The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Look away from the pit

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Fashion
  1. It's important to avoid doomscrolling and focus on positive aspects of life instead. Looking away from the negativity can help you maintain a better mindset.
  2. Starting a mailing list can be a great way to connect with others and share your thoughts. It's a simple but effective way to keep in touch and build a community.
  3. Showing your kids who you are is valuable. Sharing your experiences and passions with them helps strengthen your bond and teaches them about your life.

Five Weird Ways To Enjoy Witching Week

Everything Is Amazing • 1289 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Learning
  1. Embrace the liminal period of Witching Week between Christmas and New Year to explore novel and whimsical activities.
  2. Challenge yourself by trying new things like walking home instead of using public transport, or taking daily rituals outside for a change of perspective.
  3. Declutter your space and teach something you love to someone else to broaden your horizons and deepen understanding.

Embrace bewilderment

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Art Comics Literature Parenting Philosophy Media
  1. It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
  2. Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
  3. Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

Seismic Swift

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Geology Stadiums Environmental awareness
  1. Fans at Taylor Swift's concerts created a lot of excitement, enough to be measured like small earthquakes. The energy from the cheers and stomping was similar to a magnitude 2.3 quake.
  2. Seattle has had a history of measuring events that cause seismic activity, like sports games and even the demolition of the Kingdome. Big crowds can shake the ground just like natural earthquakes.
  3. Understanding the geology of Seattle is important, as it helps people connect with their environment. Events like concerts can spark interest in learning more about the earth beneath our feet.
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All art isn't political

Thoughts on Writing • 439 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Education Politics
  1. Art education is being influenced by former politicians pushing specific agendas onto creative realms.
  2. The focus on purpose-driven art can limit creativity and innovation by narrowing the scope of artistic expression.
  3. Creativity thrives when approached with an open mindset, allowing for exploration, unexpected detours, and connection beyond politics.

The Eristics Test: The Scariest Personality Quiz You'll Ever Take

normality’s Substack • 17 HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Self-Improvement Emotions
  1. The Eristics Test is a unique personality quiz that helps you understand your emotions and archetype based on your responses. It asks you 16 sharp questions designed to tap into your feelings.
  2. This test categorizes emotions into six basic types and combines them to form complex emotions, resulting in nine distinct personality archetypes. Each archetype highlights different emotional strengths and responses.
  3. Taking the test may help you discover and address inner conflicts or traits you weren't aware of, potentially leading to personal growth and positive change.

5 tips for how to have great conversations!!!

Thicket Forte • 1538 implied HN points • 16 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Communication Human behavior Social Interaction Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence
  1. Look people in the eyes when you talk to them. This helps you connect and can make the conversation feel warmer.
  2. If you want to have a real conversation, listen and engage with the person. It's important to be present and pay attention to their feelings and body language.
  3. Having great conversations can lead to amazing connections. It’s all about sharing, understanding, and feeling like you belong with others.

What the Hell Is Going On With Donna Briggs?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Social media Personal narrative Trends Transformation
  1. There's a viral figure named Donna Briggs who has sparked conversations about identity and transformation on social media. People are curious about her story and the changes she's undergone.
  2. The concept of 'transracialism' is discussed, suggesting that there may be deeper reasons behind why some individuals feel they belong to a different race than the one they were born into.
  3. Personal anecdotes reveal a sense of nostalgia and longing for past experiences and emotions, highlighting how life can change as we grow older.

New Normal

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Social Commentary Pop culture Psychology Identity politics
  1. Many people feel like they're living in a controlled and unnatural environment, similar to the film 'The Stepford Wives.' It's unsettling to interact with others who seem robotic and detached.
  2. Experiences in public spaces have changed significantly, making everyday interactions more uncomfortable than they used to be. People often follow strict rules that create a sense of isolation.
  3. There’s a growing divide in the U.S., with some areas feeling more 'normal' while others seem to embrace a strange new reality. Many are sensing a loss of genuine human connection.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Religion Politics Social Issues Feminism
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

if not, Paris • 294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Ideology Identity Politics
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.

Update, Links, and the Future: March 2023

Anarchonomicon • 294 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Anime Music Literature Art Social media
  1. The author has experienced significant growth in their online presence and newsletter subscribers, with plans to make it a full-time job.
  2. There are upcoming articles focusing on historical cycles and geopolitics, with the need to reframe and divide content.
  3. The author discusses topics like the decline of literature due to academia, challenges faced in writing, and the dominance of certain tabletop RPGs in different markets.

Memory Trains

lettersonbeing • 294 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Childhood Nostalgia Music
  1. The author reminisces about childhood memories associated with the sounds of trains
  2. Solitude is embraced and valued by the author as a warm blanket of safety
  3. The sounds of passing trains were a comforting part of the author's childhood environment

A heartwarming work of staggering performativity

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 294 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Relationships Gender Writing Social media
  1. Discussions around tipping behaviors and husband discourse often resurface periodically on social media.
  2. Many women share stories of seemingly perfect relationships with supportive partners to showcase their personal and professional success.
  3. Public narratives of idealized relationships may not always reflect the true complexities and challenges faced by individuals in real life.

NEW CULTURE

Less Foolish • 294 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Wokeness Leisure Philosophy Community
  1. Hipsters were once seen as a counterculture but were later viewed as pretentious and vacuous, signaling the end of Western civilization.
  2. The rise of 'woke' culture, with its focus on social justice, led to a backlash and fatigue, prompting the search for a new culture beyond cancel culture.
  3. Leisure is seen as crucial for the emergence of a new culture, encouraging creativity, philosophical inquiry, and the formation of communal practices.

Is there a 'Godzilla' of 9/11? Part Two

Read Max • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Superheroes Cinema
  1. The categories of '9/11 movies' include literal 9/11 movies, alien invasion movies, superhero movies, and '90s movies that relate to 9/11.
  2. Movies like 'War of the Worlds' and 'Cloverfield' are strong candidates for representing the 9/11 experience through alien invasion stand-ins.
  3. Superhero movies, like those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have deeply incorporated themes related to 9/11 and its aftermath.

Crowd

Venture Prose • 299 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Social Interactions Entrepreneurship
  1. The author finds large gatherings exhausting and prefers solitude, as they feel overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
  2. They describe themselves as direct, intense, and easily bored, with a strong passion for working with entrepreneurs and hearing their stories.
  3. Despite struggling with social situations, the author thrives when engaging with individuals who deeply share their passions and beliefs, especially entrepreneurs.

What's got my attention this week #26

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Writing History Caregiving
  1. Tracy Chapman recently became the first black artist to win a CMA Award for Fast Car.
  2. Various thought-provoking topics were touched upon, like compost's hidden treasures and the challenges writers face in making a living.
  3. The post highlights a range of interesting articles, from a profile of Lauren Sánchez to Robbie Williams advocating for taking 'manopause' seriously.

Issue 07 – A Holiday Wrap Up

Unbox Inbox • 198 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Design Literature Food & Drink Books Music
  1. The post discusses the art of gift wrapping, showcasing unique and creative wrapping paper designs suitable for all occasions.
  2. The author shares the best books they read in the year, highlighting diverse genres and providing personal insights and recommendations.
  3. The post includes a festive section with various holiday-related inspirations, from Austrian holiday cards to peppermint bark chocolate bars, contributing to the holiday spirit.

The World's Most Dangerous Toy Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Toys Hobbies Childhood Nostalgia Play
  1. The Cox E-Z Flyer was a very exciting yet dangerous toy that required two people to operate safely. One person would start the plane while the other controlled it as it flew in circles.
  2. Many kids thought they could perform tricks with the plane, but this often led to crashes instead of successful flights. Ignoring safe practices usually resulted in broken planes and unhappy flyers.
  3. Although it was popular among hobbyists, the Cox E-Z Flyer was not made for kids and ended up causing more trouble than fun. It’s a reminder that some toys can be more dangerous than they seem.

Laughing at the Lowlifes: A Missing Piece in Explaining Online Radicalism”

House of Strauss • 44 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Internet Politics Media Youth
  1. Online figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate attract young men partly because they're funny, even if their messages are harmful. Humor can make serious topics easier to engage with.
  2. People often struggle to admit that someone they dislike can be entertaining. It’s easy to overlook the funnier aspects of a person's personality when focused on their negative ideas.
  3. Shock value plays a big role in why these figures gain audiences. Many find the outrageous or unexpected things they say amusing, even if they don’t agree with their views.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music History Photography Theater
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

My COVID diaries

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Comics Health
  1. Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
  2. During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 325 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Fashion Food
  1. Reading can be a way to challenge your thinking, especially about complex topics like divorce. It's interesting to explore new perspectives on familiar issues.
  2. Winter can feel long and tiresome for many, making people eager for spring. Sharing feelings about the season can connect us with others experiencing the same.
  3. Consuming various types of content can enhance our understanding of the world. It's a great way to discover diverse ideas and spark conversations.

⤴✊ The techno-optimism of a 1970s Black Power activist and poet

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Activism Poetry History Society
  1. Nikki Giovanni was a prominent poet and activist known for her strong views on race and social justice. She wrote about significant issues such as politics and love with a unique voice.
  2. Her work was influenced by the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, making her a key figure in the Black Arts Movement. This helped her gain recognition as the 'Poet of the Black Revolution.'
  3. Giovanni's perspective encouraged a sense of optimism and hope in the 1970s, contrasting with some of today's social justice narratives which may feel more negative.

in the belly of the MrBeast

Never Met a Science • 394 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Entertainment Influencers Content creation
  1. MrBeast focuses on making videos that work specifically for YouTube. He believes that success comes from understanding the platform and its audience, rather than traditional video-making skills.
  2. His success relies on a deep study of metrics like viewer engagement. The more people watch a video, the better it does, which is crucial for growing his channel.
  3. MrBeast aims to stay true to himself while being highly responsive to audience feedback. His content is shaped by what viewers want, blurring the lines between creator and audience.

The "MurderBot" Apple TV Adaptation Is a Win...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Television Media Adaptation Science fiction
  1. The 'MurderBot' adaptation on Apple TV is getting great reviews for capturing the essence of its original character. People are excited to see a relatable robot with real feelings and challenges.
  2. The cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård as the lead, is praised for their performances. They bring depth to the characters, making viewers feel connected to them right away.
  3. The show is noted for its humor and heart, appealing to both fans of the books and new viewers. It's a unique take on science fiction that mixes action with emotional storytelling.

Community Sensemaking Session

The Bigger Picture • 79 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Community Sensemaking Event
  1. The community sensemaking session will take place on April 24th, providing an opportunity to explore live cultural or political topics.
  2. Techniques on Embodied Sensemaking will be shared during the session.
  3. Attendees can connect with like-minded people and deepen their understanding through the session.

Mental Bloating: Why “Good” Information is Drowning Us

A Generalist newsletter • 20 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Digital Life Media Consumption Attention Economy Reading Culture
  1. Even high-quality, well-curated content can overwhelm your mind if you try to consume it all, causing mental bloating and loss of clarity.
  2. Set firm boundaries with simple habits—turn off nonessential notifications, batch email and social checks, use a simpler phone at night, and prefer physical tools—to reclaim headspace and enable deep focus.
  3. Keep limited, deliberate access to platforms for serendipity and opportunity; visit the river of information selectively so you benefit from chance encounters without being drowned by constant consumption.