The Commonplace $7 / month

The Commonplace explores themes of mindfulness, the search for meaning beyond materialism, and the beauty in everyday experiences. Through literature and personal narratives, it critiques consumerism, encourages engagement with the natural and historic world, reflects on personal growth, and examines the impact of technology on society and individual psyche.

Mindfulness Consumerism Nature History and Heritage Personal Growth Technology and Society Travel Sports and Community Modern Challenges Art and Science

The hottest Substack posts of The Commonplace

And their main takeaways

Notes for an Essay on Buses

513 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Observation Personal Essay Memory Advertising
  1. The process of creation can be as interesting as the final product, with notes and early drafts often more compelling than explanations by artists.
  2. Observing people in everyday settings like bus stations can lead to intriguing insights and reflections on societal trends and human behavior.
  3. Writing about familiar topics, like daily bus commutes, can unlock unexpected memories, moments, and connections that spark creativity and thoughtful contemplation.

Passing the Hat

809 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Monetization Content creation Subscription Model Digital marketing
  1. The author aims to have a different approach to monetization by avoiding aggressive sales tactics and simply reminding readers about paid subscription options once a year.
  2. The author values creating a space free from excessive ads and calls to action, focusing more on providing quality content for readers.
  3. The author emphasizes that while money is appreciated, what truly matters to them is the readers enjoying and benefiting from their writing.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Birdsong

1120 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Philosophy Environment Beauty Literature
  1. Take time to observe the beauty around you, like birdsongs and nature, instead of being consumed by technology.
  2. There is enchantment in the everyday environment if we open ourselves to see and hear it.
  3. Utilize technology, like bird identification apps, to learn more about the world around you and the beauty of nature.

A Family of Foxes

1058 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Animals Writing Literature Nature Art
  1. The different seasons in our lives are marked by unique experiences and pre-occupations.
  2. Foxes, often seen as cunning, may actually exhibit caution and circumspection in urban environments.
  3. Watching animals in their natural behavior can have a calming and healing effect on human emotions.

Pylons

809 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature Design Philosophy
  1. Pylons have left a significant mark on the modern world and landscape.
  2. The countryside before pylons represented a timelessness and deep continuity that has been altered by progress.
  3. There is a complexity in the impact of technological advancements, with every step forward carrying consequences.

The Zone

1011 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. The story depicts a person's intense involvement in gambling, leading to oblivion and escape from reality.
  2. The narrative conveys the immersive nature of gambling and its ability to provide temporary relief from life's challenges.
  3. It highlights the cycle of gambling, the allure of the zone, and the mix of hope and despair experienced in such situations.

Ghost Lap

1042 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Memories Loss Grief Video Games
  1. The protagonist reflects on his father's life and premature death, feeling the weight of unfulfilled potential.
  2. Returning to his childhood home after facing job loss and relationship troubles, the protagonist grapples with feelings of failure and uncertainty about the future.
  3. Finding an old PlayStation console sparks memories of bonding with his father through a video game, eventually leading to a poignant realization about letting go of past victories.

Life in the Lower Leagues

715 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🎾 Sports Football Team Dynamics Economic Impact
  1. Where you are born often determines the football team you support - geography is destiny.
  2. Growing up with local town football leaves a lasting imprint and connection, even if you try to distance yourself.
  3. Lower league football reflects the connection between fans and players, where hope and support can make a difference, showing the importance of optimism and perseverance.

Science and Poetry

1 HN point • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science Literature Philosophy
  1. The dichotomy of Science vs Poetry divides us and limits our understanding of the world.
  2. Poetry provides visions and possibilities that shape our world, while Science is driven by its own set of assumptions and worldview.
  3. A balance between Science and Poetry is necessary for a fuller understanding and solving the complex problems of today.