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

I drove along the A45, I had her up to 58

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 17
  1. A Da Vinci painting was sold for $400 million, leading to discussions on its authenticity and value.
  2. Trump's persona is analyzed as oddly inhuman in comparison to other politicians.
  3. The safety of self-driving cars is questioned in comparison to human-driven cars, which are termed as 'murder machines.'

Hot tramp, I love you so

0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 19
  1. The UK has seen a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by phasing out coal power over the past seven years.
  2. There is a cultural confusion around discussing heritability in educational achievement and obesity.
  3. Heavy smartphone use can lead to mental fatigue and impact decision-making in professional football players.

Let all the children boogie

0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 17
  1. Following the rules might not be enough for success, especially in elite environments.
  2. Repeated acts of terrorism may lose their ability to terrify over time.
  3. Fame can be created and manipulated on social media platforms like Twitter.

Lay Down Your Arms

0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 17
  1. Expressing outrage online can be driven by signaling value and internal pleasure of asserting moral superiority.
  2. When engaging with people holding opposing views, signal disinterest in fighting to potentially de-escalate conflicts.
  3. Avoid falling into idealism by understanding that guessing about entirely new ways of doing things can be dangerous in our complex world.

I will lay me down

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 20
  1. The science of vaccines has advanced, making vaccine development faster.
  2. Smart people should acknowledge the limits of their knowledge.
  3. Rishi Sunak has emerged as a strong communicator and leader during the crisis.
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Will you stay in our lovers' story?

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 19
  1. Democracy is not just a political system, it's a mindset of accepting diverse viewpoints.
  2. Taking breaks from digital devices and letting your mind wander is important.
  3. Discussing challenges and doubts about parenthood can be reassuring for others facing similar struggles.

We're here tonight and that's enough

0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 18
  1. A crashing-out no deal scenario for the UK after Brexit is likely to be unendurable, leading to a quick negotiation for a deal similar to May's deal.
  2. Remainers should follow key communication rules to increase chances of winning a possible referendum on Brexit.
  3. Encouraging people to think critically about their beliefs, such as through street epistemology, can lead to positive change in society.

I told you when I came I was a stranger

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 18
  1. Politicians should be able to admit to learning on the job without getting criticized for it
  2. Details matter more than we think, reality is full of them
  3. Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken' is actually about self-deception, not heroism

Swaying daisies sing a lazy song beneath the sun

0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 18
  1. 80% of Americans see political correctness as a problem, cutting across demographics.
  2. Progress in AI is slower than hyped - don't believe all the scary robot videos.
  3. Smart people can be surprisingly stupid, and technology won't always advance exponentially.

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window

0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 18
  1. Being cautious when forming opinions about serious matters is important.
  2. Understanding and addressing insomnia can be challenging but necessary.
  3. The way we process language can be more complex than it seems.

I'm a man with a mission in two or three editions

0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 18
  1. Sleep reminders can actually make it harder to sleep naturally.
  2. AI in medicine starts to perform well when it makes the same errors as humans.
  3. AirBnB has a positive brand image despite tarnished reputations of other big tech brands.

I feel so cold and I long for your embrace

0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 19
  1. Incompetence can be an advantage in politics, showing loyalty over competence is valued.
  2. Our default assumption that everyone is miserable might be wrong, happiness has been rising in many developed nations.
  3. Getting an outsider's perspective on a city can give you new insights, even if they get things wrong.

And so I quit the police department

0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 19
  1. Extreme political views stem from a different mindset in processing information.
  2. The term 'brand experience' in marketing may not add much value to understanding how brands work.
  3. Some African countries got their names in random ways due to colonial influence.

Got to be good looking cos he's so hard to see

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 19
  1. Obsession and intense interest can be a trait of successful people.
  2. Looking after your energy bills can be made easier with services like Look After My Bills.
  3. Education systems may need improvement, but progress can be seen in various regions.

I don't understand how I'm at your command

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 20
  1. Choosing the mistakes you make is more valuable than trying to avoid all mistakes.
  2. Devon Zuegel shares unconventional tips for learning anything, like changing your phone's language.
  3. Benedict Evans offers insightful trends in technology, media, and retail in his annual presentation.

Oh my lover for the first time in my life

0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 20
  1. Amazon is facing challenges with 'pseudo-brands' on its platform, causing confusion and competition.
  2. Rishi Sunak replacing Sajid Javid as Chancellor brings uncertainty to UK economic policy.
  3. The discourse around gender is evolving and becoming more nuanced, impacting societal views and policies.

Oh, oh, we believe that we can't be wrong

0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 20
  1. Consider using Look After My Bills to save money on your energy bills without the effort of switching suppliers.
  2. Be cautious of early adopters with unconventional tastes, as they may signal the failure of a product to attract a broad audience.
  3. The Palace's response to H&M's decision reflects complexities similar to the Brexit debate, highlighting uncertainties in their proposed actions.

Your groove, I do deeply dig

0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 19
  1. Effective political communication needs emotionally triggering messages for social media.
  2. Cinema attendance is declining as TV content improves.
  3. Consider transforming perceptions of nuclear energy for effective climate change campaigns.

Run, run, as fast as you can

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 18
  1. Our devices track and share our activities, which can lead to unintended consequences like revealing secret military bases.
  2. Top football players make split-second decisions based on visual predictions and field awareness.
  3. Quality journalism can sometimes go unnoticed, making it important to appreciate and share impactful stories.

Animals strike curious poses

0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 19
  1. Online social networks thrive on people's need for social status.
  2. May and Corbyn's leadership weaknesses complement each other.
  3. Sound from crickets in Cuba was mistaken for a high-pitched drone, leading to a major international incident.

Come on it's such a joy

0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 18
  1. Classroom seating in rows serves a purpose - teachers can see all faces easily.
  2. Using Facebook can make people less happy due to trying to maintain a perfect self image.
  3. Isaac Newton's list of sins at 19 years old provides insight into his personality and life force.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous

0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 18
  1. Consumers prioritize what a brand can do for them over its morals or ethics.
  2. People's resentment towards political correctness may have contributed to support for Trump.
  3. Pan-psychism theory suggests inanimate objects might have consciousness.

If you really want to hear about it

0 implied HN points • 03 Mar 18
  1. During the NRA annual convention, gun injuries in the US decline by about 20%.
  2. When creating a password, longer is better than adding special characters or numbers.
  3. Consider letting a phrase inspire your creative work, rather than discarding it if you don't understand it.

Something tells me I'm the one you've been looking for

0 implied HN points • 16 May 20
  1. Challenging expert advice can lead to better decision-making.
  2. Redundancy can be valuable for resilience and adaptability in systems.
  3. Learning from unexpected sources, like the porn industry, can provide innovative solutions.

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 19
  1. The story of the Battle of Bamber Bridge in 1943 involving black and white American troops in Lancashire is a powerful example of social change.
  2. The author discusses the impact of intelligence and the irrationality of politics, mentioning a column about how politics can make people 'stupid.'
  3. The piece also shares the author's view on being a royalist, highlighting the stabilizing role of monarchies and the importance of tradition and unity.

Here come old flat top

0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 18
  1. Caring too much may lead to presenting bad arguments without realizing it.
  2. Fast-growing businesses reach roadblocks that can flatten their growth curve unless solved.
  3. Philip Roth's ability to focus on his work was a key factor in his late career surge.

I'm begging of you please don't take my man

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 19
  1. Democracy survives when we respect people with different views.
  2. Extinction Rebellion might rethink its confrontational tactics.
  3. Being a strong leader involves honesty and starting with the big picture.

Did you think I'd lay down and die?

0 implied HN points • 19 Jul 19
  1. Marvel Studios' success is attributed to hiring outsiders and generating variation within creative formulas
  2. Elite athletes turn setbacks into success, a concept discussed in a BBC Capital piece
  3. Plastic pollution's environmental impact may be overestimated, with efficient disposal methods available like landfill

Non-invasive brain stimulation

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 20
  1. Non-invasive brain stimulation is discussed on the website.
  2. Ian Leslie is a journalist, adman, and author of CURIOUS.
  3. Subscribe for a regular dose of interesting content.

You don't understand me but I'll love you still

0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 20
  1. In cases of police department investigations after high-profile events, a decrease in police pro-activity can lead to a sharp increase in murder rates.
  2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's strong reliance on adviser Dominic Cummings could impact government trust and effectiveness.
  3. Research suggests that super-spreading events, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, play a significant role in COVID-19 transmissions, offering insight into potential targeted control measures.

If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall

0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 18
  1. Pulling information from others can lead to knowledge and success, whether you're a student, teacher, or entrepreneur.
  2. Birkenstocks have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity and success.
  3. Life's aging process is a mystery that scientists still don't fully understand.

You can go your own way

0 implied HN points • 26 Jul 18
  1. You can create your own schedule for projects.
  2. Literary works can offer unique perspectives on current events.
  3. Some studies suggest that mass murder is being viewed as a form of entertainment.

Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down

0 implied HN points • 25 Nov 17
  1. Britain may be happier than we think, with increased life satisfaction and happiness since 2012.
  2. We need more courses on critical thinking to combat fake news and improve our bullshit detectors.
  3. Silent reading was once a weird habit, showing how reading has evolved over time.

I'd like to be under the sea

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 17
  1. Alabama elections show that partisanship isn't everything and minority voters had a significant impact.
  2. James Todd lived a double life in the late 1800s, showing a stark contrast in societal roles.
  3. Ringo Starr's musical contribution to The Beatles was underrated, emphasizing the importance of unique talent over technical skill.

Man, you've been a naughty boy

0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 17
  1. Crowds often behave rationally in a crisis, despite common misconceptions
  2. Flynn's actions related to Trump and Russia are significant, but impeachment chances are slim
  3. Design of supermarket distribution centers can be visually stunning and heartwarming

Pray tomorrow gets me higher

0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 20
  1. The role of experts in policy formulation can be complex, with decisions sometimes being influenced by feedback effects and real-world messiness.
  2. Sweden's approach to COVID-19, with a more permissive regime, raises questions about the effectiveness of strict lockdowns in democracies.
  3. Effective communication during crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, requires focusing on selling the benefits of decisions rather than just the numbers or kits.

Oh, oh, and there's no map

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 20
  1. It's too early to draw firm conclusions about the best way to handle the virus.
  2. Human behavior plays a critical role in slowing or stopping the disease, so it must be considered in response strategies.
  3. There are reasons to be hopeful amidst the current crisis, such as international cooperation, technological advancements, and increased social cohesion.

And I know she'll be the death of me, at least we'll both be numb

0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 20
  1. Success can sometimes blind us from needed change, learn to adapt.
  2. Money doesn't always guarantee political success, respect integrity over power.
  3. Take the necessary precautions and stay informed about important global events, like pandemics.

Tell me why you cried and why you lied to me

0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 19
  1. Democracy is more than just voting; it's about processes and institutions.
  2. Elections under First Past The Post system can lead to highly unpredictable outcomes.
  3. People's personalities are shaped by a mix of genes, environment, and development, making it impossible to create exact copies.