The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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On the responsibility of size

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1641 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Behavior Human Interaction Ethics
  1. People can have different perceptions of a person based on their size. For example, a large person might be considered intimidating, even if they are friendly.
  2. This awareness of how others view them can be a burden and a blessing for someone who is large. They may adjust their behavior to avoid scaring people.
  3. If someone who is usually small suddenly became large, they might act differently, feeling more confident in using their size. However, that could lead to negative consequences if they don't understand the responsibilities that come with it.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Religion Philosophy Human Rights
  1. Being different is an important part of identity, especially for Jewish people who often face challenges for their uniqueness. Simple acts of difference, like cultural practices, shape lives significantly.
  2. Simon Rawidowicz emphasized the importance of 'the freedom to be different' as crucial for preserving other freedoms. He believed that being able to be oneself is necessary for all other rights.
  3. He felt that Franklin D. Roosevelt's list of freedoms was missing this Fifth Freedom, which is vital to ensure that people can live authentically and with dignity.

Rob Reiner: Between laughter and tears

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 112 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film Interviews Biography Nostalgia Entertainment Classics
  1. Great stories mix laughter and tears so they feel like real life, and giving audiences moments of humor provides needed release.
  2. Personal pain and family dynamics can be turned into creative work, and finding your own path—especially in the shadow of a famous parent—is a hard but meaningful journey.
  3. A beloved film can become part of people’s lives across generations, inspiring names, tattoos, and new fans who keep its legacy alive.
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Has My Social Media Addiction Sadly Caused Me To Pathetically Overuse Adverbs?

Singal-Minded • 623 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Mental health Personal Development Lifestyle
  1. Social media can negatively affect mental health, making people more anxious and less focused. It's important to be aware of how it can influence daily life.
  2. Adverbs are often overused in writing, which can weaken the message. Effective writing should focus on strong nouns and verbs instead.
  3. Longform writing differs from social media posts because it requires more thought and pacing. Readers expect a gradual unfolding of ideas rather than quick, flashy statements.

A nuanced view of rape

Sex and the State • 24 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Trauma Social norms Public Discourse
  1. Some people notice they hear about more rapes than others and wonder whether it's because of who they meet or because people choose to tell them more often.
  2. Disclosures can come from people of any gender — men, women, and nonbinary folks — not just one group.
  3. Having a nuanced, empathetic view of rape may make others more likely to confide in you about their experiences.

The Anti-Airbnb-Space

Culture Study • 5104 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Design Aesthetics Hospitality Trends Personalization
  1. The concept of 'airspace' refers to a trendy design style popular in the past but now considered outdated and replaced by more unique and diverse aesthetics.
  2. The rise of Airbnb has led to a shift in the hospitality industry towards standardized, 'cool' interiors, sometimes at the expense of personal touch and uniqueness in spaces.
  3. Creating a truly comfortable and inviting space goes beyond trendy decor and requires a personal touch that reflects individuality and a sense of being lived in.

The World Series of Poker Starts Tomorrow

Matt’s Five Points • 219 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🎭️ Culture Gambling Games Sports Entertainment Leisure
  1. Poker isn't just a card game; it's a gambling game that really depends on money decisions. Unlike other card games, poker's fun mostly comes from the stakes involved, not the actual cards.
  2. No-Limit Hold'em is super popular but not ideal for casual games. It's better to play games with betting limits to keep it fun and relaxed among friends.
  3. The poker scene has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Players today have access to sophisticated strategies and tools, making the competition tougher and more global than ever.

Going through the motions

Austin Kleon • 2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Nature
  1. Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
  2. Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
  3. Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.

Hand-Holding Explained

Bet On It • 166 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Dating Gender Social norms Mental health Identity Community
  1. Asking directly to hold hands is clear, respectful, and consensual, and it stops days of anxious guessing by turning uncertainty into a simple yes or no.
  2. Hand-holding is an intimate but non‑sexual gesture that feels safe and gentle, making it a useful first step for people who are shy, healing, or anxious about dating.
  3. Many analytical or neurodivergent men need concrete, low‑pressure social tools like this to rebuild confidence and appear more grounded and likable in real human interactions.

The 20th Century Is the Only Century

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 570 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art History Performing Arts Media
  1. The 20th century feels like the only real century for many people because of the cultural moments and media it produced. It was a time when creativity thrived and set the stage for everything that followed.
  2. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. and Little Richard showed the power of identity and performance in music. They navigated their careers through cultural shifts, either evolving or holding on to their roots.
  3. Michael Jackson represents a blend of past influences and new forms of expression. His legacy is complex, revealing how artists can be both celebrated and misunderstood in their lifetimes.

“To embrace the whole sky with the mind”

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art History Environment Philosophy
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Games Media Literature
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.

A great Florentine-Renaissance alternate history, two Prince-inspired masterpiece albums, and a strange and spooky Terence Stamp phantasmagoria

Read Max • 474 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film History
  1. There's a cool mystery-thriller set in a different version of Renaissance Florence, which blends art and intrigue.
  2. A short horror film featuring Terence Stamp and a beautiful Ferrari offers a spooky experience worth checking out.
  3. Two new albums inspired by Prince showcase his lasting influence and are a must-listen for fans of his music.

Who did you expect to be?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Self-reflection Personal Growth Life choices
  1. Many people find they are different from who they thought they would be when they grew up. It's common to reflect on this as we age.
  2. Mornings can bring a fresh perspective and clarity about our lives and choices. Sometimes, thoughts come to us clearly before we get distracted.
  3. It can be surprising to realize we might have become the person we would have previously judged or disliked. This can lead to interesting self-reflection.

Six Hours in Line

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Personal Essay Memoir Family Pandemic Grief Health
  1. Lockdown pulled a family tightly together, turning small rituals like long walks, scavenger-hunt bears, and backyard celebrations into deeply meaningful moments.
  2. Decisions about Covid vaccination were shaped by different health risks and fears—some accepted the shots for protection while one household member had a severe reaction after the second dose.
  3. The sudden death of a young family member with chronic heart defects brought lasting grief and survivor’s guilt, making ordinary shared moments (like six hours standing in line) into treasured memories, and whether the vaccine played a role remains unknown.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 715 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Social Trends Food Lifestyle
  1. Reading can take you on unexpected journeys, like one person's experience of trying to quit sugar. It's relatable and thought-provoking.
  2. Social media reactions, like those during a big event, can create a shared experience that feels special and memorable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared interests or stories, whether online or offline, can enhance your life in meaningful ways.

Low Stakes Thread: Parasocial Pet Relationships

Culture Study • 1513 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Pets Social media Lifestyle Community
  1. People can have strong feelings for pets or animals they see regularly, even if they don't own them. It's nice to name them and feel connected to them, like calling a horse you see often by a special name.
  2. These relationships with animals can bring joy and comfort without much risk or commitment. They can make our daily routines feel more special and personal.
  3. Parasocial pet relationships highlight how we can connect emotionally with animals, just like we do with people, even if it's from a distance. It's a fun way to share experiences and stories about our furry friends.

The reality crisis

Archedelia • 1277 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Society Self-governance Authoritarianism
  1. There is a focus on self-governance in philosophical inquiry and reclaiming reality.
  2. The concept of the situated self adapting to external reality versus the atomized self reshaping the world to fit itself.
  3. The rise of an inward-oriented liberal self leading to a loss of self-government, reliance on experts, and a potential path towards totalistic technocracy.

5 Quick Things #299 🏛

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History Education
  1. The Roman Empire has a lasting impact on modern Western civilization and there are parallels to our current situation.
  2. Always be learning from history, science, or philosophy with the resources available today.
  3. Focus on true self-care, genuine work, and the importance of education for personal growth.

Confessions of a Highly Insensitive Person

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Economy Media Identity
  1. Many people feel special because they have mental health labels, but this can lead to misunderstandings about what they're really experiencing. It's important to recognize that not all feelings need a diagnosis.
  2. Some people believe expressing struggles is good, but it can be hard to balance that with the need to stay grounded. Everyone's journey with their own issues is different and valid.
  3. Criticism often comes when discussing mental health and how it's talked about in society. Engaging in these conversations can stir strong reactions from others, highlighting a divide in perspectives.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 611 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Food Media
  1. Reading about the experiences of others can bring strong emotions to the surface, especially when it relates to identity and culture.
  2. Social media can make us question our own traits, like being hypermobile, which might not apply to everyone.
  3. Engaging with different forms of storytelling, like essays and articles, helps us connect with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Productive procrastination

Austin Kleon • 2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Design Music Writing
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Dominic Scalise

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Lifestyle Entertainment
  1. Being intentional about what media you consume can help you enjoy it more. Switching to an iPad Mini for reading apps made a big difference.
  2. Watching YouTube can be fun, especially for product, car reviews, and live music. It’s important to give feedback to the apps to avoid unwanted content.
  3. Reading books can offer new perspectives and laughs. It's nice to create a cozy reading environment, like a comfy chair and coffee in the mornings.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Philosophy History
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

Taylor Swift, AI cults and the pain of the personal brand

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 638 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Music Social media Entertainment Television
  1. Modern living rooms heavily feature large TV screens, but there's a rising trend towards hidden technology, like TVs that blend into backgrounds.
  2. There's a significant shift towards concealing technology in everyday objects, like smart speakers disguised as lamps or laptops made to look like books.
  3. Personal screens have become an integral part of daily life, but there's a growing desire to minimize their visibility, especially accentuated during the pandemic.

A strange, singular, funny American tale; an extremely cool gangster flick; and more

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Books Film Music Humor Art
  1. There's a funny and touching story that mixes passion and conflict, like something from famous authors Charles Portis and John Kennedy Toole.
  2. A new book explores language and L.L.M.s, alongside essays about A.I., labor, and changes in the literary world.
  3. There's a really cool Hong Kong gangster movie to check out, plus four great music tracks that I’ve been enjoying.

Modern heists, Wikipedia porn and bygone tickets

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 658 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Music Media Writing Internet
  1. Forcing ourselves to be constantly engaged with podcasts and media might be hindering our ability to have independent thoughts.
  2. Our constant consumption of content may lead to a passive existence where we are not actively choosing what we listen to, limiting our experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the impact of modern technologies like QR codes in theaters can help us appreciate the changes in our daily interactions and the loss of physical records.

Abjection Doesn't Scale

Sucks to Suck • 1257 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Mental health Self-Acceptance Community Dynamics
  1. Support scenes often dilute and struggle to represent the true complexities of the issues they're meant to address.
  2. In large groups or communities, the dynamics tend to favor normalcy and popularity, leaving outliers feeling excluded.
  3. Personal acceptance and understanding of one's flaws can be more valuable than seeking validation or belonging in external groups.