Soaring Twenties

Soaring Twenties Substack explores human creativity, the impact of technological advancements, and self-discovery through a diverse array of content including essays, stories, poetry, and visual arts. It encourages reflection on personal values, societal issues, and the potential of collaborative artistic expression to enhance the human experience.

Art and Creativity Technology and Society Personal Growth Literature and Writing Human Relationships Cultural Commentary Educational Critique

The hottest Substack posts of Soaring Twenties

And their main takeaways

Impossible to Please Everyone

170 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Awards Entertainment
  1. The Oscars cannot please everyone due to the changing nature of audiences, the difficulty in selecting winners, and the evolution of cinema distribution.
  2. The concept of 'Best Picture' actually refers to 'Best Producing,' recognizing the producers' influence and power in delivering a high-quality commercial film.
  3. Despite criticisms, Oscar-nominated films are generally well-made and deserving of attention, showcasing a variety of stories and talent in the film industry.

Mrs Aida Elm mixes up her medicines.

162 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature
  1. Dr. Getwell faced challenges with patients misusing her kindness and medical advice.
  2. Mrs. Aida Elm had a habit of mixing up medicines, leading to dangerous consequences.
  3. The story showcases the complexities and absurdities of patient-doctor relationships and the consequences of miscommunication and overreliance on medical professionals.

The one and the many

131 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Art Philosophy
  1. The poem explores the concepts of unity and diversity through discussions about music and movies.
  2. It showcases the idea of unity-in-diversity in relationships, where individuals with different tastes can still find common ground.
  3. The piece emphasizes how art can bring people together and create unity, even in the midst of differing opinions and preferences.

The Parable of the Butterfly

216 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Parable Storytelling
  1. Setting goals is important, but sometimes going with the flow can lead to unexpected joy and fulfillment.
  2. Listening to others and being open to new perspectives can help us see different paths and possibilities.
  3. Embracing the present moment and letting go of rigid plans can lead to happiness and meaningful connections.

Embrace Life, Embrace Death ⌛

108 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Life lessons Loss Reflection Immortality
  1. Embrace life and live fully, for it's the fear of not living up to our potential that is truly daunting.
  2. Memento Mori, the idea of remembering our mortality, can be a powerful reminder to make the most of our time and not take life for granted.
  3. Take care of yourself and cherish your loved ones daily, for life is fragile and unpredictable. Don't wait to start living authentically.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Related by marriage.

170 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Family Humor Relationships Stories
  1. The writer reflects on the humor and dynamics of being related by marriage to an unconventional and fun-loving family.
  2. Despite differences in lifestyle, the writer appreciates the tight-knit, unpretentious support network of their in-laws' family.
  3. The story highlights how relationships formed through marriage can bring unexpected, amusing, and enriching experiences.

Buses

139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Fiction Poetry Film
  1. The Symposium on Buses presented a collection of short stories, essays, poetry, and a film all centered around the theme of buses, offering a variety of creative perspectives on this everyday mode of transportation.
  2. The contributors showcased diverse writing styles and storytelling techniques, captivating the readers with their unique voices and imaginative narratives.
  3. The Symposium highlighted the power of art in transporting readers and viewers, emphasizing the value of creativity and storytelling in capturing moments and emotions.

Windows

262 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Essays Fiction Film
  1. The Symposium on Windows features a variety of creative works like essays, fiction, and short films.
  2. Different artists interpret the theme of Windows in unique and imaginative ways.
  3. The Symposium is a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and talent to a wider audience.

A Golden Age

77 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Superheroes
  1. The story revolves around Major Jack Storm, a retired superhero navigating friendship, honor, and the changing times of the superhero industry.
  2. The tale explores themes of loyalty, legacy, and personal values in a world where heroes and villains face new challenges beyond their traditional roles.
  3. The setting of Mickey's Diner serves as a backdrop for the characters' reflections on their past adventures, regrets, and the end of an era for superheroes.

Hugo and The Lucky Break

92 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Thomas didn't show up to give the talk, causing Hugo to scramble and try to cover for him
  2. Hugo was left feeling betrayed when he found out Thomas deliberately skipped the talk
  3. Janie stood up for Hugo by subtly threatening Thomas, showcasing loyalty and kindness

The Man in Korea

146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Podcast Writer Human Interaction
  1. The story 'The Man in Korea' revolves around a dramatic encounter in North Korea resulting from a skydiving mishap.
  2. The protagonist faces a perilous situation when mistaken for a spy, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.
  3. The narrative showcases themes of misunderstanding, communication barriers, and the consequences of trespassing in a highly sensitive area.

Love/Hate for New York as a New Parent

100 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
  1. Living in New York City as a new parent can be a mix of love and frustration.
  2. Parenting in a city like New York involves finding a balance between control and letting go.
  3. Raising a child in New York means accepting the uncertainty and risks while embracing the unique opportunities the city offers.

Amazement

108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Process Publication Inspiration
  1. The author shares their journey of writing and rewriting a book of poems over the years, highlighting the importance of revisiting and restructuring creative works over time.
  2. The process of creating a collection of poems involves carefully selecting and arranging individual pieces to create a cohesive and meaningful narrative thread throughout the book.
  3. Self-publishing can be a valuable outlet for producing work and refining one's craft, leading to personal growth and the eventual creation of a polished manuscript for publication.

Fiction

201 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The writer emphasizes the power of unspoken words and emotions between two people.
  2. The piece explores the idea of a secret bond shared through silent communication.
  3. There's an emphasis on maintaining a hidden connection while leading separate lives.

Love Imitates Art

123 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
  1. The story revolves around the theme of love imitating art, showcasing how relationships and connections can be influenced by artistic elements.
  2. The tale highlights the challenges and humorous mishaps of trying to navigate relationships and communication, especially when involving friends in potential romantic pursuits.
  3. The narrative captures the humor and complexities of human interactions, from struggling with shyness around love interests to the unexpected turns of events in romantic relationships.

The First Rider

108 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Storytelling Short Story Folklore
  1. The story revolves around a small tribe in Eastern Europe/Central Asia around 4000 BC speaking a Proto-Indo-European language.
  2. Hester's bonding with a duckling named Swepna showcases a heartwarming connection and her defiance to protect it from becoming a feast for a ceremony.
  3. Bergu's tale of taming the horse Ekwos illustrates courage, friendship with animals, and the importance of respecting nature and the creatures within it.

The Morning After Midnight

146 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Story Prose
  1. The story explores a tumultuous relationship between two individuals.
  2. Using a painting as inspiration for writing can be a powerful creative exercise.
  3. The morning after brings clarity and separation from the night's events.

Cid in the architecture

69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art Authors Novel Writing
  1. The story shares an excerpt from a novel in progress, set in a cyberpunk version of Boston, featuring multiple narrators and a mysterious character named Cid.
  2. Cid, a cab driver with unique abilities, gets entangled in a dangerous situation involving a woman named Terrah who seeks his help in delivering an item to the mysterious Gee building.
  3. The narrative weaves elements of technology, architecture, and suspense, creating a compelling and intriguing story that hints at larger mysteries and character dynamics.

Dine Fining

108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Writing
  1. Tony's essays are filled with unique observations and humor.
  2. Tony likes to give himself multiple funny titles at the end of his posts.
  3. The story shared involves a memorable meal experience while on the go.

Debt Troopers

224 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Sci-fi Thriller Short Story
  1. Genre fiction can be enthralling and have insights about the current world.
  2. Debt collection operations may have a darker and more intense approach.
  3. The story portrays a dystopic scene with a focus on student debt collection tactics.

Before I Go

231 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual art
  1. The poem reflects on mortality, legacy, and passing down wisdom through generations.
  2. The piece showcases artistic expression without conforming to algorithms.
  3. Soaring Twenties promotes reader support to maintain and create new content.

Romance

224 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Romance Essays Fiction Poetry Creators
  1. Romance is a big theme in writing and requires vulnerability and care to handle well.
  2. Different writers explored romance through poetry, fiction, and essays in a diverse and engaging way.
  3. The Symposium on Romance featured a variety of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces that captivate the essence of love and relationships.

Tending the Weeds

255 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The community values a balance between art and irreverence.
  2. The poetry showcased bends traditional Japanese forms into new shapes.
  3. The poems express emotions and memories through vivid imagery.

Why are you here?

239 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Cultural experience Travel Writing
  1. The author sought new experiences amidst challenges in a foreign city.
  2. Initial romanticized expectations clashed with the reality of living in Cairo.
  3. Through art and connecting with a local, the author found a sense of belonging and purpose.

Getting Un-Stuck from Your Past Self

231 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Education Mental health
  1. The author struggled with math in school but later found success after being away from the subject for years.
  2. Traditional educational models may not work for everyone because brains develop at different rates.
  3. It's important to give yourself time and space to grow and change, accepting that you may reach achievements you never thought possible.

Death

231 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Essays Fiction Poetry Video
  1. The topic of Death evoked deep and varied responses from writers.
  2. The contributions ranged from personal essays to poetry, showcasing different perspectives.
  3. The Symposium highlighted the power of exploring complex themes through creative mediums.

Stand for something

255 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Short Story Creative Writing Fiction Writer Storytelling
  1. Stand for something in life, have a purpose or a cause that you believe in.
  2. Sometimes getting stuck in a mundane job can lead to reflecting on personal values and taking actions to change the situation.
  3. Questioning what you stand for can lead to moments of self-realization and empowerment to make bold decisions.