Passing Time

Passing Time examines the intricacies of human connection, the profound impact of the outdoors on personal growth, and contemplations on existence through adventures, friendships, and introspection. It delves into memory, consciousness, and the value of experiences, urging readers to cherish time and explore various perspectives on life.

Outdoor Adventures Human Connections Consciousness and Existence Personal Growth Memory and Desire Impact of Writing Cultural and Social Reflections Literature and Media Reviews

The hottest Substack posts of Passing Time

And their main takeaways

Introducing: Slos

234 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Running Events Health Outdoor Fitness
  1. Slos is a fun, informal ultramarathon that takes place in Boulder, Colorado, involving multiple laps around a popular hiking trail. It's all about completing laps at your own pace and enjoying the process.
  2. The event encourages people to have a good time with friends, featuring a backyard BBQ and drinks to tempt runners throughout the race. It's meant to be silly and enjoyable rather than overly competitive.
  3. Participants are not required to complete all laps or follow strict rules. The focus is on fun, and there's no pressure to win—people can join in as much or as little as they want.

American Hedonism

234 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music Reviews Song analysis Artist interviews Music culture
  1. The album 'American Hedonism' explores the struggle between seeking pleasure and understanding the consequences of that search. It's about trying to find happiness in the wrong places.
  2. The songs discuss themes like religion, morality, and personal freedom, highlighting how our choices shape our lives. The lyrics show a journey from frustration to a search for deeper meaning.
  3. In the end, the album suggests that true fulfillment comes from love and family, rather than from fleeting pleasures. It’s a reminder that we have the power to create a better life for ourselves.

Learning Not to Trust the All-In Podcast in Ten Minutes

3816 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Analysis Data interpretation
  1. A major claim about government spending's role in GDP growth was proven incorrect with simple research. It turns out only about 30% of recent GDP growth was due to government spending, not the 85% stated.
  2. The podcast hosts did not provide critical analysis or challenge each other's claims during the discussion, which raises concerns about their credibility.
  3. It's important to verify information from sources you trust, especially when it comes to economic data, to avoid being misled.

Valuable, but not productive

970 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Consulting Finance Career Entrepreneurship Work Life
  1. Many elite graduates end up in consulting and finance jobs, even if they don't know much about these fields. They often choose these paths due to pressure and anxiety about what to do after college.
  2. While jobs in consulting and finance are lucrative, they often don't contribute much to society. The work can feel unproductive and doesn't create a lasting impact or legacy.
  3. These high-stress jobs can lead to burnout and affect personal lives. People may sacrifice their health and relationships for prestige and money, but there are other fulfilling paths to explore.

Book Review: Primates of Park Avenue

234 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Anthropology Fashion
  1. The book explores motherhood and social dynamics among wealthy women on the Upper East Side, showing how much status revolves around children and schools.
  2. The author, who comes from a different background, reflects on her experiences fitting into this elite community, emphasizing the pressures and competition involved.
  3. Despite some harsh observations about the social scene, the book reveals a sense of compassion among the women, suggesting there’s more to their stories than just rivalry.
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How I passed the time in 2024

267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Media Outdoor Essays
  1. Reading can be deeply enjoyable and offers a chance to dive into complex thoughts and stories. It brings unique insights and can inspire new ways of thinking.
  2. Music from unique artists like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman can create memorable experiences with its catchy lyrics and emotional depth. There's a sense of connection through their creative expressions.
  3. Meeting new people, even online, can lead to meaningful friendships. These connections enhance our lives and help us feel less alone.

The Illusion of Solitude

267 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Philosophy Society Urbanism
  1. Wilderness is often seen as a pure and untouched place, but this idea is mostly a cultural invention. Many people view wild areas as spots to escape civilization, even though they are still part of a broader landscape filled with human activities.
  2. The divide between untouched nature and developed land can make us feel separate from the natural world. In reality, we are always connected to nature, and wildness can be found in many kinds of places, like city parks or urban environments.
  3. Seeking solitude in nature is a common desire, but real wildness exists everywhere, not just in isolated spots. Just as Thoreau found value in Walden Pond, we can also find moments of connection to nature in crowded places.

Alpine Starts II

502 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Hiking Exploration Friendship Thanksgiving
  1. The post describes a Thanksgiving climbing adventure with a friend, starting before dawn.
  2. The writer expresses gratitude for family, friends, work, and the opportunities from the climbing project.
  3. The climbing partner is praised for being a skilled teacher, outdoor enthusiast, and good friend.

Hemiphytophilia

301 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Personal Essay
  1. The writer defies the doctor's advice and keeps a plant in the room due to a strong affinity for plants.
  2. The plant, a heartleaf philodendron, symbolizes a zest for life with its slow growth and eventual white flowers.
  3. The writer contemplates switching to dark mode on the blog and shares a personal story intertwined with plant symbolism.

Backyard Skiing

234 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure
  1. Adventure can be found close to home, you don't have to venture far for excitement.
  2. Being prepared with the right gear, tools, and partners is crucial for outdoor activities, especially in challenging conditions.
  3. Aligning objectives with your adventure companions can turn potential challenges into meaningful, enjoyable experiences.

Your Social Universe

234 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social relationships Friendships Personal Growth
  1. Imagine your friends as celestial bodies in your social solar system, orbiting around you forming clusters and connections.
  2. Explore the fringes of your social universe like the Kuiper Belt, where you can discover new friends and expand your network.
  3. Just like the vast universe beyond our solar system, there's a whole universe of friendships and connections waiting to be explored and connected.

Savoring the Unsavory

301 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Outdoor Experience Journey Nature
  1. Sharing experiences in the outdoors can create strong bonds and meaningful memories.
  2. Challenges and setbacks during adventures can lead to unexpected lessons and personal growth.
  3. Embracing the imperfect moments and finding joy in unexpected situations can add richness to an experience.

Season-Chasing

234 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Destinations Activities Local culture Lifestyle
  1. The author reflects on moving between different locations each season to chase different activities and experiences like climbing, skiing, and biking.
  2. The contrast is highlighted between a lifestyle of constantly changing scenery and jobs versus a stable, but potentially boring, life at home with familiar surroundings.
  3. The post captures the excitement and challenges of living in areas like Boulder, Aspen, Jackson, and Denver, known for outdoor activities and seasonal changes.

Alpine Starts

368 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Hiking Nature
  1. Alpine starts involve waking up early for adventures like mountain climbing.
  2. The early mornings are about mental transportation and self-actualization, not just physical movement.
  3. The experience and camaraderie during alpine starts motivate and push individuals to achieve goals.

Why Write?

234 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Art Creativity Communication Emotion
  1. Writing has different motives including egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose.
  2. Writing is a way to communicate your current self in a moment of time.
  3. Good writing reflects the creator at a specific moment and aims to communicate emotions effectively.

A Wednesday at Arapahoe Lakes

133 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Nature Adventure
  1. The experience of being in nature can evoke emotions and feelings.
  2. Preparing for outdoor activities requires attention to detail and overcoming challenges.
  3. Engaging in outdoor adventures can provide a sense of fulfillment and connection with the surroundings.