Tao Lin

Tao Lin's Substack covers a wide range of topics, including health, spirituality, literature, personal experiences, and alternative science. It discusses personal reflections, media criticism, health practices, spiritual evolution, societal observations, and stories about the author's cats. It also features book recommendations and writing advice.

Health Spirituality Literature Personal Experiences Alternative Science Media Criticism Society Pets Book Recommendations Writing Advice

The hottest Substack posts of Tao Lin

And their main takeaways

My Spiritual Evolution

679 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Religious Studies Cultural perspectives
  1. Materialism is a viewpoint that says only physical things exist and this idea has become quite common, often dismissing spiritual beliefs as outdated or silly.
  2. The author describes a childhood filled with fear of death, shaped by their family's materialist beliefs and a lack of spiritual discussions.
  3. After experiencing personal struggles and exploring altered states of consciousness, the author began to believe in a spiritual reality beyond physical existence.

Funny Ha Ha (2002) by Andrew Bujalski

879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music Philosophy
  1. The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
  2. Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
  3. The ending is unique and surprising, leaving viewers with a sense of closure that feels earned and satisfying, even without traditional resolution.

Antigravity and the Deep State

959 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Technology Engineering Military UFOs
  1. Antigravity is the idea of controlling gravity, but most scientists say it's impossible based on current physics theories.
  2. Some researchers believe that experiments with antigravity technology started over a century ago and involved famous inventors like Nikola Tesla.
  3. In the 1950s, there was much excitement about antigravity and its potential for new aircraft, but after that, discussions stopped, possibly because the technology became classified.

What kids wrote in my eighth grade yearbook

1278 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Nostalgia Education Friendship
  1. Yearbooks capture memories and feelings from classmates. They show how friends viewed each other during middle school.
  2. Interactions can shape friendships, even if they start with jokes or silly moments. They highlight the fun and awkwardness of growing up together.
  3. People often remember the little things about each other, even if they didn't talk much. These small details can create lasting impressions.

Thoughts on mainstream media

1418 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Public Opinion Political Discourse Corporate Influence
  1. Mainstream media often presents a very simple and one-sided view of the world. This can make complex issues seem less important than they really are.
  2. The content produced by corporate media can feel negative and disheartening. It tends to focus on the tragic aspects of life instead of the positive ones.
  3. Having worked in mainstream media, there is an awareness that the stories told can be limiting and don’t always empower people to see the bigger picture.
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Book recommendations (4)

899 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Spirituality Mental health Philosophy Non-fiction
  1. Books on near-death experiences suggest that afterlife experiences are peaceful and free of judgment, often offering insights into spirituality and the soul.
  2. The negative effects of long-term use of psychiatric drugs are discussed in depth, showing how they might worsen mental health rather than help it.
  3. A low vitamin A diet is presented as a potential solution for various health problems, challenging common beliefs about vitamin A's necessity and safety.

14 Poems

1079 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Publishing Book Reviews Literary Criticism
  1. A chapbook called '14 Poems' was published in June 2023 and quickly sold out. This shows that there is interest in the poems.
  2. The author has made changes to the poems and now has 13 instead of 14. This suggests that they are really committed to perfecting their work.
  3. They are currently writing a full-length poetry book, which will include these poems. This indicates ongoing creativity and growth in their writing.

Girl Storm (2023) by Peg Kerswell

599 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
📚 Literature Memoir Autism Health Parenting Self-help
  1. Raising a profoundly autistic child can be incredibly challenging and heartbreaking. The author shares true stories of frustration and helplessness while caring for her daughter Ellie.
  2. There is a growing concern about the rising cases of profound autism, with the author questioning the commonly held belief that autism is purely genetic. The book highlights the potential roles of diet and environmental factors.
  3. Despite the struggles, the memoir offers a perspective that can cultivate gratitude in readers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of support and love in difficult circumstances.

New York City part four

839 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural experiences Personal reflections Lectures Art events
  1. The author enjoyed giving a lecture while in New York City and was surprised by the large turnout. It felt good to share ideas and connect with others who were interested.
  2. While reflecting on their trip, the author mentioned their emotional experiences, including crying during movies, which they attributed to a lack of cannabis at home and the effects of their journey.
  3. The author appreciated the conversations with friends and family while also documenting their feelings about art and society, highlighting the importance of genuine connections.

New York City part five

779 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural experience Personal narrative Photography Exploration
  1. It's okay to choose comfort over appearance sometimes, as it can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Being comfortable helped relax during the NYC trip.
  2. Less phone use during social situations was noticeable and appreciated, showing how people can enjoy the moment without distractions. It's nice when people are focused on conversations rather than taking pictures.
  3. Thoughts about big changes in the world, like the magnetic pole shift, can be overwhelming but also interesting. It's important to reflect on our existence during such significant events.

Captioned Photos (22)

479 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Personal Stories Art Lifestyle Family
  1. The post features a collection of personal photos with captions. It showcases moments with family, pets, and nature.
  2. There is a focus on sharing memories and connections with loved ones. The writer emphasizes the importance of these simple, joyful experiences.
  3. The writer invites readers to subscribe for more content and offers a free trial, suggesting an ongoing engagement with their work.

New York City

499 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Events Personal Cinema
  1. The author is in New York City for a week, where he will host a reading and lecture. He has been to New York several times before and enjoys the experience.
  2. He plans to talk about his cat Nini during the reading, sharing personal stories and experiences, including Nini's health issues.
  3. The author hopes to sell art prints at the reading to help cover his travel expenses, as he is not being paid for the reading itself.

Nini's self-cleaning methods

519 implied HN points • 18 May 24
  1. Nini the cat uses walls and table legs to help him balance while cleaning himself. This way, he can reach more areas without falling.
  2. Nini has been experiencing some eczema, which seems to be linked to dairy in his diet. Removing dairy products has started to help improve his condition.
  3. Vitamin A found in animal products could be the reason for Nini's skin issue, as it breaks down into retinaldehyde in cats.

New York City part two

419 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Personal Stories Cultural Insights
  1. The author is currently in New York City and is sharing their experiences. They are eating turkey with one hand while typing with the other.
  2. They have been visiting Whole Foods frequently and enjoy the food available there. Whole Foods is a 16-minute walk from their location.
  3. The author mentions having trouble sleeping, leading them to get up and snack at an odd hour.

A month of my notes, April 2024

539 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Lifestyle Nutrition Exercise
  1. Daily notes show a focus on health and wellness. The person tracks their sleep, exercise, and diet to maintain good habits.
  2. There’s an effort to reduce sugar intake, specifically with gum care. The goal is to improve dental health by avoiding sugar at the end of meals.
  3. Self-healing practices are highlighted as important. The individual dedicates significant time to self-care routines that promote mental and physical well-being.

New York City part three

339 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lectures Lifestyle
  1. Listening to your own lectures can help you find areas to improve. It’s a good way to reflect on your speaking skills.
  2. Practicing regularly can enhance your performance for future presentations. Each time you present, you can get a little better.
  3. Seeking feedback from others can provide new insights. Getting different perspectives can help you grow as a speaker.

Notes on Nini's paralyzation

359 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotional Wellbeing
  1. Nini, the cat, experienced sudden paralysis, making it hard for him to walk or stand. It was a very worrying time for his owner as he was not doing well.
  2. Despite his struggles, Nini was still able to wag his tail and move his head, which showed he had some strength left in his back legs.
  3. The owner was attentive to Nini's needs, trying different foods and providing physical support. They stayed close to Nini to monitor his condition and help him feel comfortable.

My hair mineral test results

199 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Health Testing Minerals Detox
  1. The hair mineral test shows what minerals have been in the body over the past few months. This can help understand the effects of different diets on health.
  2. High aluminum levels can be concerning because they may lead to cognitive issues. Drinking silica-rich water could help detoxify aluminum from the body.
  3. Certain minerals like zinc and magnesium are important for health, especially when reducing vitamin A intake. These minerals help the body detoxify and protect against other elements.

18 pieces of writing advice

2 HN points • 11 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing advice Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. Don't be afraid to save your favorite lines for later instead of cutting them out completely. Keeping a separate file can help you use them in a future piece.
  2. Focus on writing about genuine emotions and experiences. Sharing those deep moments can really connect with your readers.
  3. Be patient with your writing process. Revisit your work multiple times and make small changes until you feel it's ready.