That Damn Optimist

An optimist’s take on tech, humans and personal-growth. And a little bit of hip-hop too.

The hottest Substack posts of That Damn Optimist

And their main takeaways
146 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 25
  1. Drivers who rated their experiences positively often didn't see problems as a big deal. They focused more on the good aspects of driving, which helped improve their overall happiness.
  2. Building healthy relationships and having a sense of purpose were important for many drivers. They often mentioned doing their job for their families or to support side projects they loved.
  3. Shifting focus from personal problems to being curious about others can help reduce feelings of unhappiness. Engaging with others can remind us that our own problems might not be as significant.
29 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
  1. The conference was huge, with around 50,000 people attending, making it a bustling environment with a lot to navigate. It was easy to get lost while trying to find my way among oncologists, researchers, and exhibitors.
  2. Pharmaceutical companies had a huge presence, advertising their products everywhere and showcasing impressive booths. This made it hard to separate scientific information from marketing, but the food and snacks provided became a fun topic of conversation.
  3. The talks were really informative and focused on new scientific advancements, which was refreshing. Presenters openly discussed the limitations of their studies, making the discussions feel more honest and engaging compared to other conferences.
146 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 23
  1. It's a challenging time to be Israeli and Ukrainian, receiving concerned messages from different parts of the world.
  2. The author reflects on feeling guilty for not experiencing more emotions about the conflicts in their homelands.
  3. The numbness towards suffering may be a defense mechanism but also a loss of connection to the pain and love embedded in their history.
204 implied HN points β€’ 09 May 23
  1. The author reflects on the significance of Victory Day for their family, especially their grandpa who fought in the war.
  2. There is a complex mix of emotions around celebrating Victory Day due to current political events involving Russia and Ukraine.
  3. Honoring the memory of those who sacrificed and understanding the individual stories behind the mass tragedy of war is important.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity: