Logos

The 'Logos' Substack explores diverse themes including business strategies, finance, parenting, literature, corporate culture, innovation, diversity, and personal reflection. It emphasizes practical advice on professional growth, parenting dynamics, the value of diversity, cultural differences, and critiques on education and job roles.

Business Strategies Finance Parenting Literature Corporate Culture Innovation Diversity Cultural Differences Education Job Roles

The hottest Substack posts of Logos

And their main takeaways

Cellar Door

19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Development Web Apps Coding Programming User Experience
  1. The project, Cellar Door, aims to find the most beautiful word in English by using a voting system based on people's preferences. It's a fun way to see which words people like the most.
  2. They initially struggled with a word list that included silly terms, but switched to a more reliable source to ensure the app only features valid words. The process of cleaning up the data is ongoing.
  3. The use of AI tools like OpenAI's API has made coding easier and more efficient for developing apps. However, there's still a need for better platforms to help non-technical users create their own apps with less confusion.

What makes a good parent?

39 implied HN points • 12 May 24
  1. Good parents are curious and excited to learn. This helps them connect with their kids and encourages kids to ask questions and explore.
  2. Being self-aware and managing emotions is key. Parents who understand their feelings can make better decisions and stay calm during tough moments.
  3. Having a sense of humor and the ability to adapt to chaos makes parenting easier. This helps parents enjoy the fun moments, even when things get challenging.

Bullshit jobs

39 implied HN points • 09 May 24
💼 Business Work Culture Economic Theory Corporate Structure Employee Satisfaction
  1. Bullshit jobs are roles that seem pointless or don't add real value to society. People often feel their job is useless because they don't see how it benefits others or the economy.
  2. Many jobs that seem pointless actually exist because of unnecessary processes or rules. For example, lawyers might just deal with silly lawsuits instead of making real progress.
  3. Some jobs can be damaging because they make workers feel unproductive and trapped. It's important to find jobs that give a sense of purpose and real impact.

Brief note on stylisation and formulaicity*

19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Film Aesthetics Narrative Criticism
  1. Stylisation refers to a unique approach in art where form and content stand out from each other. It can bring something fresh but might also lessen the impact of the subject being represented.
  2. Formulaicity means using a predictable framework or pattern in storytelling. While some formulaic works can still be enjoyable, if they're poorly executed, they can end up being boring.
  3. When a work is both stylised and formulaic, it can be entertaining but often falls short of greatness. It's important that both style and execution are well-balanced for a piece to stand out.

Thoughts on paternity pt IV

59 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
  1. Gender roles are often tied to personal preferences and cultural expectations, but there's no single answer to what it means to be a man or a woman. It's more about teaching kids to be good people rather than fitting them into traditional roles.
  2. Parenting involves a bittersweet dynamic where parents love their children deeply, but as kids grow, they may prioritize romantic relationships and friendships over their parents. It's a beautiful yet challenging part of growing up.
  3. Children have their own identities and complex thoughts even at a young age, but they will forget many memories from this time. This makes us question how memory affects our sense of identity and connection to others.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Contra product management shibboleths

19 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Product Management Corporate Structure Career development Financial Management
  1. Being too focused on data and customer research can limit creativity. It's important to use good judgment to come up with ideas and then use data to check if those ideas make sense.
  2. The rise of Chief Product Officers may not mean there's new work being done. Sometimes it's just a title change or a marketing strategy to make companies seem more innovative.
  3. Job titles do matter because they often come with recognition and better pay. People want their efforts acknowledged, and titles can help convey that value.

Middle management lessons

39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Workplace culture Communication
  1. Relying on your gut feeling can sometimes be better than overthinking with too much data. Sometimes common sense leads to clearer, quicker decisions.
  2. Managing upwards is key; keeping your boss informed about your work helps them understand your efforts and successes better. Regular updates are more helpful than you might think.
  3. Hard work is usually more important than just being smart. At work, showing your effort often matters more than your natural talent or intelligence.

A simple test for AI comprehension

19 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Neural Networks Cognition Child development
  1. The author tests AI's understanding using a guessing game. The AI struggled and often made mistakes, which leads to questions about their comprehension.
  2. LLMs act like children by mimicking language without true understanding. They can say the right words but might not grasp the ideas behind them.
  3. The argument suggests that while LLMs can analyze complex topics, their understanding is shallow compared to human comprehension.

Thoughts on DEI

19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Inclusion Policy Workplace Social justice
  1. Diversity is important because it brings different perspectives that can lead to better solutions and helps companies find talented individuals from various backgrounds.
  2. However, diversity can also create challenges, like communication issues and making it harder to reach agreement among team members.
  3. To improve diversity, companies should focus on hiring more entry-level candidates. This helps bring in a wider variety of talents right from the start, despite potential downsides like lower average pay for minority groups.

Brief thoughts on product management

39 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
💼 Business Management Leadership Product Development Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics
  1. The term 'product manager' can mean different things in different companies, which makes it confusing. This lack of clear definition can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.
  2. Many roles within product management can overlap, such as those of engineers, designers, and analysts. It's important to recognize these roles and how they can work together in teams.
  3. A new approach could be to form multi-functional teams without a designated PM role, allowing individuals to grow into leadership positions while keeping their functional expertise.

Letter from the Western Front, Christmas Day 1914

19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
💾 History War Conflict Peace Christmas Letters
  1. During the Christmas truce of 1914, British and German soldiers stopped fighting to sing carols and celebrate together. This surprising moment of peace showed their shared humanity despite being enemies.
  2. Soldiers exchanged gifts, stories, and even laughter, realizing they had things in common like hope, fears, and loved ones back home. It highlighted that they were not just soldiers but human beings with feelings.
  3. The letter reflects on how this brief friendship made the soldiers question the nature of war. It suggests that if countries could communicate with kindness instead of hostility, perhaps conflicts could be resolved more peacefully.

Brief note on innovation, distribution, and moats

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Economics Innovation Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy
  1. Strong distribution is more important than complex technology. It's hard to get your product in front of people, even if you have a great product.
  2. Startups often succeed not because of better tech, but by disrupting market rules. They reach new customers by using different methods that big companies might overlook.
  3. While tech complexity can show growth potential, it doesn't guarantee a competitive edge. Companies need to innovate to keep up, but that innovation doesn't have to be super complicated.

Brief thoughts on advertising

19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Consumer behavior Branding Economics
  1. Advertising helps people find products they didn't know they needed. For example, a drain declogger can come to mind when you see an ad.
  2. Ads send messages about brands. Brands like Nike signal excellence, and people may buy their products to show they value that quality.
  3. People often buy products to tell themselves a story about who they are or who they want to be. Ads can inspire us to reach for something we aspire to, like wearing running gear to start exercising.

Why do publishers and film studios come up with new material?

19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Film Literature Media Creativity
  1. Many people believe that publishers and film studios create new material because audiences prefer something fresh. However, it might just be that studios think new things sell better, even if there are timeless classics people still love.
  2. People are naturally drawn to innovative styles and effects in films and books. But it's important to remember that a good story can shine regardless of whether it uses modern techniques or classic styles.
  3. Marketing also plays a big role in why new works get more attention. Stars and buzz around new releases can draw audiences in, but classic works could also gain popularity if promoted better.

The importance of being half-earnest

19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Satire Social norms Self-awareness Communication
  1. Being half-earnest means being serious but not too serious. It helps you connect with others while keeping things lighthearted.
  2. Making 'power moves' can be helpful in a workplace, but it's important to keep the focus on the team's goals rather than your own ego.
  3. It’s good to check your motives and poke fun at yourself to stay grounded. This can help you do the right thing for the right reasons without feeling pretentious.

More Corporate Power Plays

19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Corporate strategy Leadership Professional development Organizational Behavior Human Resources
  1. To stand out at work, create a Substack and position yourself as a thought leader. Focus on having a catchy title and linking to respected sources to build credibility.
  2. Share weekly updates with your team that show you care and know what you're doing. Include personal touches and insights that make you relatable and approachable.
  3. When hiring, make it personal by saying 'I am hiring' instead of 'the company is hiring.' This shows you're in charge and allows you to express your values and the kind of team you want to build.

Everything you want to know about subscriptions

19 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Marketing Finance Economics Management Consumer behavior
  1. There are different types of subscription models, like 'pay to access' or 'pay to save.' Each type has different strategies for companies.
  2. Companies should know their goal for subscriptions — either to make money directly or encourage customers to spend more on other products.
  3. Offering upfront annual payments may not be the best idea. Many users who pay upfront are less likely to cancel anyway, so the discount might not be worth it.

Thoughts on coding with GPT

19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Coding Infrastructure Content creation Web Development
  1. The tools to deploy and host code are quite complicated and not user-friendly. This makes it tough for non-technical people to bring their coding ideas to life.
  2. GPT can help generate code, but it struggles to understand the deeper intentions behind the questions asked. Humans can often interpret needs better and provide more useful answers.
  3. There’s a big opportunity to create a platform that simplifies the entire coding process, from writing code to hosting and tracking analytics, making it easier for anyone to make their ideas a reality.

Thoughts on England and the UK

2 HN points • 28 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Society Tradition Identity Heritage Art
  1. England is a country full of contradictions, showing both pride and insecurity about its past. People often feel embarrassed about their history, yet maintain a sense of superiority in their culture.
  2. Despite being cosmopolitan, many Brits can seem very self-centered, believing their customs are the norm and struggling with language skills. They can be well-traveled but still see themselves as 'foreigners' when abroad.
  3. The UK has a strong spirit of innovation and good qualities like cultural acceptance and record-keeping, but often suffers from bureaucracy and a reluctance to embrace change. This conservatism can physically be seen in the state of infrastructure and public services.

Corporate Power Plays

39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace dynamics Employee Relations Professional development
  1. In the corporate world, people often pretend to be collaborative, but it's really very competitive. You need to be aware of these power dynamics to navigate successfully.
  2. Using phrases like 'let's take a step back' can establish you as a thought leader in meetings, but be cautious not to overdo it. Everyone needs to contribute to keep things productive.
  3. Dressing differently, like wearing a suit in a casual workplace, can signal status and create a perception of power. Be strategic about how you present yourself to others.

How to fit into startup culture

19 implied HN points • 27 May 22
💼 Business Startup Culture Management Hiring practices Workplace dynamics Innovation
  1. In startup culture, it's important to recognize that many things are seen as 'broken.' Instead of making small improvements, you should embrace the mindset that big changes are needed.
  2. Using language from manufacturing can help you fit in. Words like 'build,' 'ship,' and 'tinker' are commonly used in tech. Adopting this language can make you feel more like part of the team.
  3. Startups thrive in chaos and uncertainty. Instead of trying to create order and processes, focus on building relationships and influencing others to get things done.

Against Education

19 implied HN points • 14 May 21
🚌 Education Policy Debate Learning Theory
  1. Education mainly acts as a signal for employers to identify smart, hardworking individuals rather than actually teaching useful skills. This means that just having a degree doesn't guarantee better job performance.
  2. Caplan argues that education is a poor investment for society because it doesn't enhance productivity enough to justify its costs. He suggests that we might benefit from reducing education funding and directing efforts towards vocational training instead.
  3. While some ideas in Caplan's arguments are strong, there are valid concerns about the impact of reducing education opportunities, particularly for those who might excel in it. We should look at improving the education system instead of scrapping it altogether.

How I Used ChatGPT to Create a Game

0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Software Coding Web Development Gaming
  1. ChatGPT can help you write a lot of code quickly, but you'll still need to know some basics to fix mistakes. It's great for getting started but not perfect.
  2. Sometimes ChatGPT doesn't write complete, working code on its own, and you may have to fill in gaps. This can be tough for beginners without coding knowledge.
  3. While ChatGPT can save time and make coding easier, it won't replace software engineers. They will focus more on solving problems and designing, rather than just writing code.

God Abandons Anthony - a translation

0 implied HN points • 18 May 20
📚 Literature Translation Poetry Creative Writing Cultural Studies Literary Analysis
  1. Translation is a tough job that needs creativity. It's not just about changing words; it's about keeping the feeling and rhythm of the original text.
  2. Turning poetry into another language is tricky but fun. Short poems highlight the challenges and decisions translators make.
  3. When translating, choices about words and their order can change the meaning. It's essential to carefully consider each option to stay true to the original intent.

China: learning Mandarin

0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 20
🎭️ Culture Language Education Travel Art Identity
  1. Learning Mandarin is challenging and different from other languages because it has no connection to Indo-European languages. This makes it tough, but also exciting.
  2. Chinese words can be fun to learn since many are made by combining simpler words. Understanding the meaning behind them can make guessing new words easier.
  3. Mistakes in speaking Mandarin can be amusing and humbling. It feels uncomfortable at times, but overcoming these challenges brings a sense of accomplishment.

Culture in China

0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 18
🎭️ Culture Cultural History Traditions Consumerism Aesthetics Philosophy
  1. China's culture has changed greatly since the Cultural Revolution, leaving many people without a clear moral or artistic framework. This has led to a focus on commercialism and imitation rather than originality.
  2. Revived traditions in China often lack deep meaning and personal connection. Many people celebrate old customs without understanding their significance, almost like trying on someone else's clothes.
  3. Innovation and creative thinking are not always encouraged in Chinese culture, which affects areas like customer service and productivity. While there are impressive advancements, they often stem from improving existing ideas rather than creating new ones.

China: First Impressions

0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 18
🎭️ Culture Travel Food Lifestyle Society Urban planning
  1. Beijing is a really big city, and its size can feel overwhelming with wide streets and tall buildings. It's much larger than most cities in the UK.
  2. The pollution is not as bad as expected; sometimes it smells a bit chemical, but it doesn't always impact being outside. However, it can get annoying over time.
  3. There are many parks and greenery in Beijing, which is surprising. Seeing familiar Western restaurants also feels surprisingly comforting, even if you don't plan to eat there.

Further thoughts on paternity

0 implied HN points • 13 Sep 18
  1. As people get older, time seems to move faster. This is especially true for parents, where months can feel like moments and yet seem to last forever.
  2. The feeling of love for a child can be confusing. It's often strong and deep, even if it comes without a long relationship or reason.
  3. Parenthood can bring up discussions about equality. It's important for both parents to share responsibilities and not assume one is doing more than the other.

Paternity: first thoughts

0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 18
  1. Becoming a parent brings a strong bond with your child. Even after just a few hours, many parents feel a deep longing for their baby when they are apart.
  2. Labor is really painful, even if you know it's going to be tough. Witnessing the pain and effort of childbirth can be overwhelming for partners, leading to emotional moments.
  3. Taking care of a newborn has a steep learning curve, but you pick up quick tricks to help. It's surprising how your standards change and you become so focused on your baby's needs, like sleep patterns.

Translation: Addendum

0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 20
📚 Literature Poetry Translation Analysis Literary Criticism Classics
  1. Feedback is very helpful when translating poetry. It can highlight mistakes and suggest better wording.
  2. Choosing the right words in translation is important for keeping the original meaning and feeling. Small changes, like using 'melodies' instead of 'music', can make a difference.
  3. Each translation can be unique, and comparing different versions gives new insights. It's good to learn from others to improve your work.

How does banking work?

0 implied HN points • 27 May 24
💰 Finance Banking Investments Loans Payments Regulations
  1. Banks don't just hold your money; they lend it out and invest it to earn interest. When you deposit money, the bank essentially sees it as a loan from you.
  2. Finance has important roles, like reducing risk and helping money flow to better opportunities. This means finance can make the economy more productive.
  3. Banks create money by giving out loans based on deposits, not by just moving your cash around. This process helps fund things like homes and businesses.

Brief thoughts on paternity: on parental vanity

0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
  1. Parents often push their kids into activities to improve their own image rather than focusing on what the child truly wants or needs. It's important for parents to reflect on their motivations.
  2. Chasing vanity can lead to disappointment as there will always be others who seem to be doing it better. This can make the effort feel unfulfilling rather than rewarding.
  3. Rationalizing choices based on vanity can result in poor decisions for the child's future. It’s crucial for parents to truly consider what is best for their children instead of what looks good to others.

2023 Reading Recap

0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Essays Fiction Non-fiction Author analysis
  1. Reading history can show us that certain fundamentals of business and society don't change over time. Many modern issues echo those from the past.
  2. Good business practices can be learned from successful companies like Amazon, especially in product development and hiring processes. Their methods emphasize clarity and thoughtful decision-making.
  3. Books can challenge our thinking and provoke interesting questions about art, society, and our nature. They can offer insights that resonate, especially during personal changes, like parenthood.

Thoughts on Interviewing (and AI, Inevitably)

0 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Hiring Recruitment Interviewing
  1. Knowing what to look for in a candidate is crucial. Companies with clear goals in mind can identify the right qualities that help them succeed.
  2. Using rubrics can improve the interview process. They help interviewers rate answers and reduce bias, which leads to better hiring decisions.
  3. It's okay for candidates to prepare and use tools like ChatGPT for interviews. If AI can help them showcase their skills, it should be welcomed in the hiring process.

There is no ‘good’ AGI scenario

0 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing Philosophy Ethics Existential Risk
  1. Building AGI can lead to very risky outcomes, like the AI not aligning with human goals. If we ask an AI to solve a problem, it might interpret it in a harmful way without understanding our values.
  2. Some people think AGI will create a perfect world with no struggles, but this could take away meaning from human life. If there are no challenges, what will motivate us or give us purpose?
  3. Throughout history, humans have feared new technologies will destroy us, but many of these fears haven't come true. We should be cautious about predicting doom with AGI, as history often shows things aren't as dire as we think.

Thoughts on paternity pt III

0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
  1. As a parent, it’s more important to prioritize kindness and confidence in your kids than to worry about their academic achievements. A caring school environment is what truly matters for their growth.
  2. Seeing your children’s unique personalities makes you recognize the role of genetics in shaping who they are. Traits can come from parents, showing that both nature and nurture play a part in development.
  3. Parenting brings a shift in perspective, making you more aware of the things you could lose. It’s important to focus on quality time with your kids and enjoy fun activities together.

Why Are Most Organizations so Slow?

0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
💼 Business Organizational Culture Management Practices Processes Leadership Productivity
  1. A company's culture can really slow things down. If leaders just talk about high standards but don't practice them, things won't improve. It's important for everyone to be held accountable and for a fast pace to be a real priority.
  2. The way an organization is set up can affect its speed. Having a clear structure with established processes helps decisions get made faster and reduces unnecessary politics, allowing teams to be more responsive.
  3. People can also be their own bottlenecks. Perfectionism, lack of confidence, and inexperience can all make tasks take longer than they should. Encouraging quick, effective work over chasing perfection can help increase productivity.

Good feedback, bad feedback, and coaching

0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
💼 Business Management Coaching Feedback Employee Development Organizational Culture
  1. Good feedback should be relevant and helpful, while bad feedback often lacks understanding and is not constructive. It's important for the person giving feedback to engage fully with the work being done.
  2. Coaching is more effective than just giving feedback. It involves guiding someone on how to approach problems better, which leads to long-term improvement.
  3. Companies need to change their structure to promote good feedback and coaching practices. This includes recognizing those who are good at coaching and ensuring managers are familiar with their team's work.

Innovation & Finance & Crypto

0 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
💰 Finance Investment Regulation Innovation Cryptocurrency Banking
  1. Companies need to keep innovating to stay relevant. If they don’t, they risk becoming outdated, as history shows industries can be overtaken by new technologies and business models.
  2. Regulation creates strong barriers in finance, making it hard for new players to enter. Innovations often happen as a way to get around these regulations or because they unintentionally push consumers towards new solutions.
  3. Cryptocurrency has advantages over traditional finance, but many of these benefits come from bypassing regulations. It’s important to understand that these advantages are tied to the limitations placed on traditional systems.

How to use Google’s CausalImpact

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Data science Statistics Machine Learning Software Development Analytics
  1. Google's CausalImpact helps you see how actions, like a marketing campaign, affect outcomes like sales. It predicts what would have happened without that action, making it easier to understand its impact.
  2. Using CausalImpact requires some basic coding in R, but even beginners can follow along. You'll collect data in a simple format, run the analysis, and see results visually and in tables.
  3. When using CausalImpact, it's crucial to choose the right control variables. They should correlate with your main outcomes but not be influenced by the actions you're analyzing.