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

Leisure

162 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Leisure Arts Lifestyle Philosophy Creativity
  1. Leisure is important for a happy life. It's not just about doing nothing; it's a skill that can be learned and appreciated.
  2. Working for a living isn't the only way to find fulfillment. Many people would prefer to spend their time on hobbies and creative projects.
  3. Understanding and mastering leisure can help us slow down and enjoy life more intentionally, just like people in ancient times did.

Our Father Used To Sing Songs In The Summer

77 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Traditions Family
  1. Change is happening, and there are plans to alter formats and strategies. But the main project will still continue as usual.
  2. The author reminisces about their father's past joy in singing, highlighting how life changes can silence such joy.
  3. There's a longing for past memories and simple pleasures, wishing for a return to those carefree days of childhood and shared laughter.

Movie Recommendations: 3 Wordless Features

100 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Recommendations Cinema Media
  1. Recommending good movies is important because it helps people discover great films instead of just focusing on negative critiques. It shows that you care about what you love and want to share it with others.
  2. Wordless movies can tell powerful stories through visuals and music alone, making them relatable to everyone regardless of language. This opens up new ways for filmmakers to connect with audiences worldwide.
  3. The success of wordless films highlights the need for movies that are unique and confident, pushing filmmakers to create innovative content rather than just following trends.

The Dusk of Decadence

77 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Poetry Society Fashion
  1. There's a growing need for more poetry in our lives, especially in this digital age where everything feels fast and overwhelming. It's good to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of words.
  2. The post reflects on how indulgence and materialism have changed our perceptions of value in things like clothes and food. What once held meaning can now feel empty when surrounded by excessive consumption.
  3. People are longing for authentic connections and experiences, as many feel isolated by modern living. It's important to remember the value of sharing moments together, rather than just displaying possessions.

In praise of David Ackles

92 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Songwriting Cultural impact Music history Personal Reflection
  1. It's good to seek out recommendations from friends instead of relying on algorithms. Friends can introduce you to music and films that you might not find on your own.
  2. Songs can tell powerful stories and change how we see people, like seeing an ex-convict as a human. These stories can influence our empathy and understanding of others.
  3. David Ackles was a talented songwriter who created deep and meaningful songs but never found commercial success. His work inspired many other artists even if he wasn't widely known.
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Embracing NYC through a cold February

131 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Urban life Parenting Personal Growth Travel Family Dynamics
  1. Embracing your current situation can lead to personal growth. Finding beauty in everyday life, even in a cold winter, can make you appreciate your surroundings more.
  2. Dreaming of nicer places won't change your challenges. Problems don’t disappear just because you’re in a different location; what matters is how you deal with them now.
  3. Instead of wishing for a perfect scenario elsewhere, focus on making your current life fulfilling. Cherishing the little moments with loved ones can bring warmth to even the coldest days.

Resolutions

208 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Literature Fiction Poetry Self-help
  1. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. Taking your time and being organized can make the experience much more fulfilling.
  2. It's important to set personal resolutions that truly matter to you, instead of following trends or what others expect.
  3. Reading can be a meaningful activity, especially when done mindfully, allowing you to savor each piece and reflect on it.

Perfectly Round Eggs On A Saturday Afternoon

146 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Lifestyle Relationships Personal Reflection
  1. The writer enjoys a calm Saturday morning filled with small, loving moments. Waking up slowly and spending time together sets a positive tone for the day.
  2. Cooking is a shared activity that brings them joy, like making perfectly round eggs in the kitchen. This simple task highlights their connection.
  3. They cherish being present with each other, discussing plans for the day and expressing their love. It showcases the importance of quality time in relationships.

Dare to dream

115 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Art Community Creative Process Personal Growth
  1. Dreaming big is important. Imagining what you could do with the right support can spark new ideas and goals.
  2. Having a structured schedule can help balance creative work and business tasks. This way, you can focus on your art without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's vital to build a community around your work. Sharing your journey can connect you with like-minded people and open up opportunities.

When you dream, what do you dream about?

61 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Poetry Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Dreaming about love can feel very real and personal. It's a chance to think about what we truly desire in life.
  2. Fear often holds us back from chasing our dreams and expressing our feelings. Recognizing this fear is the first step to overcoming it.
  3. Living in the present is just as important as dreaming about the future. Enjoying today can lead to meaningful moments and connections.

The Jade Racket

100 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Drama Character development Narrative structure
  1. The main character, Caroline Jade, is smart and tough. She runs her own business in a dangerous world and knows how to protect herself.
  2. Conflict arises between Caroline and a rival gangster, Gino Salerno, leading to life-threatening situations. This showcases the risks involved in her operations.
  3. Caroline uses her connections and strategic thinking to navigate tricky situations. Ultimately, she seeks revenge and maintains her power in a chaotic environment.

Vanity fair.

201 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism Identity Beauty Gossip Social norms
  1. People often expect you to define yourself in one way, but it's okay to like different things or change your mind. We can all have complex identities.
  2. Feminism isn't about fitting into a specific image or following strict rules; it is about wanting equality and being able to express ourselves freely without judgment.
  3. Gossip and assumptions about others can be harmful, and it's important to focus on being understanding and accepting of people's choices instead of labeling them.

The Roots That Held The Earth

100 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Family Heritage Reflection Loss
  1. Loss can deeply affect our sense of identity and belonging. When we lose important people or places, we often feel lost and disconnected from ourselves.
  2. Finding true belonging is about giving part of ourselves to a place or people, not just seeking to possess. A genuine connection requires authenticity and commitment.
  3. In difficult times, seeking meaning can help us navigate our pain. When we try to understand our experiences, we can find a way to move forward instead of feeling hopeless.

Welcome to the afterlife of ordinary thigns

139 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Memory Digital Culture Social media Human-computer interaction
  1. Our digital memories are endless because machines keep everything we've posted or photographed. They don't know which moments are really important.
  2. AI creates new 'memories' by analyzing our past, sometimes making connections between events that never actually mattered to us but seem significant to a computer.
  3. The way we remember things is changing as technology evolves. We're not just recalling past experiences; we're also feeling emotions for moments that never truly happened.

Do good and disappear

131 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Photography Personal Reflection
  1. It's important to take a break sometimes and reflect on where you're headed. Stopping can help you reset and make better decisions.
  2. Doing good deeds without seeking attention is valuable. You can help others and then quietly move on with your life.
  3. Finding a peaceful, good place to go is worth the search. It's okay if you don't find it right away, as that is part of the journey.

I sent some texts on the good life

69 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Parenting Philosophy Community Identity
  1. Having good friends shapes our kids' lives in ways we might not see. It’s important to have a supportive community.
  2. We need to keep growing and changing as people. Life is about discovering who we are and evolving.
  3. It’s crucial to appreciate what we have right now. Instead of wishing for a perfect future, we should focus on enjoying the present.

Dino Play

77 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. Dinosaurs spark a sense of wonder and playfulness in children. This reminds us how important it is to nurture that joy and imagination.
  2. Parents play a key role in children's beliefs about the world. The father reassures his son about dinosaurs, showing the importance of trust and fun in family interactions.
  3. Stories can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to relive simpler moments. It's great to take a step back and appreciate the playful side of life.

I don't like ice-breakers

100 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Social Skills Courses Personal Development
  1. Ice-breakers often feel pointless and waste time during meetings or courses. People usually don't get to know each other better through these activities.
  2. Sharing personal stories can be uncomfortable for many, especially if they're private. It might feel better to focus on course-related topics instead.
  3. Instead of typical ice-breakers, it might be better to discuss why everyone is there. This helps people connect meaningfully and saves time.

How Khorya And Borya Smuggled A Chort

77 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Khariton and Boris are involved in a chaotic plan to smuggle a creature called a chort, leading to humorous and dangerous situations.
  2. The story mixes comedic bickering between characters, showing their cleverness and flaws, as they deal with unexpected challenges.
  3. The ending hints at themes of friendship and camaraderie, even when things go wrong.

2nd Annual Fiction Issue

139 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Creative Writing Art
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

If crisis or war comes

154 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Humor Philosophy Social Issues
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.

Poetry Writing and Me

170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Creative Education Arts
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

The E_ection Special

170 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political culture Partisanship Political Commentary
  1. Election season brings a lot of noise and chaos online. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by political talk and negative content.
  2. This writing aims to provide a break from the stressful election narratives. It encourages creativity and humor to lighten the mood.
  3. There are diverse essays and fictional pieces that tackle election themes in fun and unique ways. This makes political discussions more enjoyable and less serious.

The evening class institute

100 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Literacy Course design
  1. Evening classes can be a mixed bag, with some students really passionate but also a bit much at times. It's important to balance enthusiasm with respect for the class and the teacher.
  2. Some students have a tendency to show off their knowledge or manage the classroom, which can be distracting. Teachers usually know what they're doing, and students should give them space to lead.
  3. Despite some annoying personalities, adult education classes are a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet interesting people. The overall experience can be really rewarding.

Mistress of the Dream Realm

123 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Dreams Psychology Interpretation Art Humor
  1. Dreams can provide insights about our lives, but sometimes they don't make any sense. It's fun to explore and think about what they might mean.
  2. You can learn a lot from your dreams by writing them down or talking about them. Being aware of our dreams helps us understand our thoughts and feelings better.
  3. Using dream interpretation as a business might attract negative energy, so it's better to share insights for free. Trusting your dreams can lead to valuable realizations about yourself.

On Bubbles and Awkward Silence

108 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Interaction Human connection Urban life Personal Reflection
  1. Life has a mix of exciting moments and quiet times. The exciting moments are what we remember and what connect us to deeper feelings.
  2. Even in crowded places, people can feel lonely and have awkward silences. However, these moments can lead to real conversations if we ask meaningful questions.
  3. Small, genuine conversations can leave a lasting impact. It doesn't take much to connect with someone on a deeper level, and those connections can give us hope.

No News is Good News

123 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Opinion Political Discourse Journalism Ethics Information Consumption
  1. Consuming news can drain your energy and happiness. It's often filled with negativity and sensationalism that can leave you feeling stressed and confused.
  2. People often think they need news to be informed or good citizens, but this belief doesn’t really hold up. Most news doesn't significantly impact your life or help you make better decisions.
  3. Instead of following the news, focus on your local community and the things you can actually influence. True understanding comes from deeper reading and personal experiences, not from constant news updates.

A Walk In The Park

100 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art Essay Nature
  1. Walking can help clear your mind and inspire new ideas. Many great writers are also big walkers because it allows them to think and create.
  2. A good essay is like a walk without a strict path. You explore, get distracted, and discover new things along the way.
  3. Taking a moment to breathe and enjoy nature lets you see things differently. It's a reminder that we all need time to pause and reflect.

Rizz

85 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Dialogue
  1. Stories can be playful and fun, and that's what makes them entertaining. It's important to engage the reader and craft something they'll enjoy.
  2. Friendship can take unexpected turns, especially when it comes to love interests. Being supportive to a friend can lead to your own heartache.
  3. The way you tell a story matters. You can shape it however you want, and it's okay to think differently about how it should end.

Boundaries, property, and other words I don't love using about my heart

69 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Boundaries Relationships Emotional Wellness
  1. People often talk a lot about boundaries in relationships, but this language can make it hard to truly connect with each other. Instead of just drawing lines, we should open up and allow for more intimacy.
  2. The idea of having boundaries can protect us from being hurt, but it might also keep us isolated and lonely. It's important to balance protecting ourselves with allowing others in.
  3. Learning to communicate our feelings directly, rather than relying on boundary talk, can help build deeper connections and mutual understanding in relationships.

The tale of a cigar on the morning after

61 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. Sometimes we want to enjoy cozy moments, like winter, but we also miss the warmth of summer. It's okay to crave a little sunshine even in the darkest days.
  2. Life can feel heavy with worries, like reading bad news while on vacation. Sometimes, it's better to set those thoughts aside and enjoy the moment.
  3. Small accidents, like stubbed toes, can happen when we least expect them. But a good laugh and a moment with loved ones can help ease the pain.

Second String

30 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Storytelling
  1. The story explores complex relationships where loyalty and love are questioned. Characters are caught between their partners and secret affairs.
  2. Betrayal leads to dramatic consequences, revealing the emotional turmoil faced by those involved. It showcases how secrets can unravel lives.
  3. The ending suggests a cycle of hurt and anger, emphasizing the impact of choices in relationships. It leaves readers reflecting on love's complexities.

Delusions of Grandeur

38 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. The story shows how people can have grand dreams and ideas about themselves. The character believes he is destined for greatness from a young age.
  2. There is a humorous interaction between two characters in a remote cabin. One is a quirky older man who has all sorts of wild ideas and delusions about his importance.
  3. The conversation touches on deeper themes of identity, reality, and the search for meaning, as the younger character learns about the older man's life and dreams.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.