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.

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The hottest Substack posts of The Commonplace

And their main takeaways

Power, Speed and Centralisation

824 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Modernity Consumerism Power Technology Society
  1. We live in a fast-paced world where everything moves quickly, but it often leaves us feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Speed can make us feel busy without achieving true progress.
  2. The relentless push for speed and efficiency leads to a centralization of power and control. As technology advances, those who control the speed of communication gain more influence over our lives.
  3. Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and reflect. Taking a moment to slow down allows us to think critically about what we really want and question who benefits from our constant rush.

That Time of Year Again

529 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Literature Community Expression
  1. The author has decided to only ask for support from readers once a year to avoid annoying them. This is meant to strike a balance between needing support and not bombarding people with requests.
  2. Despite a drop in paid subscribers because of infrequent posts, the author feels freer and continues to write for enjoyment rather than just for income. They've adjusted their subscription price to make it more accessible.
  3. The author believes in sticking to their artistic principles, even if it leads to less income. They value the community of long-term supporters and continue writing regardless of financial pressures.

On Self-Improvement

1245 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-help Mental health Personal Growth Motivation Lifestyle
  1. The self-improvement industry often takes advantage of people's desires, making them feel like they need to buy tips or products to be better. It's important to recognize that wanting to improve ourselves is normal, but the way these products sell improvement can be misleading.
  2. Many people know what they need to do to improve their lives but don't actually take action. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or the right advice, it's better to focus on accepting yourself and taking small steps towards what you want.
  3. The self-improvement culture can become a trap, making people feel guilty for not achieving unrealistic goals. It’s okay to want to escape from pressure, and sometimes, it's smarter to step back from all the noise and figure out what truly makes you happy.

The Heart of Christmas

544 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Faith Tradition Poetry Art
  1. Christmas is more than decorations and gifts; it's about a deeper feeling of gratitude and love.
  2. Songs and celebrations are fun, but they don't capture the true essence of Christmas.
  3. The magic of Christmas lies in quiet moments of hope and connection, especially in the spirit of the holy child's promise.
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Seashells

638 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Essays Writing
  1. Seashells are treasures found on the beach, reminding us of nature's beauty. They come in many shapes and forms, each with its own story.
  2. As children, we are curious and eager to learn about sea creatures like crabs and mollusks. This curiosity helps us connect with the world around us.
  3. Seashells symbolize the passage of time, being both temporary and eternal. They represent memories that change with the seasons but are always present in our lives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Fan culture 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.