The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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My favourite genre of television is best described as “kind people who are very capable at their jobs engaged in a gentle, affirming competition”

Sarah Bessey's Field Notes • 1257 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Conference
  1. The author's favorite genre of television involves kind and capable individuals in a gentle competition.
  2. The post shares autumn favorites such as movies, music, recipes, and more.
  3. The author discusses the upcoming Evolving Faith conference, highlighting the sense of community and growth it offers.
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Play is the only way (paradise theory)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Religion Literature History
  1. Life is filled with problems and solutions, and we can't reach a perfect paradise. Instead of longing for a utopia, we should focus on gradual progress and the joy of play.
  2. Engaging in arts, games, and community projects can inspire people and unite them for a common purpose. It's about creating shared experiences that are meaningful and uplifting.
  3. True paradise isn't just an escape from work but involves embracing play and creativity. To achieve a deeper, fulfilling life, we must be willing to risk and sacrifice for our dreams and values.

Your Interesting Friend

Culture Study • 1872 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Socialization Community Personal Stories
  1. It's valuable to look closely at our friendships, especially those with unexpected people. You might find deeper connections than you thought.
  2. Some of the best friendships can come from surprising places, like people we don’t usually connect with. These relationships can teach us a lot.
  3. Exploring what makes friends interesting can help us understand ourselves and others better. It's a fun exercise to share these stories.

Ruby Thelot: A Cyberarchaeology of Checkpoints

Do Not Research • 319 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Online Culture Community Archiving Internet culture
  1. The book 'A Cyberarchaeology of Checkpoints' by Ruby Thelot delves into the vanished online community of 'Checkpoints,' which were personal life updates shared in a now-deleted YouTube video's comments section.
  2. While the original video was removed, a user named Rebane2001 meticulously archived the 'Checkpoints,' preserving a decade of human experiences and emotions captured in these digital narratives.
  3. The book not only contains the archived 'Checkpoints' but also includes a reflective essay on their cultural significance, an interview with Rebane2001, and an exploration of digital memory in the modern era, challenging readers to consider what remains of our digital footprint.

My Upcoming Events And Potential Meetups, Western U.S. Edition

Singal-Minded • 58 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Live Events Meetups Speaking Tours Ticketing Community
  1. Two ticketed live events are scheduled. One is Jan 18 in Austin with several guest writers, and the other is Feb 16 in San Francisco with Helen Lewis.
  2. There may also be two West Coast meetups planned that would be limited to primo-only subscribers, but those plans are tentative.
  3. More content is coming soon, and people can either read a free post or buy a paid subscription and tickets to attend the events.

Should Your Husband Tie Your Shoes?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 626 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social Trends Feminism Relationships Dating Media Critique
  1. The term 'princess treatment' refers to traditional acts of chivalry like opening doors and giving flowers, which some young women are celebrating today. It's basically a fun way to rebrand old-school dating manners.
  2. Social media has sparked a lot of controversy around this concept, with some people praising it while others criticize it as outdated or even harmful. The discussions are often exaggerated to get more attention online.
  3. A TikToker named Courtney Palmer has taken this trend further by promoting extreme ideas of 'princess treatment,' like refusing to walk in the rain or even talk to restaurant staff. This has led to a big backlash and more debate in the media.

Extreme Pain, Extreme Joy

Culture Study • 2090 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Documentary Photography Women's Health Storytelling
  1. Photographer Maggie Shannon explores women's health, focusing on childbirth and midwifery, to share stories often left untold. She wants to reveal the care and love that happen during this crucial time.
  2. Shannon emphasizes the importance of consent and building relationships with her subjects. She believes that creating trust leads to better, more authentic photographs.
  3. Her work captures the complex emotions surrounding childbirth, showing both the pain and joy involved. Shannon aims to highlight the gray areas of these experiences, rather than just viewing them in black and white.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology History Society Religion Economics
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture History Literature Art Design Philosophy
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

Seattle's First Map

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 379 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Local history Urban Studies Cartography Cultural Identity
  1. Seattle's first map, drawn in 1856, shows a small area with just a few buildings and the beginnings of the town. The map reflects a very early time in Seattle's history.
  2. Many of the original settlers were optimistic about the city's growth, even though they faced challenges like dense forests and high tides that isolated their settlement.
  3. The early vision for Seattle was a bustling city with straight streets and large homes, but over time, much of the natural landscape changed and was transformed for business.

Greece in the eyes of the xenos

The Greek Analyst • 239 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Food Videos Art History
  1. Greece is a popular destination for foreigners, attracting expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more, who share their experiences in the country
  2. Major areas of interest for foreigners in Greece include Athens, Greek islands, and villages, each offering unique experiences
  3. Foreigners in Greece appreciate the sunny weather, outdoor activities, friendliness of locals, and delicious food, but also highlight issues like language barrier, bureaucracy, and pollution

New Beginnings

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Spirituality Identity Resilience Community Personal Growth
  1. It's important to keep trying even when things get tough. Just like running after a break, persistence makes the journey worthwhile.
  2. Community support can really help us through hard times. Finding caring people can encourage us to explore our feelings about faith and identity.
  3. Reflecting on past experiences, like family and culture, can be healing. It reminds us of our roots and the things we cherish, even when faced with conflicts.

The Only Cure For Internet Poisoning

Reactionary Feminist • 26 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Technology Philosophy Religion History Literature Education
  1. Relying on AI and constant internet access risks a "Great Forgetting" by outsourcing memory and the mental habits needed to think deeply, letting key cognitive faculties wither.
  2. Medieval mnemonic practices and the idea of a tactile, inner "wax tablet" show that deliberate, embodied memorization shapes how we form and hold ideas.
  3. The antidote to internet poisoning is intentional cultivation of non-digital memory—through memorization, meditation, prayer, and other ars memoriae techniques—to rebuild inner resources and preserve cultural thought.

Mid Women Got Spanked Less (pt1)

Knowingless • 1931 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Gender Studies Family Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.

Why Handwritten Letters Are 'The Most Significant Memorial' You Can Leave Behind

The Profile • 832 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Profiles Journaling Entrepreneurs
  1. The Profile newsletter features stories of interesting individuals like the Chipotle founder and a billionaire with unique backgrounds.
  2. The act of writing letters and journaling can be a powerful way to preserve memories and communicate thoughts for the future.
  3. Handwritten letters have a unique human touch that technology cannot fully replicate, making them significant memorials in today's digital age.

An Exquisite Panorama of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2103 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Sports Podcasts Literature Art
  1. The author discusses women's sports and gender issues in a recent podcast episode, offering a unique perspective compared to mainstream media.
  2. They are taking a break for a cycling trip but have gathered some recommended readings to share, focusing on topics outside of politics.
  3. Paid subscribers can access additional content and discussions each week, which includes in-depth threads and personal insights.

Is the Savoy *Really* the Only Place you Must Drive on the Right?

Londonist: Time Machine • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture History Architecture Geography Travel
  1. Savoy Court in London is not the only place where you must drive on the right; there are other examples like bus stations, car parks, and public roads with reversed layouts.
  2. The Savoy Court's unique right-hand drive rule was established in 1902, but similar scenarios can be found elsewhere, challenging its exclusivity.
  3. Examples exist of public roads with unconventional driving directions, such as the Tottenham Hale gyratory system and minor roads like the one in Twickenham.

The NPC Question 4: I Have No Mind and I Must Think

Egg Report • 1238 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Technology Behavior Communication Identity
  1. The concept of 'NPC' explores a reported lack of internal monologue and the impact of social media on cognition and thinking processes.
  2. Engaging in social media performances like recording oneself and seeking validation may lead to weakening internal reflection and dependence on external validation.
  3. The use of smartphones and social media can contribute to a sense of brain damage, hindering genuine self-expression and promoting a cycle of self-performance and externalized thinking.

Here Come the Allodidacts

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1451 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Reading Education Philosophy Community Literature
  1. Reading can be lonely, but sharing the experience with others makes it richer and more meaningful. It opens up opportunities for deep conversations and connections.
  2. Deep reading focuses on truly engaging with texts, often through discussions and activities that enhance understanding. It's not just about reading a lot, but about understanding and connecting with what you're reading.
  3. Creating spaces for people to read together can revitalize the love for reading and learning. These environments help break away from distractions and allow for serious contemplation and growth.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Literature Philosophy Society Arts
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

Men's Hotness Scale

Knowingless • 1742 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Beauty Standards Gender Studies Social Trends Body Image
  1. A study was conducted to rate men's attractiveness based on women's opinions. Similar to a previous study on women, the results were surprising and showed that women's tastes can differ from the male perspective.
  2. The survey involved around 260 images of men’s faces, mostly AI-generated, rated by approximately 100 women. The results revealed that women often rated men's attractiveness lower than men rated women's.
  3. The highest rating for a man was 7.8 out of 10, while the highest for women was 8.4 out of 10. This suggests that women might take personality into account more than men do when judging attractiveness.

Festooning Ferns

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Literature Architecture Botany
  1. The Stone Bridge, built in the 1930s, is a beautiful example of WPA architecture that blends with the natural landscape. It's made from local sandstone and has striking arches that enhance its charm.
  2. Licorice ferns are unique plants that grow on trees and bridges, adding to the natural beauty around us. They were also used by Indigenous peoples for their sweet flavor and medicinal properties.
  3. In the Pacific Northwest, many plants thrive in the moist climate, often found decorating trees and structures. This shows how nature can adapt and flourish in urban settings.

Richard Dawkins and the British genius

Wrong Side of History • 769 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Religion Philosophy Literature Science History
  1. Richard Dawkins is a leading figure in making complex scientific ideas understandable to everyone. His work, especially 'The Selfish Gene,' has changed how people think about evolution and behavior.
  2. Dawkins has a strong belief in science as a way to better understand the world, often expressing skepticism towards religion. He sees a conflict between scientific thinking and certain ideologies, especially those he believes contradict basic biological truths.
  3. His views about religion, particularly Islam, have made him a controversial figure. While he values open inquiry and skepticism, critics say he can be harsh and dismissive, showing how discussions about belief can be very divisive.

What's got my attention this week #35

The Shift With Sam Baker • 619 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts TV & Film Music Fashion
  1. The newsletter highlights interesting links, recommendations, and topics worth exploring throughout the week.
  2. Readers can find valuable insights on determining personal value, relatable life questions, and thought-provoking articles.
  3. The post includes diverse content recommendations like books, podcasts, and TV shows for entertainment and personal growth.

They should make a new sequel to Jaws. Here is my pitch.

Good Faith • 1218 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Hollywood often relies on sequels and reboots because audiences respond well to familiar IPs.
  2. Legacy sequels need to balance being familiar yet fresh to captivate viewers.
  3. A potential 'Jaws' sequel should focus on a new storyline with a shark, realistic characters, and avoid elements like a vengeful shark.