'm biased. This beer lives up to most of my hype.
#BeerSky
August 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Wicklow Wolf x Gubeen Farmhouse, Mór Bier
(6% ABV)
7/10
This “big beer” packs a punch. The marketing says it contains “aromas of dark bread, caramel and subtle dried fruit”. And yeah, you can taste most of these. I love everything Gubeen so I'm biased. This beer lives up to most of my hype.
#BeerSky
(6% ABV)
7/10
This “big beer” packs a punch. The marketing says it contains “aromas of dark bread, caramel and subtle dried fruit”. And yeah, you can taste most of these. I love everything Gubeen so I'm biased. This beer lives up to most of my hype.
#BeerSky