if not, Paris

This Substack explores the intersections of writing, music, and personal exploration through essays, reflections, and creative projects from Paris. It delves into themes like the significance of language, the concept of genius, artistic integrity, personal growth, and community building, while also sharing personal narratives and insights into social issues.

Writing and Creativity Music and Art Personal Growth and Reflection Social Issues and Community Language and Communication Historical Perspectives Technology and Society

The hottest Substack posts of if not, Paris

And their main takeaways

I, too, have a "Nazi Problem"

1768 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Media Literature Politics
  1. Substack faced scrutiny for alleged Nazi content, leading to discussions about responsible reporting and labeling.
  2. Historic words like 'Nazi' losing meaning can be damaging, making historical truths debatable.
  3. Focus on real issues of white supremacy and bigotry, rather than creating controversies over a small percentage of content creators.

a boy at a bookshelf

314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art
  1. The story revolves around a boy at a bookshelf reflecting on historical events
  2. The significance of memories and family heirlooms in shaping identity
  3. Exploration of the themes of history, memory, and understanding through personal experiences

Home Recording #1

255 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Recording
  1. The author is inspired by a quote to write a song.
  2. The author is sharing homemade recordings with paying subscribers.
  3. The author explains why the music content is paywalled.
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On Cultivating “Genius” (Part I)

530 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Language Academia Art
  1. The term 'genius' and language have been questioned by structuralists and post-structuralists, blurring clear meanings.
  2. Academic discourse can prioritize sounding smart over communicating effectively, leading to confusion and inadequacy.
  3. Academia's cultivation of 'genius' can limit new ideas and perspectives, impacting the understanding of genius in the 21st century.

A Year in Review

530 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Identity Creative work Personal Growth
  1. The author reflects on rediscovering their identity and self-perception through writing and self-awareness.
  2. Starting a Substack helped the author find joy in writing and create a community of readers.
  3. After struggles and transformations, the author is proud of the progress made in their writing journey.

7 Questions, or, an Interview

452 implied HN points • 17 May 23
📚 Literature Novelists Writing process American culture
  1. Substack can be a liberating platform for writers to share their work and connect with readers.
  2. Connecting with and being inspired by other writers and creatives can fuel personal growth and success.
  3. Balancing different creative projects and taking breaks can lead to a more focused and fulfilling artistic journey.

Recharging by Disconnecting

334 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Vacation Exploration Writing Art Community
  1. Vacation is a time to put away the gadgets and reconnect with what matters by disconnecting.
  2. Taking time away can give you the space to focus on new experiences and meeting people in novel landscapes.
  3. Writing from happy places and sharing those experiences can be a way to reacquaint readers with past writings.

In Search of Artistic Integrity

393 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Society Authenticity Social media
  1. Authentic art should not be defined by market value, but by its ability to connect with and inspire individuals
  2. The pressure for artists to focus on self-promotion and follower counts can lead to alienation from the true essence of their work
  3. Choosing anonymity as an artist can be a powerful statement against the expectations of mass popularity and societal norms

Letters from an Unlikely Friendship (redux)

353 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief Memory
  1. The importance of being radically present in life and avoiding getting lost in memories or the past.
  2. Reflecting on the impact of aging and death on relationships, memory, and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
  3. Embracing the idea of living in the present, learning from elders, and being mindful of not sacrificing present happiness for future concerns.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Ideology Identity Politics
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.