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

Lola Akinmade Åkerström Is Telling All The Right Stories

108 implied HN points • 26 Nov 21
  1. Lola Akinmade Åkerström is a talented storyteller in various mediums.
  2. She encourages authenticity and finding one's unique voice.
  3. Her journey from GIS work to novelist showcases the importance of evolving and staying true to oneself.

Ruins, Maps, Roofs, Antiques, Neighbours

135 implied HN points • 06 Jun 21
  1. Find your nearest ruin and learn its name.
  2. Create a fun to-do list by turning it into an imaginary map.
  3. Practice looking upwards while walking to notice new things around you.

What A Weird Way To Write A Book

108 implied HN points • 20 Oct 21
  1. The post discusses a unique way to write a book.
  2. The author shares a fascinating article that has been on their mind.
  3. The content is for paid subscribers only.

Here's Why You Won't Read This Newsletter

108 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
  1. Email can be overwhelming, but writing can be great for your mood and soul.
  2. Reading online is a challenge due to distractions, like the constant urge to check notifications.
  3. To improve focus while reading online, consider disconnecting from the internet or using a read-later app.

Why Coffee Smells So Good & Tastes So Bad

135 implied HN points • 01 Apr 21
  1. Some people love the smell of coffee but hate the taste - and that's okay!
  2. Grinding your own coffee beans is key to a flavorful cup of coffee.
  3. Our sense of taste involves more than just our mouth - our nose plays a big role too!
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How To Remember What Really Matters

122 implied HN points • 12 Mar 21
  1. Chess Grandmaster Timur Gareyev plays multiple blindfolded games relying on memory and imagination.
  2. Physical exercise can enhance memory and learning by stimulating the brain through dopamine.
  3. Trying new things and being curious can improve memory and mental fitness, especially during stressful times like a pandemic.

The Unexamined News Is Not Worth Believing

108 implied HN points • 10 Apr 21
  1. Satirical humor can effectively tackle complex ideas and capture attention.
  2. The news often focuses on extreme and negative events, creating a bias in our perception of the world.
  3. Embracing curiosity, asking questions, and avoiding the pressure to have firm opinions on everything can lead to a more balanced view of the world.

OK, How Does This Thing Work?

95 implied HN points • 31 Jan 21
  1. Curiosity is a diverse process of discovery, not a rote learning experience.
  2. Pay attention to how curiosity is impacted by modern distractions and learn to focus.
  3. Challenge yourself to break out of routine behaviors and embrace curiosity in new ways.

Week 1: The Idiot Question Edition

81 implied HN points • 02 Feb 21
  1. The author is exploring a strange fact about their late father, who was color-blind, yet worked as an aircraft technician in the RAF with complex wiring systems.
  2. Curiosity leads to interesting questions and discoveries, urging us to continue searching beyond simple answers.
  3. Asking silly questions can lead to more profound inquiries and a deeper understanding of a topic.

Four Amazing Ways To Live A Super-Awful Life

54 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
  1. Your brain can deceive you into not seeing things that are right in front of you.
  2. Cognitive biases like Negativity Bias and Confirmation Bias can have long-term negative impacts on your life.
  3. Being aware of cognitive biases and learning to think about your thinking can lead to a more curious and fulfilling life.

Week 2-2: Is Wikipedia Reliable?

54 implied HN points • 25 May 21
  1. Wikipedia has had instances of hoaxes and unreliable information in its articles.
  2. Editors have spotted and addressed some misleading content on Wikipedia.
  3. While there are hoaxes and edit wars, Wikipedia's fluidity and open editing process can lead to more diverse and up-to-date information compared to traditional sources.

Intermission: On Reading And 'Woah!'

54 implied HN points • 03 Mar 21
  1. The newsletter exceeded sign-up expectations, leading to reflection and gratitude
  2. Being an expert doesn't mean knowing everything, it's about the journey of learning and discovery
  3. The author explores various topics around curiosity, senses, and learning through the newsletter

Week 3: Why We Never See Eye To Eye

54 implied HN points • 15 Feb 21
  1. Applied curiosity can lead to unexpected questions and discoveries.
  2. Color-blindness can present challenges but also unique advantages, such as in military camouflage.
  3. Designing user interfaces with color-blind accessibility in mind is crucial for inclusive design.

A Map Of The Internet, Part 1: The Lies Of The Land

40 implied HN points • 18 Sep 21
  1. The post discusses a subscribers-only digital mapping project of the internet.
  2. It mentions an update on the usage of Metric vs Imperial measurements in the UK.
  3. The author reflects on the visual representation of the internet and its impact on mental wellbeing.

Welcome to Freshers Week!

54 implied HN points • 25 Jan 21
  1. Freshers Week is a fun time before starting university.
  2. The newsletter "Everything Is Amazing" is starting a new season.
  3. The newsletter will have scattershot updates before the official kickoff.

The Story So Far (Season 2 Recap) - And An Announcement

40 implied HN points • 17 Aug 21
  1. The newsletter will start a paid subscription plan alongside the free tier to help sustain the project.
  2. Curiosity is related to social upbringing, feeling safe, and a neurological zone in the brain called the zona incerta.
  3. Investing in curiosity can lead to richer, more surprising, and wonder-filled moments in life.

The Privilege of Curiosity

40 implied HN points • 11 Jul 21
  1. Curiosity can lead to asking important questions and learning new things.
  2. Implementing a 4-day work week can lead to increased productivity and happier workers.
  3. Curiosity can be a privilege, influenced by social background, and important to consider in interactions and learning.

How To Hang Onto A Submarine

40 implied HN points • 25 Jun 21
  1. NASA's Spirit Mars Exploration Rover exceeded all expectations by treating each day as if it was their last, leading to incredible discoveries and achievements
  2. If a question bugs you or piques your curiosity, take the time to write it down and find the answer, no matter how minor it may seem
  3. Encourage curiosity and sharing by inviting others to teach something they're passionate about in a simple and engaging way

The Story So Far (Season 1 Recap)

40 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
  1. Unseeing is real and we unconsciously ignore a lot of things in our daily lives.
  2. Serendipity drought due to lockdowns can lead to anhedonia; finding curiosity in routine activities is a challenge.
  3. Digital detox doesn't work; balance between diversive and epistemic curiosity is key for happiness.

Week 7: Why Does It Taste So Bad When It Smells So *Good*?

40 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
  1. Some people love the smell of coffee even if they don't like the taste.
  2. The taste of coffee may be intertwined with the effects of caffeine on the brain.
  3. The decision to drink coffee may involve much more than just enjoying its flavor.

Week 2: Finding The Shape Of Home

40 implied HN points • 09 Feb 21
  1. The author is exploring the concept of home and the importance of knowing the geography of a place.
  2. Curiosity is sparked by having some prior knowledge about a topic or place.
  3. The pandemic year of 2020 led the author to feel Scotland as home, but there is still a desire to truly know the country.

Do It Because It's Fun

27 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
  1. Do things just because they're fun, without needing a logical reason.
  2. Embrace whimsy and spontaneity in your adventures for a unique experience.
  3. Allow yourself to explore and find joy in the unexpected, even if it may seem irrational.

How To Have An Awesome Life

27 implied HN points • 20 Aug 21
  1. Find awe in the little things in life
  2. Experiencing awe has positive effects on humbling self-diminishment, connection, critical thinking, positivity, and decreased materialism
  3. Curiosity and awe can lead to long-term happiness and a positive outlook on life

The Case For Imperial In A World Gone Metric

27 implied HN points • 10 Aug 21
  1. The history of Metric and Imperial measurements is more complex and intertwined than assumed, with each system having unique practical origins.
  2. Metric, though precise in calculations, can be abstract and challenging to visualize compared to the more tangible nature of Imperial units.
  3. Everyday experiences and cultural heritage play a significant role in shaping preferences for using Imperial or Metric measurements.

Dunks & Walks, Sleeps & Snacks

27 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
  1. Challenge yourself with new activities and experiences each week
  2. Engage in outdoor activities to boost your well-being and creativity
  3. Step out of your comfort zone by connecting with your heroes and trying new cuisines

How To Go Beyond The Map

27 implied HN points • 15 Jun 21
  1. Cartographers sometimes put things on maps just to fill empty spaces
  2. Digital maps may not always be accurate, as shown by the case of Sandy Island
  3. Maps don't capture the full experience of a place, you need to go there to truly understand

Week 5: And Your Name Is...?

27 implied HN points • 08 Mar 21
  1. Using apps to identify nature makes things easier and faster
  2. Relying too much on technology can lead to a lack of curiosity and disconnection from the world
  3. Learning the names of plants and animals can foster a deeper connection and care for them

And Your Week 2 Challenges Are...

27 implied HN points • 13 Feb 21
  1. Learn to draw your own country from memory to get to know it better.
  2. Move a daily ritual outside to enjoy some fresh air and nature.
  3. Become the world expert about your own birthday to learn more about historical events on that day.

Jonny Miller Is Questioning Everything

13 implied HN points • 28 Jun 21
  1. Jonny Miller is deeply curious and intentional about his information intake, focusing on books for depth and exploration.
  2. Through empathy and storytelling, Jonny Miller encourages understanding others' perspectives and experiences.
  3. Rereading books allows Jonny Miller to engage with new layers of ideas as he evolves, emphasizing the value of revisiting old texts.

Is This The Home Of Curiosity In The Brain?

13 implied HN points • 23 May 21
  1. Researchers may have found the headquarters of curiosity in the brain, in a region called zona incerta.
  2. Learning by teaching, known as the Protege Effect, can fuel curiosity and help in understanding and conveying information.
  3. Readers are invited to share their passions and teach others about something they love in a future newsletter.

And Your Week 8+9 Challenges Are...

13 implied HN points • 14 Apr 21
  1. Challenge yourself to teach someone something interesting to enhance curiosity and learning.
  2. Practice delayed gratification to strengthen self-control and enjoy the anticipation of getting something you want.
  3. Take time to do nothing and let your mind wander, allowing for creativity and new ideas to flow.

And Your Week 6+7 Challenges Are...

13 implied HN points • 29 Mar 21
  1. Spark conversations with strangers to bring back pre-pandemic interactions and get creative in engaging with them.
  2. Choose intellectually stimulating video games over mindless ones to challenge your brain and skills.
  3. Practice full attention for five minutes by focusing on an object or task, pushing back against our diluted attention spans.

And Your Week 4+5 Challenges Are...

13 implied HN points • 15 Mar 21
  1. Week 4+5 challenges involve activities for a curious life, with random and fun rewards.
  2. Sleeping outdoors can be beneficial for mental health.
  3. Increasing water intake by 25% can have extraordinary benefits for overall health.

Candace Rose Rardon Is Exploring Stillness

13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 21
  1. Candace Rose Rardon is a versatile creative with an impressive portfolio
  2. She explores the concept of stillness and its importance in daily life
  3. Candace offers practical advice and resources for finding stillness

Week 4: How To Listen Up

13 implied HN points • 23 Feb 21
  1. Listen to the natural sounds around you and try to pay more attention to them.
  2. Consider keeping a listening journal as a form of meditation and exploration of sounds.
  3. Challenge yourself to focus on the sounds of your environment, even in familiar places.

Week 2-1: Charting Nonsense-Land

2 HN points • 17 May 21
  1. The newsletter 'Everything Is Amazing' is back for season 2, focusing on curiosity to live better.
  2. The story of the San Serriffe hoax in 1977, a fictional island made up by 'The Guardian'.
  3. Exploring fake geography and the appeal of stupid, fake maps in contrast to real ones.

Week 6: How To Actually Talk For A Change

0 implied HN points • 16 Mar 21
  1. Feeling lonely or uninspired can be improved by engaging in spontaneous and meaningful conversations with others.
  2. In-person interactions are more fulfilling than social media interactions when it comes to combating loneliness.
  3. Creating opportunities for unplanned, genuine conversations can lead to unexpected connections and a sense of normalcy during challenging times.