Letters of Note

Letters of Note explores the depth and diversity of human expression through historical and personal letters, covering themes from love, advice, humor, and historical insights to the human condition. It showcases the intimate power of written correspondence across different times and cultures.

Historical Correspondence Human Emotions and Relationships Advice and Personal Growth Humor and Unconventional Wisdom World Events and Cultural Insights Literature and Writing Science and Curiosity

The hottest Substack posts of Letters of Note

And their main takeaways

My child was perfect

4265 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. A mother's unconditional love for her child shines through despite challenging circumstances.
  2. Every child is perfect and brings immense joy and purpose to their family.
  3. Doctors should provide support and encouragement to expectant mothers regardless of any medical condition.

What a world

2810 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Letters Family Death Memories
  1. A grieving father shares a heartfelt letter to close friends about his son's passing and the emotional moments leading to his organ donation.
  2. The letter depicts the father's pain, the family's love, the decision to donate organs, and the bittersweet beauty of the world amidst tragedy.
  3. The story highlights the depth of familial love, the emotional intensity of saying goodbye to a loved one, and the impact of organ donation.

The spectacle sickened me

2790 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fashion
  1. George Bernard Shaw once wrote a letter to 'The Times' criticizing a woman's hat at the opera.
  2. Shaw was disgusted by a woman wearing a large white bird on her head at the opera.
  3. Shaw argued that such flamboyant hats in theaters should not be allowed.

What a bawling and a tearing of hair there will be!

2790 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Fiction
  1. Lewis Carroll's father exhibited playful absurdity in his letters, which likely influenced his son's fantastical writing.
  2. Charles Sr. wrote a whimsical letter to his son, Charles Jr., showcasing imaginative and humorous storytelling.
  3. Through the letter, Charles Sr. creatively fulfilled his son's request for a file, screwdriver, and ring from Leeds with a vivid and whimsical tale.

My heart almost stood still

2220 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Biography Music
  1. Helen Keller expressed gratitude to the New York Symphony Orchestra for the joy of 'hearing' Beethoven's Ninth Symphony through touch
  2. Keller described feeling vibrations and rhythms from different instruments, recognizing voices, and being enraptured by the music
  3. The letter showcases Keller's deep appreciation for music and the beauty and majesty she perceived through touch
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It’s Your Turn to Take Care of Grandma

1847 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Letters
  1. Letters can express deep feelings and sentiments in unique ways.
  2. There are pre-written letters available for various social situations, from apologies to complaints.
  3. Writing can convey personal touch and individuality that is essential in communication.

Let us toast to animal pleasures

2162 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Authors Books Poetry Genres
  1. Hunter S. Thompson toasts to animal pleasures, escapism, and the good life in a letter from 1958.
  2. Martha Gellhorn values friendship and stands against tyranny in a letter to Betsy Drake from 1983.
  3. E. B. White humorously suggests changing the date of Christmas to simplify American celebrations in a letter from 1984.

This is not a letter

1945 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Authors Books
  1. The text presents quotes from Katherine Mansfield's letters to different recipients.
  2. Mansfield's messages often started by stating 'This is not a letter,' implying a more personal connection.
  3. Her letters were filled with genuine expressions of care, love, and unique observations.

I've had my eye on you

3498 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature
  1. A farmer in 1866 proposed marriage through a letter and described his life and intentions.
  2. The proposal letter showcases the farmer's humble life as a way to appeal to the recipient.
  3. Despite his efforts, the proposal was declined, and he mentioned having a backup plan.

A Plea for a raise

1611 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Childhood Money Lessons
  1. 10-year-old John F. Kennedy asked for a raise of 30 cents in a formal letter to his father.
  2. The letter explained his need for more money to buy scout items and be responsible with his spending.
  3. His father required a written request for the raise, teaching John a quick business lesson.

You are not so kind as you used to be

2731 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History Leadership World War II Letters
  1. In 1940, Winston Churchill's wife wrote him a letter advising him to be kinder to his staff and show more composure.
  2. Being irascible and rude may not lead to the best results, instead, it could breed dislike or a slave mentality.
  3. Combining power with kindness and calmness can be more effective in leadership.

There is no escape

2535 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Genocide
  1. A farewell letter from a Jewish teenager during WWII reveals the tragic realities faced by Jewish citizens under Nazi rule in 1944 Hungary.
  2. The letter showcases the emotional turmoil of facing certain death and the desire to protect loved ones in a time of extreme danger.
  3. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, the letter also expresses hopes for the future and a final farewell filled with love and tenderness.

Sleep well my love

2299 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Love History LGBTQ+
  1. The love letter is a touching memory of two soldiers falling in love during WWII
  2. The letter captures beautiful moments shared between the two soldiers in North Africa
  3. The emotional parting and unfulfilled promise of reuniting paints a poignant picture

My pink cactus is probably going to flower

2220 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature
  1. The author's mother declined an invitation to visit because her rare pink cactus was about to flower
  2. The letter showcases the mother's dedication to nurturing her pink cactus and her thoughtful nature
  3. The daughter reflects on her mother's impactful and compassionate life, finding inspiration in her actions

All the ladies like whiskers

2044 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
💾 History American history
  1. In 1860, an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln suggesting he grow a beard to win votes.
  2. Abraham Lincoln replied to Grace Bedell's letter explaining he did not have any daughters and raising concerns about starting to grow a beard.
  3. Grace Bedell's simple but bold suggestion to Lincoln led to him growing a beard, meeting her, and eventually becoming President of the United States.

Dear all

1965 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gratitude Letters
  1. Letters of Note has been around for 14 years, thanks to the support of readers and subscribers.
  2. Subscriptions and donations are vital to keeping Letters of Note going.
  3. Shaun is grateful for the community's support and looks forward to many more years of sharing letters.

Yours Robotically

1906 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Letters Design Chatbot Creativity
  1. The AI-generated sign-offs provide unique and creative ways to end letters or emails.
  2. There are categories of sign-offs for different types of correspondence, like positive, angry, apologetic, congratulatory, romantic, hot, reconciliatory, job-seeking, and holidaying.
  3. The sign-offs range from traditional and professional to humorous and personal, offering a diverse range of options to choose from.

We all make mistakes

1886 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Judicial system
  1. A Scottish judge wrote a letter to children explaining a custody decision
  2. The letter stressed the importance of learning from mistakes
  3. The judge highlighted the positive aspects of the father while addressing the areas of improvement

Love and lollipops

1768 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Letters Diaries Children
  1. Children sent a letter to Albert Einstein with questions about science, including the impact of the sun's extinction on life.
  2. Albert Einstein responded to the children, explaining the crucial role of sunlight for life on Earth.
  3. The exchange showcases the curiosity and innocence of children engaging with a renowned scientist.