Everything Is Amazing

Everything Is Amazing is a newsletter exploring curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery in various contexts. It encourages asking better questions to enhance learning and experience. Topics range from personal development tips, social media strategies, and the importance of in-person interactions to the reliability of Wikipedia, space exploration, and the impact of natural phenomena.

Personal Development Social Media Communication Knowledge Sharing Space Exploration Geography Environmental Science Cultural Studies Memory Science and Technology Art and Literature Urban Planning Geology Perception Science Fiction Creativity

The hottest Substack posts of Everything Is Amazing

And their main takeaways

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Life Advice Self-care Personal Growth Community support
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.

It's Only Ice (Like Nothing You've Ever Seen)

1697 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🔬 Science Oceanography Climate Microbiology Atmospheric science
  1. Ice flowers are unique formations in the Arctic created by a process called sublimation, where water vapor turns directly into ice. They can actually support microbes even though they are very salty.
  2. Hair ice is another strange phenomenon that resembles frozen hair, formed by a fungus that stabilizes thin strands of ice. This shows how nature can create artistic ice structures.
  3. Pykrete is a mix of ice and sawdust proposed as a material for building a large aircraft carrier during World War II. Although interesting, it was deemed impractical because it required constant cold temperatures to maintain its structure.

Thanks But I'll Walk, Scotty

1031 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Cognitive Science Research Methods
  1. Animals, like wild mice and rats, have been observed using wheels just for fun, without any obvious benefit. This suggests that play and enjoyment are important to all creatures, not just humans.
  2. Our brains can be easily tricked by illusions like pareidolia, where we see faces in random objects. This highlights how our perception can change quickly based on how we look at things.
  3. Having fun should be a priority in how we interact with each other. Embracing joy can improve our lives and connections, just like it does for animals.

The Balloon That Wouldn't Come Down

1887 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🔬 Science Earth Science Exploration Human biology Meteorology
  1. In 1862, two balloonists faced a terrifying situation when their balloon wouldn't come down, and they were rising to dangerous altitudes. They had to work hard to figure out how to descend safely without the proper equipment.
  2. Early ballooning was risky, but the people doing it were often well-prepared and knowledgeable. Their courage and resourcefulness in the face of danger helped advance the field of aeronautics.
  3. Even today, the sky is both common and mysterious to us. It's a reminder of how our atmosphere keeps us alive, and we should be curious about the science behind it.

For Christmas I Got Myself A Brand New Phobia

2756 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
😂 Humor Personal Stories Anxiety Travel experiences Life lessons
  1. Panic attacks can happen to anyone, even those who usually stay calm. It's surprising when something so unexpected hits us.
  2. A fear of flying is common and can be irrational, affecting many people. Even knowing that flying is statistically safe doesn't always help.
  3. Dealing with unexpected situations, like travel mishaps, can be tough, but it can also present an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences.
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Twice Brewed, For No Damn Reason

1710 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Cultural Nature Personal experiences
  1. Trying new things without a specific reason can lead to unexpected joy and wonder. It's about being curious and open to surprises.
  2. Experiences like seeing a camera obscura in your own home can make science feel fun and magical. It shows how everyday life can be full of surprises.
  3. The story of the village 'Twice Brewed' disappearing from maps highlights how things can change in unexpected ways. It reminds us to seize opportunities before they're gone.

Why Everywhere We Look, There We Are

1547 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Human behavior Cognitive Science Social Responsibility Environmental Issues Storytelling
  1. People often see faces and familiar patterns in everyday things. This strange trick our brain plays is called pareidolia, and it shows how we connect what we see to ourselves.
  2. Our attachment to objects, like clothing or old gear, can be sentimental. This affection helps us care more about the environment and encourages us to repair instead of throw away.
  3. Understanding our cognitive biases, like pareidolia, can help us be more curious and appreciate the world around us. If we learn to see ourselves in everything, we might treat it all with more care.

Hooked On A Feeling

923 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Storytelling Literature Creativity Emotions
  1. Good writing should make readers feel something. When words connect with the senses, it creates a deeper experience, almost making them live the moment.
  2. Felt writing is more impactful because it uses vivid details to evoke memories and emotions. This helps the reader connect with the story and remember it better.
  3. Mastering felt writing can help you communicate more effectively. It's about picking the right details to engage readers quickly and make every word count.

I Promise I Am Not Trying To Distract You Today

1140 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Anxiety Coping Advice
  1. It's important to stay grounded during stressful times, like election season. Focus on small, manageable actions rather than getting overwhelmed by everything around you.
  2. Taking care of basic needs, like drinking enough water, can help reduce anxiety. Don't underestimate the power of staying hydrated.
  3. Instead of getting lost in distractions, try to engage with meaningful activities. Reading books or going for a walk can help you feel more centered and relaxed.

A Course To Make Them Care

760 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Storytelling Writing Non-fiction Content creation Communication
  1. Storytelling is more than just good writing; it's its own skill that can be developed. You can tell a great story even if the writing isn’t perfect.
  2. Storytelling isn’t just something for kids; it’s used in many professions, like therapy, business, and even law. It’s a tool that's relevant everywhere in life.
  3. You can learn to tell stories effectively; it’s not just a natural talent. Everyone has the potential to become a better storyteller with practice.

How To 'See' The World Like Daredevil

610 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Research Psychology Environment Technology
  1. Some recent science suggests that it's possible for people to see the world in a unique way, similar to characters like Daredevil. It hints at untapped human abilities that we might not even know we have.
  2. There is a fascinating tree in Utah called Pando, which is actually one single tree made up of many clones. It's estimated to be between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
  3. It's important to focus on positive stories and support the art and media that inspire us. Finding and sharing things we love can help create a better world.

10 Mostly Useless Tips For Going Viral On Social Media

2579 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Luck plays a significant role in going viral on social media, often more than any deliberate strategy.
  2. Enthusiasm is infectious and can be a key factor in attracting and retaining audience attention.
  3. Focus on creating content that is fun for you to make, as longevity in meaningful work often stems from enjoying the process.

This Is Your Body On No Sleep

2240 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Effects Tips Medical Research
  1. Not getting enough sleep can lead to severe health consequences and cognitive impairments.
  2. Sleep deprivation can lead to negative impacts on decision-making, memory, and overall well-being.
  3. It is important to prioritize and maintain a healthy sleep routine to avoid the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation.

How To Turn Yourself Into A Lion

1914 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🔬 Science Mental health
  1. Staring at illusions can trick your brain into seeing things that aren't really there, which can be similar to a psychedelic experience without the drugs.
  2. Intense staring at mirrors or a stranger's face can lead to hallucinatory experiences, revealing how our minds fill in gaps when visual information is lacking.
  3. Regularly staring at screens can contribute to eye problems, but taking breaks to look at far distances can help relax eye muscles and prevent vision issues.

Why It Might Not Sink In Until You've Written It Down

1534 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Memory Note Taking Biology Inspiration
  1. Writing something down helps you remember it better, so it's not just about typing but also about physically writing.
  2. Observing nature can lead to interesting discoveries, like how birds charm worms using vibrations to catch them.
  3. Unexpected collaborations and interactions can lead to exciting outcomes, like gaining exposure to a wider audience through social media.

Why Go Imperial In A World Gone Metric?

1371 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🔬 Science History Standards
  1. Imperial and Metric systems both have their advantages and stories behind them, with Metric offering precision in calculations and Imperial reflecting historical ways of measuring based on human experience.
  2. The history of measurement systems shows the challenges in implementing consistent standards, like how France struggled in the 18th century with different measures and Napoleon faced resistance in enforcing the Metric system in the early 19th century.
  3. While Metric is efficient for scientific and engineering accuracy, Imperial measurements still offer unique perspectives and connections to everyday experiences that make both systems valuable.

The Stars, Our Destination?

1479 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Physics Fiction Technology Astrophysics
  1. Space exploration faces challenges like the vastness of space and technological limitations.
  2. JPL has a track record of extending mission goals for spacecraft, showcasing innovation and efficiency.
  3. Theoretical concepts like FTL drives and warp drives may be intriguing, but the feasibility remains uncertain due to scientific principles and practical challenges.

Why It's Good To Say It's Not Bad

1289 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science Humor Education
  1. National Compliment Day celebrates saying pleasantly approving things to others.
  2. Praising performance can lead to higher rates of offline improvement and memory consolidation.
  3. Collaboration in science, like in the newsletter, can lead to more interesting and accurate results.

Five Weird Ways To Enjoy Witching Week

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.

Is Wikipedia Reliable? (2023 Redux)

1479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Knowledge Humor Internet History Social Issues
  1. Wikipedia is admired despite occasional inaccuracies because it provides constructive and inspiring information on the internet.
  2. Some Wikipedia articles have turned out to be elaborate hoaxes that fooled editors for years.
  3. While Wikipedia may have flaws and prank edits, its communal and updatable nature highlights a more dynamic and diverse approach to knowledge sharing compared to traditional encyclopedias.

The Fun Is Why

2117 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎭️ Culture Hobbies Curiosity Adventure Leisure Exploration
  1. Find joy in embarking on quests that may initially seem 'pointless.'
  2. Embrace hobbies and activities for the fun of it, without worrying about productivity or practicality.
  3. Allow curiosity and exploration to lead you to new experiences and emotional benefits, even if they may not have a clear purpose.

How I Learned To Read Books Again

1194 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📚 Literature Reading Books Writing Genres Publishing
  1. Reading can be a way to find solace in difficult times and rediscover empathy and kindness.
  2. Struggling with reading can happen due to life circumstances, but it is possible to regain the ability over time.
  3. Consider investing time and effort into re-learning activities that are important to you, even if it feels self-indulgent at first.

Look. Look. *Look*. [Dreaded Lurgi Edition]

896 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Memory Curiosity Learning Attention Emotions
  1. The London black cab drivers must pass a tough memory test called The Knowledge to navigate the city effectively.
  2. Engage in epistemic curiosity to dive deeper into understanding by exploring various facets of a topic.
  3. Try the 'What?' game to practice paying attention and noticing details, creating a network of information for better learning and memory.

A Call To Enchantment

1221 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Connection
  1. The post discusses the recommendation of a book by Katherine May called 'Enchantment' that focuses on wonder and mystery in everyday life.
  2. The author mentions a live conversation with Katherine May, encouraging readers to join by becoming paid subscribers of 'The Clearing'.
  3. The post emphasizes finding beauty and fascination in the mundane, protecting against cynicism and hopelessness.

"Now...Where Was I?"

868 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🔬 Science Memory Research
  1. Memories and the science behind them are fascinating and much stranger than we think.
  2. Some sea creatures, like the leaf sheep, perform photosynthesis just like plants.
  3. Learning about memory can involve tricks to store and retrieve information in our brains.

Why The Sky Smells Great

1303 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🔬 Science Nature Health Biology Psychology Weather
  1. The smell of fresh air can impact our mood and health, like boosting immune cells when exposed to aromatic forest scents.
  2. Weather changes can create distinct smells, like the pre-storm smell of ozone or the earthy petrichor after rain.
  3. Our sense of smell may have deeper cultural and biological connections that we are still exploring.

“Don’t Start A Newsletter” & Other Advice For Newsletter Writers

1941 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
  1. Consider writing about something you care deeply about, not just what's in the news.
  2. Create content that resonates with your audience by focusing on their interests and experiences.
  3. Build your own email list to have control over your audience and content distribution.

The Curious Idea That Ancient People Weren't Dimwits

1194 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Ancient people weren't stupid, they were just as smart as we are but lived with different tech and ideas.
  2. Archaeology shows that there is still much of ancient history undiscovered, creating a vibrant field for exploration.
  3. Rather than judging historical differences, assume people were equally interesting and respect those differences.