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

It's like I'm powerful with a little bit of tender

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 19
  1. Writing first drafts can be tough, but it's a normal part of the process.
  2. Teasing can be a valuable social tool if done with tact and good intent.
  3. The idea of walking 10,000 steps a day is not based on real science, but rather a marketing gimmick.

Oh, to the beat of the rhythm of the night

0 implied HN points • 10 May 19
  1. Setbacks can be rocket fuel for success and growth
  2. Forgetting can enhance creativity and productivity
  3. Mindset, joy of playing, and resilience are crucial in achieving success in high-pressure situations

The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 19
  1. An article discusses the thrill of calling out liars - especially when they are successful authors.
  2. Inventive ideas like PopSockets showcase how simple concepts can become massive successes.
  3. Public opinion on policy matters can shift dramatically in reaction to current events and political figures.

Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong

0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 18
  1. UK's political and social debates are influenced by the US, but the countries are different in terms of inequality and mental health crises.
  2. Lessons on office politics can be learned from the Beatles.
  3. Lucy Suchman's work sheds light on the evolution of modern consumer technology.

What about the night we cried?

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 18
  1. Brexit voters understand remain voters better than vice versa
  2. Trolling has influenced American politics in a significant way
  3. Video games grew faster than music, film, and TV from 2012-2017
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Never gonna give you up

0 implied HN points • 09 Sep 17
  1. CRISPR is a powerful tool for editing genomes, changing the way we manipulate organic life.
  2. Facebook's advertising reach may not be as effective as claimed, with many 'users' potentially being bots.
  3. Consider the perils of giving advice, and only offer it when truly necessary.

Please don't take my man

0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 17
  1. Emojis can be a lossy form of communication, missing nuance from personal interactions.
  2. Be wary of motivated reasoning, where what you want to believe aligns with what you believe.
  3. Consider the importance of emotional connection in communication and politics, as seen in discussions about Why Hillary Lost.

I know a place where you can get away

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 17
  1. Employers need to be proactive in handling sexual harassment claims, not just react when official complaints are made.
  2. Companies are now expected to address unconscious biases and use data to improve diversity in hiring and promotions.
  3. There are concerns about racial discrimination in the admissions processes of Oxford and Cambridge, and a call to reduce the emphasis on attending these prestigious universities.

Shake it, shake it, shake it, feel good

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 17
  1. Religions can be seen as businesses with unique branding and marketing strategies.
  2. Brexit negotiations are complex, with mixed feelings of relief and concern.
  3. Podcasts like Preet Bharara's and Kara Swisher's provide insightful commentary and engaging discussions.

May we all have our hopes, our will to try

0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 17
  1. The defining issue of British politics in 2018 may not be Brexit, but whether to support a US attack on North Korea.
  2. Fashion and makeup can be used to hide from face-detection technology.
  3. An insightful approach to interviewing Trump is to let him talk and gather information, rather than aggressively push back.

Keep on with the force don't stop

0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 18
  1. Michael Wolff's book about Trump reveals that those around him doubt his ability to lead.
  2. Toby Young's controversial appointment raises questions about arseholes in public life.
  3. A recommended blockchain explainer is provided in the post.

A point is all that you can score

0 implied HN points • 26 May 18
  1. This week, women have been winning big in Democrat primaries
  2. Tune into the new podcast POLARISED to delve into political debate in Britain
  3. Tokyo Metro uses blue lights to prevent suicides on their subway platforms

Take another look, tell me baby, who's zoomin' who?

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 18
  1. Precision-data-driven targeting in political ads may not be as effective as claimed
  2. Fascination with secret advertising tactics can lead to overlooking underlying trends
  3. John Bolton is considered a very smart and effective madman

Who wants uranium to spare?

0 implied HN points • 12 May 18
  1. Legal secretary Sylvia Bloom quietly amassed a $9 million portfolio, leaving most to charity and scholarship funds.
  2. Podcast 'Caliphate' by Rukmini Callimachi explores the tactics and recruitment strategies of ISIS.
  3. The journey of Paul Simon's song 'American Tune' reflects the immigrant experience in the United States.