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

A Brief History of Suburban Creativity

135 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. Creativity can thrive in suburban environments, not just urban centers.
  2. Historically, suburbs have shown potential for fostering creativity due to isolation and dispersed talents.
  3. Density in urban areas is not the only factor that contributes to creativity; suburban spaces can also offer benefits for innovation.

FLASHPOINTS #10: A.I. risk for dummies (or, why we should worry less about climate change and more about killer algorithms)

196 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Future Tech Ethics Risk Assessment
  1. Many experts are concerned about the potential existential threat posed by artificial intelligence.
  2. The likelihood of AI catastrophe varies among AI researchers, with estimates ranging from 1% to 33%.
  3. AI has the potential to be a larger existential threat to humanity than climate change, as it may result in scenarios where human survival is at stake.

Rattle Bag

135 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
  1. The post discusses art and the themes of light and love in a painting.
  2. The content includes a range of topics like music education, historical decisions, book recommendations, and TV suggestions.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial or by being a paid subscriber.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Better Call Geoff

172 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Research
  1. Geoffrey Hinton resigned from Google due to concerns about AI safety
  2. Neural networks are essential in AI advancements
  3. Governments should fund research into AI safety similar to a Manhattan Project

Why You Should Disagree With Yourself

178 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
  1. Groups of people can be smarter than the smartest individuals among them
  2. Diverse perspectives can lead to better judgments and decision-making
  3. Encouraging disagreement and diverse viewpoints can improve thinking at individual and team levels

The Real Black Mirror

172 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots AI Research Technology Ethics
  1. The history of black mirrors used for visions and prophecies in the 16th century.
  2. John Dee, a sage of the Elizabethan court, used a black mirror for communication with angels and visions of the future.
  3. AI development raises questions about its capabilities beyond simple reasoning and pattern matching.

The Social Media Cage Fight

104 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
  1. The author is promoting his speaking engagements and paid subscriptions.
  2. The post includes links to related articles on suburban creativity and internal conflicts.
  3. The author shares various interesting anecdotes and recommended content in the post.

FLASHPOINTS #11: Why is knife crime rising - and is stop-and-search the solution?

129 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. Knife crime in England and Wales has been rising, with a focus on serious youth violence.
  2. The relationship between stop-and-search policies and knife crime is complex and has seen fluctuations over the years.
  3. Factors influencing the rise in knife crime include changes in the criminal economy, social media conflicts, and the impact of reputation battles on violence.

When will an AI win the Booker?

110 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. AI may someday compete with human novelists for prestigious literary awards like the Booker Prize.
  2. Large Language Models (LLMs) are capable of generating text similar to human authors, but they have limitations.
  3. Good novels offer mysteries that provoke questions and contemplation, which AI may not be able to replicate.

Marginal Stupidity

202 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
  1. Clever individuals can make dumb decisions, as seen in British politics.
  2. Tax cuts for the wealthy may not drive economic growth, despite popular beliefs.
  3. It's important to consider fiscal process and probity when making financial decisions.

Should We Raise Children To Be Brilliant Or Happy?

141 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
  1. The post discusses whether we should raise children to be brilliant or happy.
  2. It prompts parents to question if they optimized for happiness or brilliance when spending time with their children.
  3. The main feature looks at how exceptional individuals were raised and educated, highlighting lessons for parents, educators, and citizens.

Rattle Bag

98 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
  1. Boris Johnson is facing challenges with his political brand due to being out of frontline politics and the mismatch between his serious political persona and his humorous public personality.
  2. Boris Johnson's talent lies in his sense of humor and mischief, which may be difficult to maintain in his current role as a political pundit.
  3. British PM Boris Johnson's brand as a columnist is in conflict with his current position, affecting the perception of his writing and political image.

A Ruffian Catch-Up

73 implied HN points • 27 May 23
  1. The newsletter provides a catch-up service for recent editions.
  2. Content covers topics like happiness paradox, knife crime, and AI in humanities.
  3. Encouragement for readers to share and subscribe for more content.

Rattle Bag

79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
  1. The musical 'Guys and Dolls' at the Bridge Theatre was incredibly enjoyable with a talented cast and lively performances.
  2. The production of the musical focused on providing a frivolous, luxurious, and fun experience without delving into politics or current events.
  3. The show's ability to offer modern entertainment while maintaining a sense of traditional cabaret was a unique and transgressive experience.

Supernatural

208 implied HN points • 19 Sep 21
  1. Emma Raducanu's victory at the US Open was remarkable and improbable, breaking records and shattering expectations.
  2. Raducanu's success challenges the notion of talent as innate, highlighting the importance of hard work and evolution.
  3. The cultural fascination with talent versus hard work reflects a broader societal interest in excellence and achievement.

Activism isn't for everyone

116 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. Activism today has become abstract and can cover any cause, not just specific ones from history.
  2. There's a movement in academia and journalism to embrace activism over traditional neutrality and objectivity.
  3. Balancing activism with critical thinking is important to prevent being consumed by conflict and polarization.

Rattle Bag

86 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. The post is a mix of various smaller topics like a poetry anthology.
  2. It includes discussions on a new film, a podcast, Dostoevsky's views on altruism, and more.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, but free access is available with a 7-day trial.

New Ruffian, New Offer (Plus my Books Of The Year).

122 implied HN points • 20 Nov 21
  1. The paid version of The Ruffian has received a positive response from subscribers.
  2. There is a special offer for signing up for the full-fat Ruffian at a discounted rate.
  3. Subscribing process to the paid tier is described as smooth and fast.

Keeping it real

110 implied HN points • 27 Nov 21
  1. In debates, be specific and ask for evidence and examples to make conversations worthwhile.
  2. Abstract terms in arguments can lead to lack of clarity and evasion of engaging with real issues.
  3. Stay grounded in specifics rather than using vague, abstract language to ensure clear thinking and writing.

MLK syndrome

122 implied HN points • 11 Sep 21
  1. Many in modern Western societies have a longing to be tested in moral battles of the past.
  2. There are fewer opportunities for grand moral contests in today's societies due to increased liberalization.
  3. Some individuals may inflate injustices to cast themselves as heroes in history's drama, leading to unnecessary conflicts and grandstanding.

Under pressure

98 implied HN points • 30 Oct 21
  1. The article discusses tensions in the LGBT community regarding sex and gender preferences.
  2. There is debate about whether a lesbian is transphobic for not being attracted to trans women.
  3. The piece challenges traditional views on gender and sexuality, sparking discussions on societal prejudices.

Angels, demons, and videotape

104 implied HN points • 07 Aug 21
  1. Journalists play a crucial role in presenting different angles and questioning narratives
  2. Viral videos can be misleading and viewers need to be aware of their biases
  3. Professional journalists should prioritize curiosity, empathy, and open-mindedness in reporting

Why did the 'terrible candidate' win?

122 implied HN points • 17 Nov 20
  1. Despite being underestimated, Joe Biden won the election by appealing to a wide range of voters, not just his party's base.
  2. Biden's success came from positioning himself as a moderate candidate, addressing voters across the political spectrum.
  3. Biden's authenticity, simplicity, and genuine connection with voters played a significant role in his victory.

Ten causes of communication breakdown

122 implied HN points • 16 Oct 20
  1. Believing you have communicated is risky; don't assume others understand just because you do.
  2. Listening is key in communication; talking without understanding the listener leads to misunderstandings.
  3. Connecting on a personal level is crucial; building a relationship helps the conversation succeed.

How to think Bayes

98 implied HN points • 13 Mar 21
  1. Bayes' theorem emphasizes the importance of considering prior likelihoods before drawing conclusions.
  2. Thinking like a Bayesian involves assessing context and not solely focusing on new evidence.
  3. Being Bayesian means being comfortable with uncertainty and making informed guesses based on evidence and reasoning.

The Ruffian, Special Edition: Book Club

104 implied HN points • 21 Sep 20
  1. Common knowledge is crucial for societal organization and coordination
  2. Rituals, like sports events or cultural ceremonies, help create common knowledge
  3. The modern media landscape challenges the generation of common knowledge at a national level

I've Got a Feeling

55 implied HN points • 04 Dec 21
  1. The song 'I've Got a Feeling' by The Beatles may seem simple or rickety in structure, but the emotion and energy in its performance make it thrilling and impressive.
  2. The Beatles valued music as a form of communication that could express feelings and emotions beyond what words could convey.
  3. Pop songs like 'I've Got a Feeling' may not always rely on complex melodies or lyrics, but can still be powerful in evoking a certain emotion or feeling.

How to stay calm in a storm

61 implied HN points • 26 Jun 21
  1. Organizations should engage in ethical scenario-planning for decision-making in media firestorms.
  2. Leaders should understand political and ethical arguments, engage in internal debates, and avoid reacting mindlessly.
  3. It's important for decision-makers to be clear on their values and be prepared to make well-thought-out decisions, even in controversial situations.

The problem with experts

73 implied HN points • 02 Jan 21
  1. Experts can be wrong, and we shouldn't always defer to them blindly.
  2. Disagreement among groups is crucial for making better decisions.
  3. Politicians can be out of touch with voters, leading to ineffective campaigns.

What the greatest songs of all time tell us about the times

49 implied HN points • 16 Oct 21
  1. Rolling Stone published a list of the 500 greatest songs ever made, showcasing changing cultural tastes.
  2. A snapshot of where culture is at a certain time, not an eternal declaration, can be seen in such lists.
  3. Analysis of the top songs reveals interesting trends like popularity shifts between generations and the impact of artists on music history.

The Battle of Bamber Bridge

49 implied HN points • 09 Oct 21
  1. During World War II, a significant clash between black and white American soldiers in Bamber Bridge, England highlighted racial tensions in the US military.
  2. The presence of black American soldiers in Britain during the war led to positive interactions that influenced British attitudes towards minorities, showing the impact of human interaction on tolerance.
  3. Local resistance in Bamber Bridge against American racism demonstrated solidarity with black soldiers and a rejection of imposed discrimination, setting a powerful example of standing up against injustice.

What can we learn from Boris?

43 implied HN points • 12 Dec 21
  1. Boris Johnson's success is attributed to his resilience and ability to rebound from challenges.
  2. He is perceived as untrustworthy and incompetent by voters, which is detrimental for a politician.
  3. The job of a Prime Minister requires making quick decisions, something Boris Johnson is seen as lacking.
  4. The voters regard him as dishonest and incompetent, leading to his current unpopularity.

The Force Field

73 implied HN points • 06 Aug 20
  1. Communication is constant and unavoidable, even when we try to not communicate.
  2. Personality and behavior are influenced by the force field created through interactions with others.
  3. Understanding and shaping the force field before speaking can greatly impact communication outcomes.

Elite wars

55 implied HN points • 03 Apr 21
  1. When in a disagreement, make sure both sides actually understand what they are arguing about.
  2. Critics of the Sewell Report reacted strongly without fully reading or understanding the report's content.
  3. The elite discourse on anti-racism can sometimes lead to divisive disagreements with minimal focus on practical solutions.

How long is a piece of content?

36 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
  1. Ros Atkins creates viral news videos based on fact-based explainers.
  2. Atkins proves that impartiality can be gripping and compelling in the age of social media.
  3. Atkins challenges the idea that shorter content is always better, showing that quality information can keep viewers engaged.

Man meets moment

55 implied HN points • 23 Jan 21
  1. Biden's inaugural speech was impactful due to his clarity and deep conviction
  2. Experts have shown limits in pandemic preparedness and response
  3. Prince's song 'Kiss' succeeded by breaking the norm of including a bass line

Introducing my new book, CONFLICTED.

55 implied HN points • 28 Nov 20
  1. The book is about how to have better disagreements in various aspects of life.
  2. Disagreement can lead to new ideas and bring people closer together if done well.
  3. To support the book, pre-ordering can help boost its visibility and potentially make it a bestseller.