Holly’s Newsletter

Holly's Newsletter offers critical perspectives on modern societal trends, questioning mainstream educational, ideological, and political narratives with a particular focus on anti-Woke commentary. It discusses issues such as censorship, education reform, the impact of ideology on children, and the importance of principles in navigating contemporary challenges.

Societal and Cultural Critique Education and Ideological Influence Gender Ideology and Child Safety Authoritarianism and Censorship Free Speech and Legal Battles Critical Perspectives on Current Events Parenting and Child Development Technology and Modern Life

The hottest Substack posts of Holly’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Part 3: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

972 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace Diversity Leadership Employee Experience Human Resources
  1. DEI programs aim to attract and keep diverse workers, which can be helpful in the workplace. It’s important to think about hiring people from different backgrounds when it makes sense for the job.
  2. Diverse teams can bring new ideas and better problem-solving. Different perspectives help clarify issues and lead to smart solutions.
  3. While DEI programs have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to silly situations and waste time. It's important to focus on what truly helps in the workplace.

How to Undo Woke Programming: 2024

2122 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Identity politics Cultural critique
  1. College courses can shape how we think about ourselves and others. Some classes may focus too much on victimhood, which can lead to a negative mindset.
  2. It's important to control our reactions when faced with assumptions about ourselves. Choosing kindness instead of anger can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Cultural messages can make us doubt our abilities and feel like victims. It's crucial to challenge these beliefs and recognize our own strength.

How to Think About ChatGPT

2916 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Software Development Computing Data science
  1. ChatGPT and similar models are not thinking or reasoning. They are just very good at predicting the next word based on patterns in data.
  2. These models can provide useful information but shouldn't be trusted as knowledge sources. They reflect training data biases and simply mimic language patterns.
  3. Using ChatGPT can be fun and helpful for brainstorming or getting starting points, but remember, it's just a tool and doesn't understand the information it presents.

Choosing My Glasses

1428 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-Expression Life experiences
  1. Negativity bias means we often focus more on bad experiences than good ones. It's important to notice when we're doing this and try to look for the positives instead.
  2. Working on overcoming negativity bias can be tough, but it starts with accepting that we have it. Sharing good moments with others can help shift our focus to the positive.
  3. Finding supportive professionals in areas like therapy or training can make a big difference. It’s nice to meet people who understand our fears and can guide us through challenging experiences.

Through Autumn's Canopy

912 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Photography Writing Nature Seasons
  1. Autumn is a time of change and new possibilities, making it a reflective season. It's a chance to enjoy the beauty around us and think about changes in our lives.
  2. New England is at its peak foliage in autumn, offering stunning landscapes and colors. Driving through this area can be an enjoyable experience, taking in the vibrant sights.
  3. Engaging in activities like taking fall photos allows for appreciation of the season. Sharing these experiences can bring joy to others, whether through comments or just enjoying the views.
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Part 2: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

1071 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Work Culture Management Corporate strategy Data Privacy Technology Trends
  1. Many companies hire foreign workers, and there is a concerning lack of effective management. This is often due to too many people being in roles that don’t have real value.
  2. It’s scary how much bad coding exists, especially from those who think they’re experts but actually know very little. This can lead to bigger problems in tech environments.
  3. Data security is often not as strong as companies claim, and relying on tools like AI without proper coding knowledge can make things worse for everyone.

New England's October Glory

1170 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Nature Travel Seasonal Lifestyle
  1. October is a beautiful time in New England as the leaves change colors. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos.
  2. Spending weekends offline can be refreshing and gives a chance to appreciate nature. Long drives while taking pictures can be a peaceful escape.
  3. Finding new spots for photography can be thrilling. Even if some places are crowded, exploring new areas can lead to stunning captures.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Opinion Social Issues Media Politics Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

The Limits of Principles

2222 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Doubt Beliefs Principles
  1. Questioning and re-evaluating personal principles is important for growth and understanding.
  2. In certain situations, sticking to principles might lead to negative consequences and reevaluation may be needed.
  3. Understanding the redefined concepts like 'intolerance' can lead to shifts in societal norms and values.

The Deaf Girl and Her Whistling Tea Kettle

1071 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Rituals
  1. The author describes the comforting ritual of coming home and warming up halfway up the stairs, associating it with the Danish concept of 'hygge'. It's a sensory experience that brings deep comfort.
  2. Rituals are highlighted as calming and grounding. They help relax the part of the brain that deals with constant anxiety and serve as a way to connect with the present moment.
  3. The post discusses the author's journey from being addicted to Coke Zero to finding solace in the ritual of preparing and drinking hot tea instead, despite previous attempts with coffee.

Don't Send Your Kids To College

1864 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Financial Literacy
  1. Consider alternatives to college if your child doesn't have a clear need for it.
  2. Establish a strong parent-child relationship before sending your child to college.
  3. Leverage financial support and educational resources to counteract potential brainwashing in colleges.

The Power of Perspective

1011 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Housing Crisis
  1. Loving your life and being content with what you have is key to happiness, according to the stoic belief of 'love of one's fate.'
  2. Throughout life, there is a continuous cycle of looking forward to the next milestone in the future as the key to happiness, rather than appreciating the present moment.
  3. Having a comfortable and suitable living environment can significantly impact mental health and well-being. It is essential to prioritize aspects like space, access to outdoors, and accommodating pets when seeking a new place to live.

Yes, Americans Really Care About Education

1626 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🚌 Education Curriculum Standardized Testing
  1. Americans care about education, but there are concerns about the public school system.
  2. The public school system is criticized for its failures in expectations, curriculum, and focus on political activism.
  3. The debate includes arguments about standardized testing, impact of COVID on students, and the issue of teacher pay and appreciation.

Perverted Incentives

1587 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Crime Law Children Abuse
  1. Proposed Florida law for death penalty for child sex crimes may have unintended consequences like removing incentives for perpetrators to keep victims alive.
  2. Trauma reactions to child sexual abuse are complex and reporting may be deterred due to consequences for families and communities.
  3. Suggests life without parole as fitting punishment for these crimes, highlighting the need to consider the complexity and unintended outcomes of changing laws around child sexual abuse.

What Did We Expect?

1626 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence Transgender Media Culture Social Issues
  1. The tragic event in Nashville involving a transgender individual was predictable due to societal factors.
  2. There is an increasing normalization of justifying violence against 'oppressors.'
  3. Narratives promoting victimhood and the feeling of persecution among transgender individuals contribute to a sense of moral justification for violence.

James Lindsay Is Right.

1607 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Children Sexual Abuse Religion
  1. James Lindsay believes gender ideology is a form of grooming, making children more vulnerable to abuse.
  2. Teaching children a hierarchy of trusted adults can help protect them in public places.
  3. Gender ideology can blur children's boundaries and instincts, making them more susceptible to predators.