The Ruffian

The Ruffian, authored by Ian Leslie, explores a wide range of topics including history, music, philosophy, technology, social issues, leadership, and creativity. It challenges popular narratives, examines the impact of cultural phenomena, and delves into historical events, offering insights into human behavior, societal trends, and the complexity of various disciplines.

History Music Philosophy Technology and Society Social Issues Leadership and Innovation Creativity and Art Political and Cultural Commentary Human Behavior Literature

The hottest Substack posts of The Ruffian

And their main takeaways

Five Myths About Trump

245 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy Immigration Voters Partisanship
  1. Trump's enduring appeal goes beyond just being a culture warrior.
  2. Trump's victory in 2016 and his support in 2020 was driven by clear policy promises, not just chaos or divisiveness.
  3. Immigration is a significant issue that impacts voters, and Trump's focus on policies rather than theatrics won him support.

Death Of A Slogan

731 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
  1. Nicola Sturgeon faced challenges when questioned about the slogan 'Trans Women Are Women'.
  2. The slogan 'Trans Women Are Women' can create conflicts in policy debates.
  3. It's important to differentiate between trans women and biological women for intelligent and honest discussions.

Opposites Attract

221 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender divide Public Discourse Relationships
  1. There is a growing gender divide in politics with young women leaning more liberal and young men staying more conservative.
  2. Having different political views in relationships can lead to more interesting discussions and better critical thinking.
  3. The trend of a political rift between genders may actually lead to a more profound form of dialogue and connection, promoting viewpoint diversity.

Delusional self-belief is a superpower until it's a disaster

190 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Presidential Campaigns Political Psychology Political strategy Election Analysis
  1. Delusional self-belief can be a powerful asset but can also lead to disaster.
  2. A certain level of self-deception is common and can contribute to human happiness and progress.
  3. Successful politicians often exhibit a mix of delusions of grandeur and the ability to align with reality, which can be a crucial element in leadership.

On Certain Asymmetries

319 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Hamas Conflict Symmetry Media
  1. Many commentators focus on Israel's strategy in the conflict, but few ask about Hamas' endgame, which involves the elimination of Jews.
  2. The Israel-Hamas conflict showcases different objectives, with Israel aiming to secure its borders while Hamas seeks to destroy Israel completely.
  3. There is an asymmetry in the way Western leftists address the conflict, often failing to condemn Hamas's actions and aims explicitly, which is necessary for credible criticism of Israel's actions.
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How to process news of the Israel-Hamas conflict

301 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflicts Global relations Information processing
  1. Processing news about the Israel-Hamas conflict can be challenging due to its complex moral aspects and historical context.
  2. The conflict is rooted in decades and centuries of contested history that many people may not fully understand.
  3. Global polarization and misinformation make it difficult to get an accurate picture of the Israel-Hamas situation.

How To Swear At Your Coworkers

288 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Crisis Management Workplace culture Decision-making
  1. The use of swearing in the workplace can indicate a lack of self-discipline and quality of thought.
  2. Swearing, when used strategically and thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for impactful communication.
  3. Maintaining a balance between reasonableness and assertiveness is crucial, knowing when to speak up even if it requires using strong language.

Rattle Bag

178 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Theatre Literature Gender Violence
  1. The play Macbeth explores themes of toxic masculinity, manhood, and violence, showcasing the complexities of showcasing strength and expressing emotions.
  2. Macbeth delves into the concept of legitimate violence versus illegitimate violence, examining the distinctions and societal perspectives on celebrating different forms of killings.
  3. Shakespeare uses Macbeth to analyze the transition from feudalism to a centralized state, questioning the monopoly of legitimate violence held by modern states.

Special Edition: John and Paul

233 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Music
  1. The author is writing a book about John and Paul from The Beatles, with insights that appeal to both fans and newcomers.
  2. Paid subscribers of The Ruffian will receive exclusive content related to the upcoming book in 2024.
  3. Those with a Founding Member/God Tier subscription may receive a signed copy of the book pre-publication.

Len vs Glenn

270 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Collaboration Performance Creativity
  1. Leonard Bernstein and Glenn Gould were unique artists who embraced new ideas and media.
  2. Bernstein and Gould had a productive disagreement over the interpretation of Brahms' first Piano Concerto.
  3. Bernstein's handling of the crisis with Gould shows the value of open discussions and learning from disagreements.

The Ruffian Speaks

159 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Speaking Curiosity AI Humanity
  1. The author is available for hire as a keynote speaker for talks on topics like curiosity and productive disagreement.
  2. The author has experience giving talks to various organizations and is open to discussing speaking engagements.
  3. The author also discusses themes like AI and being human, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanity in the face of advancing technology.

My Year In Reading

184 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading
  1. The post discusses the books the author read in 2023, focusing on those related to physics and science writing.
  2. Carlo Rovelli's books 'Helgoland' and 'Reality Is Not What It Seems' are highlighted as excellent reads for those interested in the quantum world.
  3. Benjamin Labatut's novel 'When We Cease To Understand The World' is mentioned for its fictionalized portrayal of brilliant minds in science and mathematics.

Winners and Losers

239 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Generational differences Economic Impact
  1. Life is not always a zero-sum game where one side's gain is another's loss.
  2. Economic growth and innovation can lead to a non-zero-sum situation where everyone benefits.
  3. The zero-sum mindset can influence politics and cultural attitudes, impacting views on income distribution and societal dynamics.

Can we blame Sam Bankman-Fried's parents for Sam Bankman-Fried?

233 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
💼 Business Crime Ethics Regulations Wealth Legal
  1. Sam Bankman-Fried's parents are involved in a lawsuit alleging illegal activities with their son, suggesting a questionable ethical example.
  2. The topic of blame for crimes and misdemeanors is controversial and involves considerations of environmental and situational factors.
  3. Ethical debates discuss the concept of blame and whether individuals have true free will to be held accountable for their actions.

The Wile E. Coyote Illusion

276 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
💼 Business Economics Remote work AI Productivity Companies
  1. Economies can experience a 'Wile E. Coyote moment' where everything seems fine but is about to crash.
  2. Working-from-home (WFH) might seem productive at first, but lack of in-person interaction can lead to long-term issues.
  3. The 'Wile E. Coyote illusion' can be seen in various contexts, such as relationships, consumer markets, and AI development.

Barbearheimer

233 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film Comedy Media Entertainment
  1. Barbie is meant to be enjoyed as a light-hearted, funny film, not a serious commentary on feminism or capitalism.
  2. The movie tackles deep themes indirectly, teasing them, and treating intellectual ideas playfully.
  3. Barbie challenges the perception of comedy as less important than serious films, showcasing the complexity and skill required to make audiences laugh.

The Infrastructure of Genius

270 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Institutions
  1. Some geniuses are highly distinctive and have a significant impact on their field.
  2. Scenes or particular times/places with networks of practitioners can foster genius.
  3. Genius often arises from a social phenomenon, within an ecosystem of artists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers.

Movies as Discourse Generators

147 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Film analysis Discourse
  1. The film 'Saltburn' is more about generating discourse than delivering a cohesive narrative.
  2. Sometimes a movie designed for discussion may not be enjoyable to watch.
  3. Questioning elements in a film without clear answers may highlight its aimlessness.

The Happiness Paradox

288 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Happiness
  1. Happiness is more complex than we think and modern culture acknowledges.
  2. TV shows like _Succession_ and _White Lotus_ highlight the struggle for happiness in a world that caters to wants more than needs.
  3. Gender can play a role in determining happiness according to scientific literature.

Rattle Bag

141 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. The importance of historical accuracy and integrity in academic writings.
  2. Exploring topics like fast learners, education, ceasefires, suitcase-packing, and more.
  3. Encouraging historians to participate in organized responses to academic controversies.

Keir Starmer, the Tortoise

282 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Elections Psychology
  1. Keir Starmer faced a tough challenge when he took over Labour party leadership after a series of defeats.
  2. Despite lacking a strong personal connection with voters, Starmer shows determination and slow but steady improvement in his leadership style.
  3. Starmer's upbringing shaped his reserved and emotionally guarded leadership approach, but he is working on being more open and confident in public.

An Amis Reader

245 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Author analysis Book Reviews Quotes
  1. Martin Amis's writing style has been both praised and criticized for its length, reliance on mechanical plot devices, and portrayal of women.
  2. Amis had a significant impact on the literary world with his attention to language and his influence on other writers like Zadie Smith and Jesse Armstrong.
  3. Despite criticisms and shifts in perceptions over the years, Amis was known for his memorable sentences, wit, and ability to provoke thought and laughter.

Yog, Andy, and George

184 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🎶 Music Pop Creation Friendship Critics
  1. The history of pop music is defined by the struggle for fun.
  2. Yog and Andy from Wham! creatively thrived in suburban settings.
  3. Wham!'s music celebrated glamour but had humble origins in domestic life.

Red Carpet Blues

245 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Social media Communication Opinions
  1. Viral clips like Hugh Grant's red carpet moment can polarize opinions and prompt social media debate.
  2. Conversation analysis reveals how misaligned communication can lead to awkward interactions.
  3. Recipient design in conversations, tailoring communication to the person you're talking to, is crucial for successful interactions.

Can You Have a Talent For Talent-Spotting?

221 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music History
  1. Talent-spotting can be based on intuition or data analysis.
  2. John Hammond had exceptional talent-spotting ability, discovering great jazz artists.
  3. The shift from intuition to data analysis in talent-spotting is happening, but both approaches have value.

64 Reasons To Celebrate Paul McCartney

940 implied HN points • 08 Dec 20
  1. Paul McCartney has been writing and performing music continuously since 1956, creating songs that have touched people in various ways.
  2. McCartney's creativity spans across multiple areas, from songwriting and singing to bass playing and studio innovation.
  3. Despite challenges, criticism, and personal struggles, McCartney's work and impact in music and society are immense, diverse, and enduring.

FLASHPOINTS #12: Are machines becoming more intelligent than us - and what does that even mean?

178 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Ethics Innovation Creativity
  1. There is skepticism about how the term 'intelligence' is used in relation to AI and tech, with concerns about oversimplification.
  2. Discussions about the intelligence of machines should consider the complexity and different components of human intelligence.
  3. Machine learning models operate more as giant libraries of data, lacking the elegant reasoning and principle-based calibration present in human intelligence.

The Two Creatures Inside Us

184 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📖 Philosophy Mental models Choices Balance Frameworks
  1. Life is full of trade-offs between exploring new opportunities and exploiting current knowledge.
  2. The 'explore/exploit' trade-off is a common dilemma faced by individuals, organizations, and organisms.
  3. Understanding and balancing the 'explore/exploit' trade-off can help in personal, work, and social situations.