Cosy Moments

Cosy Moments delivers in-depth cultural commentary, challenging mainstream perspectives on science, religion, literature, and society. It explores the interplay between historical misconceptions, modern technology's impact, the critique of liberalism, and the significance of classical literature, while advocating for a nuanced understanding of cultural and ethical issues.

Science and Religion Technology and Society Literature and Criticism Cultural Commentary Ethics and Morality Media and Propaganda Historical Perspectives Art and Aesthetics Political and Social Critiques Classical Studies

The hottest Substack posts of Cosy Moments

And their main takeaways

Literary Study Needs More Marxists

46 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Literary theory Cultural Studies Marxism Higher education
  1. Literary study often lacks a balanced perspective, and introducing more Marxist ideas could enhance understanding of texts through social and historical contexts.
  2. Removing classic texts from curricula due to their controversial content is problematic and can limit students' educational experiences.
  3. It's important to appreciate literature, like Shakespeare, for its cultural value, regardless of political beliefs.

Can Australia Get Any Dumber?

36 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Education Multiculturalism Arts Humanities Language
  1. Australia's universities are cutting language and humanities courses for financial reasons. This makes it harder for students to learn about different cultures.
  2. The Vice-Chancellor's past actions at other universities show a trend of prioritizing profit over education in languages and humanities. This raises concerns about the future of cultural diversity in academia.
  3. Celebrating cultural diversity while cutting language courses is hypocritical. This inconsistency highlights a broader issue of ignoring the value of diverse cultural and artistic expressions.

American Dreams in Australian Towns

19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Identity Globalization
  1. A story by Peter Carey shows how small Australian towns are influenced by American culture and dreams. People in the town often look elsewhere for validation and success, forgetting to appreciate their own lives.
  2. The arrival of tourists brings fame but also disappointment and exploitation. The town's identity gets lost as they become a spectacle for others, making them feel ashamed and guilty.
  3. The story warns about the dangers of global dreams overshadowing local pride. It highlights how chasing these dreams can lead to losing what truly matters at home.

I Should Do A Ph.D. About Whisky

25 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Alcohol Culture Taste Philosophy Literature
  1. Some people reacted harshly to a Ph.D. thesis about the politics of smell, showing how opinions about academic topics can lead to controversy. It highlights the tensions in academia around what is considered valuable research.
  2. The relationship between our body and the world is important; eating and drinking connect us to our experiences and surroundings. In today's fast-paced life, people often forget this connection.
  3. Whisky can offer comfort and reflection during difficult times, and it represents a deeper connection between emotions, history, and enjoyment. It's seen as a drink for those who seek more profound experiences.

Newspaper Editors Are Unemployed

18 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Writing Literature Digital
  1. Many newspaper and magazine editors are now jobless, which some people feel is a good thing. This change reflects a shift in how we consume news and who gets to be heard.
  2. Traditional media figures often had a lot of prestige but are now seen as outdated. Their influence has drastically decreased in a world that values different kinds of voices.
  3. With the rise of personal blogs and independent writing, anyone can share their thoughts without the control of editors. This leads to a more diverse range of opinions, even if it means some lower-quality content.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Shut Up About The Enlightenment (Part 3)

25 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Enlightenment Religion History Ethics
  1. John Locke, often seen as a key Enlightenment thinker, has many writings that show inconsistencies and outdated ideas, just like religious texts. This means we should question how much we really rely on his thoughts today.
  2. Locke's view on consent and government raises issues. He suggests people agree to rules just by living in a society, but many have no real choice to leave. This makes us wonder if we are truly consenting to be governed.
  3. The Enlightenment, praised for promoting individual rights and democracy, had its share of contradictions, especially regarding slavery and moral beliefs. We must look carefully at its ideas instead of accepting them blindly.

The Year In Review

9 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art Music Religion
  1. The author is thankful for their readers and encourages feedback on what topics they want to see more of in the future.
  2. Next year, the author plans to write about classic writers like Alexander Pope and William Shakespeare, as well as philosophy and religion.
  3. There will be a special Q&A post to celebrate a milestone for the 'Cosy Moments' series, inviting readers to send in their questions.

How Multiculturalism Kills Culture

19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
  1. Multiculturalism in universities may lead to a reduction in the study of languages and cultures.
  2. Learning languages helps appreciate diverse cultures and art, especially the role of religion in art.
  3. Religious traditions play a significant cultural and ethical role, and their marginalization can impact societal understanding and cohesion.

Ancient Rome, Heavy Metal, and The Academy

13 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Academia Gender Entertainment
  1. The author reflects on how being a heavy metal guitar player shaped his dedication to mastering music, comparing guitar players to mythical figures like Hercules.
  2. An overview of the book 'Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music' is shared, highlighting the intersection of classics and heavy metal as a topic of discussion in academia.
  3. Critiques are made on the analysis included in the book, questioning the focus on gender, political analysis, music lyrics, and the relevance of studying classics through the lens of modern music culture.

The Problem With Free Speech Arguments

13 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debates Media influence
  1. Debates about free speech need to evolve beyond slogans and articulate why free speech is important.
  2. John Milton and John Stuart Mill defended free speech, but their beliefs may not align perfectly with the reality of modern public discourse.
  3. The 'marketplace of ideas' concept may not always lead to truth or weed out false ideas given the complexities of human nature and manipulation in public debates.

Why You Should Read Patrick White

12 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. Patrick White, an Australian novelist, is not widely recognized or read in his own country despite being a Nobel Prize winner and a significant literary figure.
  2. White's writing critiques Australian suburbia, materialism, and cultural conventionalities through symbolic storytelling and intense character portrayals.
  3. The themes in White's novels reveal his ambition as a novelist to explore spirituality, mysticism, and the interconnectedness of material and spiritual realms.

Sugar-Coated Subversion

11 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. The biography of Oscar Wilde highlights the various aspects of his life, from his upbringing in an intellectual environment to his fame as a playwright, poet, and socialite.
  2. There is a complexity in Wilde's character, showcasing his development as an aesthete and homosexual individual influenced by Romanticism, despite societal constraints.
  3. The narrative delves into the paradoxes of Wilde's personal life, raising questions about his artistic expression, censorship, and moral decisions.

We Are The Genital Organs of Capital

20 implied HN points • 24 May 23
  1. Byung-Chul Han critiques the societal transformation to a digital, neoliberal world.
  2. Technology is shaping a world of dataism and digital totalitarianism.
  3. Han suggests countering the obsession with data and technology by embracing silence, solitude, and 'idiotism'.

Was Oscar Wilde A Gay Martyr? (Part II)

9 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Gore Vidal emphasized there are no homosexual people, only homosexual acts, which was influenced by his study of the classical world.
  2. Michel Foucault argued that the concepts of 'homo-' and 'heterosexuality' for people were inventions of the late nineteenth-century.
  3. Marc-André Raffalovich viewed celibacy as a higher calling for individuals, suggesting that self-mastery and virginity were of greater importance than sexual acts.

Ovid In Exile

13 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. Ovid, a famous Roman poet, was exiled to Tomis on the edge of the Black Sea by Emperor Augustus in 8AD.
  2. During his exile, Ovid continued to write poetry but felt isolated and lacking inspiration.
  3. His poems from exile, like Tristia and Epistulae Ex Ponto, reflect his struggles, pleas for forgiveness, and longing for Rome.

Was Oscar Wilde Gay Martyr? (Part I)

9 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Oscar Wilde's life is open to interpretation, with varying views on his role in the gay rights movement.
  2. Wilde's imprisonment and downfall were influenced by complex personal relationships and societal attitudes at the time.
  3. The legacy of Oscar Wilde and his connections continue to spark debates and reflections on issues of morality and identity.

Postcard from Rome

2 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🏝 Travel Tourism Cultural experiences Historical Sites
  1. Tourism can be overwhelming, especially in popular places like Rome. It’s easy to feel annoyed with other tourists, but we’re all visitors sharing the same experience.
  2. Many locals may not be very helpful to tourists, which can be frustrating. Sometimes, you just have to figure things out on your own while enjoying the city's beauty.
  3. There are hidden gems in Rome, like quiet museums, that many tourists overlook. Not everyone is interested in art or history, but those who are can find amazing experiences away from the crowds.

Ariadne's Lament

13 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
  1. Ovid's poetry is underappreciated for its artistry and beauty
  2. Ariadne's story in Ovid's Fasti is moving and captivating
  3. Translation of poetry involves capturing the original craft and essence

A Radical Reading of Jane Eyre

19 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
  1. Academics often misinterpret Jane Eyre, focusing too much on one thesis and missing important aspects of the novel and its author
  2. Jane Eyre is depicted as a deeply Christian novel, showcasing themes of redemption and forgiveness intertwined with religious beliefs
  3. The novel portrays the transformation and redemption of Mr. Rochester, emphasizing the Christian concept of overcoming temptations and finding inner goodness

Oppenheimer And The Case Against The Bomb

15 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
  1. Movies about the Second World War can offer insights into human nature and moral dilemmas
  2. Critiques of consequentialism highlight the complexities of moral decision-making
  3. The ethical implications of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki continue to spark debate

Everybody Loves Alexander Pope

11 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Alexander Pope's poetry had a significant impact on literature and scholars have various opinions about his work.
  2. Romanticism was considered a reaction against Enlightenment poets like Pope, as poets shifted from rational arguments to expressing genuine emotions.
  3. Pope's influence extended to later writers like Jane Austen, with themes of self-love, money, and human relationships elegantly expressed in their works.

Two Dead Men Are Fooling You

20 HN points • 22 Mar 23
  1. The idea that science and religion are fundamentally opposed is wrong and based on misconceptions created by certain individuals in history.
  2. Popular beliefs about the Church oppressing scientists like Galileo are not completely accurate and may be based on biased or incomplete information.
  3. The assumption that materialism is the only worldview accepted by science is flawed, as many scientists through history have integrated their research with their religious beliefs.

Love Songs In The Age of AI

11 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
  1. Men are forming relationships with AI companions
  2. Art and literature are exploring the concept of AI companions
  3. Love songs are being adapted to reflect relationships with robots

How New South Wales Teaches Shakespeare

15 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Popular teaching approaches may be based on dubious theories and studies.
  2. Misinterpretations of literary works like Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' can be common.
  3. There is a growing need for genuine understanding of diverse cultures through studying languages and religions.

What Shakespeare Can Do With Ten Simple Words

16 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
  1. Shakespeare's characters speak in a grand, heroic style to highlight their legendary status.
  2. In Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare uses subtle interactions like seating arrangements to reveal power dynamics.
  3. The play contrasts the excessive, passionate Antony and Cleopatra with the measured, strategic Octavius, showing the shift from heroic figures to politicians.

Catholics, Cannibals, and Contraception

20 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
  1. Evelyn Waugh was a satirist who wrote cheeky and fiendish novels in the tradition of Dryden, Swift, and Pope.
  2. In 'Black Mischief', Waugh satirized progress and fashionable beliefs through a clash of cultures on a fictional island.
  3. The novel criticizes modernity, materialism, and the futile imposition of western ideals on societies not suited for them, using comedy and dark humor.

Wait, Trees Are Symbolic Now?

11 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
  1. Symbols in literature and music are vital but often overlooked.
  2. Trees can be symbolic, representing different meanings and emotions.
  3. Different types of trees, like willows, have specific symbolic significance in various contexts.

What Ted Gioia Didn't Tell You About Steely Dan

11 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
  1. Steely Dan's music is polished but not typical pop, with heavy jazz influence.
  2. Steely Dan used the studio as an instrument, focusing on precision and perfection.
  3. The band's approach and attitude were antithetical to typical pop star culture.

Mass Media and Propaganda

15 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
  1. The 'Propaganda Model' by Chomsky and Herman explains how mass media in capitalist economies support corporate interests.
  2. Five filters regulate what information is presented in the media, including ownership, advertising, and sources.
  3. Critics argue that the mass media narrative during events like Covid-19 has served corporate and government interests, influencing public perception and policies.

This Forgotten Opera Is A Religious Masterpiece

9 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
  1. Schoenberg's opera Moses und Aron challenges traditional musical structures.
  2. The opera delves into theological themes and the limits of human perception.
  3. The unfinished nature of the opera reflects the idea of an unrepresentable God in an artistic puzzle.

Spiders in Australia

12 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
  1. When people hear someone is from Australia, they usually ask about the spiders.
  2. The poem describes the deadly nature of Australian spiders in a poetic way.
  3. The text ends with a humorous touch about facing the spiders with courage.

Owen Jones, Peter Hitchens, and the Argument From Authority

19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
  1. Knowledge often comes from authorities, and that's okay.
  2. Appeal to authority is a fallacy only if the authority lacks expertise or objectivity.
  3. Arguments relying on fallacious appeal to authority can be found in various public debates.

Do Liberal Countries Need A Regime Change?

9 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. According to some, the current liberal order is facing demise due to various issues and criticisms.
  2. Patrick J. Deneen proposes a 'common-good conservatism' that prioritizes family, community, and social institutions over individualism.
  3. He suggests a 'regime change' towards 'aristopopulism' to balance elite power with working-class interests for the common good.

The Artistry of Beowulf

12 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
  1. The period between Ancient Rome and the Renaissance is often misunderstood and mislabeled.
  2. Artistic and cultural achievements from the seventh and eighth centuries challenge the perception of the Dark Ages.
  3. The narrative structure in Beowulf showcases intricate storytelling techniques that play with contrasts and irony.

Did The Lockdowns Make Us Ruder?

9 implied HN points • 15 May 23
  1. Lockdowns may have made people ruder due to increased social tension.
  2. Cost of living is rising while real wages are decreasing for many.
  3. People are keeping lockdown habits, like lack of public etiquette, even as they return to public spaces.

Untangling The Web #2

5 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Readers may have misunderstood the author's argument about multiculturalism
  2. The author believes that education standards in Australia are declining
  3. Criticism received by the author did not effectively refute or understand the argument

Reviewing the Reviewers

15 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
  1. Antonella Gambotto-Burke's book review was criticized for being unfair.
  2. Louise Perry argues against liberal viewpoints on sex and relationships.
  3. Some English feminists share arguments against aspects of the sexual revolution as Sir Roger Scruton did.

Cosy Moments on YouTube

6 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. The internet is important for serious conversations and reaching a large audience.
  2. Expanding to YouTube allows for reaching young people and engaging in literary discussions.
  3. Engaging with and liking the videos can help in reaching more people.

Opinions on the 50 Greatest Guitarists (Part II)

12 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen and John Petrucci are known for their speed and technique.
  2. Prince was not only a brilliant guitarist, but also excelled on multiple instruments.
  3. The list of greatest guitarists mostly focuses on rock and metal genres, with revealing biases towards certain styles and demographics.

Shakespeare's Iago Loves Talking About Ass

9 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
  1. The play "Othello" by Shakespeare explores themes of jealousy and sexual disgust through coarse language and character interactions.
  2. Iago manipulates Othello by using derogatory language and creating suspicions of infidelity, leading to Othello's downfall.
  3. Othello's descent into madness is reflected in his changing language from grand and eloquent to coarse and animalistic, influenced by Iago.